Doom Metal Amps: GT120 VS OR120 Explained

Schematics

Intro 0:00
What Makes The OR120/GT120 Different Than Many Other Amps 1:20
What Makes The OR120/GT120 Different From Each Other 4:56
Master Volume VS Non Master Volume 7:24
Pedals Inspired By These Amps 10:00
Outro/Credits 10:28

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[Alexroberts]

I have a master volume OR120 - I definitely think that the master volume dial is quite limited in its usefulness - if you're somebody who gets your core tone from pedals, the master volume control is going to *really* change your tone. If you turn it down when you're not using amp gain, it makes your tone mushy, kind of like it's scooping the mids except not in a satisfying way. The master volume control is great if you want to use the amp's own gain (and I highly recommend using just a little bit of pedal overdrive to drive it - the amp gain really doesn't tend to like 'fuzz') but, honestly, although it sounds great, it's not to everybody's tastes. Especially if you do want a bit of a mid-scoop because the OR120's gain itself is *all* mids, and by taking mids away in your pedal chain (as there's no fx loop) is going to take away a lot of gnarly distortion away from the OR120. Either you learn to love the mids and you use the OR120's own distortion with the master volume in use, or you use 100% your own dirt, scoop away mids with some EQ and run the amp clean.

[zastruga]

Sleep's -holy mountain LP 1992 had a note saying 'if you have orange amplification for sale contact sleep through earache records'

[Slamster]

Doom metalheads are like scientists in metal community

[DoesItDoom]

Really enjoyed this video Jason. Fun to see you revisit this topic! Loved the gain / EQ pedal stacking analogy as compared to the FAC / James EQ, really makes sense when comparing the tone of a GT120 with an OR120. Great stuff!!

[alexacid]

I ordered a Matamp Gt120 MV in july of 2020, 30 days later it showed up at my door and I never looked back, amazing amplifier!

[Yeti_Boop]

I just came here to say I love the way the doom community tends to support one another and give shoutouts and links to other pages. That said, you and Steve put out quality content. Much love.

[TheMiddleAgedMusician-mcxo]

Grew up in the 80s with the metal scene of that time, but steeped in 60s and 70s hard rock. In the early 90s, I ran across a local band in central Illinois using Orange and HiWatts - Hum. Not necessarily stoner or doom, but worth checking out when you can catch one of there rare live shows these days.

[lowqualityguitarvideos]

One of the most unique circuits out there for sure. That FAC is a fun thing for shaping extreme tones.

[HowlinTubes]

Thank you for this! You just saved me a lot of time trying to find schematics and such to understand what sets apart Orange and Matamp from other British amps of the 70s.

[michaelorourke]

Great video, thank you Jason for explaining the difference in both of these amazing amps. Until I discovered Sleep in the mid 90's I had never heard of Matamp. I knew little of Orange as well until 2005 when they started showing up for sale in more abundance. Each amp has it's own voice, I have tried both and if it came down to choosing one I would not be able to. They both are incredible. I wish there was a lower watt version of the GT120, I'd buy one in a second.
Steve's demo on Does it Doom really showcases both amps. If you havent seen it I highly recommend you check it out.

[chickencreekproductions]

I had the oppourtunity to buy a -73 OR120 from a friend a while ago. He had his eyes set on a Taylor acoustic, so when I explained that this beast would be better of blasting stoner riffs with me he could see the logic in selling it to me. Now he plays a beatiful acoustic, and I couldn’t be happier!

I just love the crunch/rock sound it offers, and holy moly… When pushing it with a Rat/octaver it’s mindblowing goodness. Awesome amp, just awesome!

Thanks for the video 👍

[russiangoose]

I really love these style of videos explaining vintage amps, please do more about other popular doom amps like Sunn, Laney, hiwatt, etc. Especially comparing different amps within the same brand like Sunn model T vs 100s, etc. Thanks so much for your content it's super informative to aspiring amp builders who love heavy music like myself

[thebudge]

I’ve had a ‘72 OR120 NMV for about 16 years. I’ve got a couple videos up. Love the amp.

[mistershabadoo]

I’ve got a heavily modded 5e3 clone, but I had no idea that the Green/Orange shared power characteristics with it! That’s really cool!

Jason, thanks so much for continuing to impart your knowledge! I’ve learned a lot from you since I started following your channel!

Keep crushing it! Cheers!

[ThathousecatSHC]

Great video, all the basic nuts and bolts and now I understand the difference and similarities. Would like to see more of these one similar amps as a series.

[adamr]

Great video! Perfect explanation imo. We use a OR120 clone with Mater Volume made by Ted Weber speakers. Perfect amp with fuzz. TEAM HOSS!

[dh]

Thanks for this! I have a NM OR120 Matamp built reissue that I love. Great info to have on it.

[nickmetal]

Over a year ago, I played through an early 70s 0R120 and fell in love with the sound. It led me to Matamp. The only problem is I talked myself into getting a GT2 instead of a GT120NMV. Don't get me wrong because the GT2 is an awesome amp, but sonically different. A week and a half ago, I ordered a GT120NMV to fix that mistake. Can't wait to make massive sounds with it!

[alexandrefamiliari]

Thanks a lot for the video man ! Personally, I would really like more "in depth" and technical videos about circuits, parts, etc.

[josephwasserman]

Thanks for making this video. The OR120 is also great for mean twangy tones. I use a 90s OR120 on the recordings for my band ‘ta bien’. Feel free to hear the tones on bandcamp or Spotify. I mention this because it’s used in a slightly different context. I’m exclusively using the neck pickup on a nocaster in drop B. I have two 90s OR120s and an OTR120. I have two dual dark 100s as well.