Orange History with John James - Amp Designer

Find out more about Orange Amps History at orangeamps.com...
A mainly self-taught tinkerer and rule breaker, John ‘JJ’ James was responsible for designing most of the company’s products through to 1979 including the innovative ‘Pics Only’ amp synonymous with the brand. When the Bexley Heath factory closed in 1979, James began working with Brain Hatt, chief engineer at Orange Studios before going on to spend more than forty years ‘stage left’ for world class gigs including Eric Clapton, Queen + Adam Lambert, Joe Satriani, Robbie Williams and many more.
We filmed this interview with John James, at the Orange HQ, as one of a three-part series interviewing some of Orange amps' first and most influential employees.

[@harryjames2539]

it’s good to see my grandad talking about his work for orange as I was always fascinated by what he did.

[@RichBriere]

This is Fabulous. Thanks so much for what you've done over the Years. I can certainly relate as I'm a 70 year old Bassist. #bassilicious

[@rumglas]

There is just something about those orange amps. I’m rocking the rocker 15

[@fostexfan160]

Great interview. Lots of historical information for us Orange freaks!

[@alexcpedals]

Hats off to you sir!

[@anthonyblancas8101]

John James 🤘

[@miketurnbull7410]

Really interesting, many thanks. Great to hear some classic Wishbone Ash heavily featured in the background too. Love all my Orange gear - and I've got lots!

[@jackbeardsall9597]

Cool interview. As a big orange fan , it’s great to hear a little history about the company ! Rock on 🤘

[@paradox7743]

Fuckin Legend right here. Like anyone who plays one- NOTHING sounds like an ORANGE. Thr Rockerverb MK III is the greatest Amp I've ever played. It simply that Fuckin Good- Owe this guy big time!

[@jaretsalvat-rivera248]

What a legend

[@0IlIIIl0]

But does John listen to Sleep

[@shealeffler6147]

He’s definitely right about the pics only and pics and text circuit overlap. I’ve got a ‘72 pics only and a ‘73 pics and text with the same circuit board in each.

[@Telorchid]

One hears a lot about how the early Matamp Oranges were hi-fi. And yet the general impression one gets of the Orange sonic footprint is of characterful distortion. Fascinating to see here how that transition began to take place. Great piece of history.

[@75YBA]

Love my Orange 🍊!

[@jerryyeaaah15]

hell yeah!!!!