ORANGE: AD30 or Rocker 30

[turn_up_the_tele]

Hey Guys;

I am very close to pulling the trigger on a Orange Head, but I cant decide between the AD30 and the ROCKER 30. I want to buy used, so I wont have alot of time to try them out or A/B them.

The tone I am going for is Brit popy-beatlesesque. I have heard that the AD30 is closer to the AC30, however, I like the idea of the "Volume Only" channel on the ROCKER 30, has I have has a few other amps that run like that.

Any orange experts have any suggestion?

also, what the build quality like on the new stuff from Orange?

thanks!

 

[SoulPedro]

The AD30 is supposed to have less gain than the rocker30, and could probably fill your brit-pop needs better. I tried the rocker 30 combo and didn't like it so much. I also tried the rockerverb 50 combo that is really a great amp IMO, but more expensive (and heavier!) than the rocker 30.

 

[blacklove]

I got to try a Rocker 30 when I was in Portland, OR a few weeks ago. It didn't seem too over-the-top gainy, actually. I loved the simplicity of the design, although an AD30 gives you two channels.

I don't know if it was me, or whether the amp itself was a little out of spec, but it just didn't sound good! I just didn't care for the tone. Could have been a new speaker, but it was just over-the-top chime and just no mid-range vibe. I've been seeing a lot of my "guitar heroes" playing these things and was pretty dang starstruck on them. I haven't written Orange off completely, but this one particular Rocker 30 sent me running back to my nice warm Deluxe Reverb.

My only advice is use your ears and trust your heart. Don't let its extreme coolness and cred trick you into thinking it's THE amp.

 

[tele_jas]

I personally like the AD30 cleans much better than the Rocker 30's cleans.... But I like the Rocker 30's overdrive better than the AD30's.

So it really depends on what you want or need more? But then again, you may like different tones than I do.

That's my $.02 worth

 

[turn_up_the_tele]

My only advice is use your ears and trust your heart. Don't let its extreme coolness and cred trick you into thinking it's THE amp.

Blacklove, that is great advice. I think we all have been guilty of that at one point!

 

[Bensen]

I have the AD30 and it is THE AMP for me. Tried lots of stuff to find that out. Its really nice vintage voiced. The Rocker is a more modern, well, rockamp. The AD is real warm and gives me the crunch I want. It doesnt stay superclean as volume increases though, so its not for traditional country. I play some britpop too, and this amp is a huge part of my tone.
The built quality is good. When one of my tubes broke (wich happens with tubeamps) and
I brought it to a tech, he was really impressed with the qulity of this amp.

 

[patrickhowell]

The tone I am going for is Brit popy-beatlesesque.

For that, the AD30 will be much better.

 

[SoulPedro]

AD30!!!!!

I wouldn't hesitate 1 second!


I was never convinced by the Rocker 30 I tried in shops, but a seller told me this amp needs time to break in. In the Rocker series the Rockerverb 50 is great.

 

[ramseybella]

My only advice is if it is the ones made in China Stay far away, great sound but open one up and look inside!!