Setting clear benchmarks for what you need in terms of features, wattage and tone is key to choosing an amp that is going to deliver. Which features are essential in a bass amp? And though transistor amps were starting to take over at the time, Cliff was insistent on making the best possible valve amp of the time. With the orange material used to cover the amps they became instantly recognisable and became an overnight success when the likes of Peter Green combined his Les Paul with the juicy goodness of an Orange amp. These were some of the most remarkable guitar sounds of the late sixties. I love the vintage aesthetics of the metal ‘lunchbox’ style, which, as well as looking classic, also makes this amp head one of the most robust out there. Encased in strong metal, with a hard-wearing carry case and durable handle, it is perfect for players on the road – its weight is just 9.9 lb / 4.4 kg, so transportation is not an issue.

What makes the Orange Amplifiers Crush Bass 100W 1×15 Bass Combo Amp stand out from many other combo amps is the active EQ circuit, which has been inspired by the EQ in Oranges Stroke Series bass amps. For a brand that focuses on the simple, there is a lot of technology within this amp. There are all sorts of different features that can be found on the best bass amps nowadays. Some might have blendable overdrive or a second channel that lets you dial in a grittier sound either for heavier styles of music or for just a different texture. Some might have effects built in – compression can be especially handy for so many different styles of music. Cliff had humble beginnings with his shop in London but was armed with the knowledge and hunger to succeed. But because it was such a small company, dealers wouldn't buy into the concept. This meant he had to bring production in-house which is what he did. Having a built-in DI output on a bass amp is really helpful, particularly if your amp isn’t a mammoth, 800W+ powerhouse, as most venues will be able to take a signal out of your amplifier and plug it into their PA system, giving you bags of extra volume, which your amp couldn’t possibly manage on its own. The ability to do this may help you bridge the gap between playing smaller and medium-sized venues, without having to constantly look to upgrade to a more powerful amp.As a general rule of thumb, opting for at least 15-watts of tube power is a cost-effective way of ensuring you have some amp support wherever you need it. Price

The Orange Terror Base 500W Hybrid is based on the AD200 amp, utilizing a 12AT7 vale for the FX loop and Send output and a 12AX7 valve in the preamp stage. The return input has a solid-state Class D output stage and solid-state stage. I noted how efficient the ventilation system is, ensuring the top and sides of the chassis remain cool at all times. When first plugging into this amp, one thing is immediately apparent – the Orange Amp Crush Bass 100W Combo is loud! I discovered that it is simple to dial in any tone you could ever possibly want, with this cabinet being perfectly tuned to provide articulate yet powerful tones across the genres. Connectivity options are also worth considering. An XLR output for a DI is commonplace on bass amps, which is especially useful for hooking up to a PA system. You might also find auxiliary inputs for playing your external music devices through your amp, line outputs for sending the signal elsewhere, or maybe even a USB output for direct recording. How we choose products

#4 Orange Amplifiers Rocker 32 30W 2×10 Tube Guitar Combo Amp

The foremost considerations will be tone and volume, but it is also advisable to consider what extra features – if any – you want from your amp. For example, built-in effects can be awesome if you want an all-in-one, no-hassle amp, but they may not be as customizable as external effects processors and pedals. At the heart of the Crush Bass 100 is its 100 Watt output stage. Using discrete circuitry, rather than ICs (integrated circuits) ensures a purer and even more forceful delivery with outstanding clarity and definition. The Crush Bass 100 houses a 15” speaker with a reflex port for improved low end response. The buffered effects loop has been engineered for maximum transparency, ensuring your pedal arsenal will perform at its peak. BALANCED OUTPUT, CABSIM HEADPHONE OUTPUT, AUX INPUT & CHROMATIC TUNER What makes the best amp for you will depend on various things. To finish this piece, I will sum up the amps reviewed above to help narrow down your choice. For others though, a combo is the way to go. Your amp and speaker are all in one unit, and you’re ready to create some bassy rumblings with just that one thing. Well, that and your bass. Other features to consider Think about where and in what context you’ll be using it. If you need something that can put out enough power for gigs, then you’ll likely want something that’s at least 100W. It depends on the situation at the gig, but sometimes you might not be put through the PA system, in which case, the more power you’ve got, the better. You don’t necessarily need to use it all, but ideally, you don’t want to be running your amp at full volume all the time.