In 1971, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin signed an endorsement deal with Orange Amplifiers, marking a brief but notable collaboration between the legendary guitarist and the British amp manufacturer. The partnership was announced in August of that year, with news that Page would be incorporating Orange amps into Led Zeppelin’s upcoming tour rig. While he didn’t rely on Orange for his core guitar tone, he did use their amplifiers prominently for his Sonic Wave Theremin—a custom-built device known for producing the eerie, swooping sounds featured in songs like “Whole Lotta Love.”
This particular setup was part of Page’s experimental approach to live sound during the band’s early ’70s performances. The Orange amps, known for their distinct look and robust tone, proved an ideal match for amplifying the theremin’s wild frequencies. Page used the Orange equipment intermittently from the 1971 tour through to the 1973 U.S. tour before eventually phasing it out of his live rig.
Decades later, one of the two custom Orange amps built specifically for Page resurfaced under unusual circumstances. Forgotten for years, the amp was discovered in a garage in New Jersey, where it had literally served as a rat’s nest—an ignoble fate for a piece of rock history. After being thoroughly cleaned and restored, the amp was sold on eBay in 2009 by a local music store. Despite its condition and strange backstory, the amplifier fetched a remarkable $30,000.00 USD. The buyer, an anonymous collector, recognized its historical and musical value, adding a rare piece of Zeppelin lore to their collection. This relic stands as a testament to the lasting impact of Page’s sonic experimentation and the enduring mystique of Led Zeppelin’s gear.
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