Ashdown?

[jmseymour]

I was just noodling around, and I've found a lot of pro bass players playing these amps. Has anyone played these, and what do you think?

[willsellout]

I've played a couple and dug them all. Kind of a middle of the road sound between vintage and modern. Plenty of power and solidly built.

 

 

 

Dan

[mellobud]

Big fan of mine (Ashdown Mag210 combo+Mag115 deep cab)...I run the MM sig jazz with flats on it through that dual band compressor into the amp with the EQ bypassed...I love the tone. My Mag was made before the production went over seas...so it is a UK made amp.

 

Really nice mid-range growl...Mags have a nice growl whereas ABMs are more traditionally voiced.

 

My rig was right for the money. Pay no attention to my beater ABG.

 

[hi.flyer]

MM sig bass comes in sunburst????

[mellobud]

yep...I paid 749$ + tax (new) before they jumped the price up. (Camera phone shot)

 

Edit: forgive me for gratuitously posting these pics

 

[Robin]

I have the EB-180-15" model. A bare-bones combo.

 

Asian-made, yet a very solid build, great tone (to me) and a good value. I can see myself moving up to a U.K. model ABM series when I get ready to buy again.

 

[Death Hands]

Big fan of mine (Ashdown Mag210 combo+Mag115 deep cab)...I run the MM sig jazz with flats on it through that dual band compressor into the amp with the EQ bypassed...I love the tone. My Mag was made before the production went over seas...so it is a UK made amp. Really nice mid-range growl...Mags have a nice growl whereas ABMs are more traditionally voiced. My rig was right for the money. Pay no attention to my beater ABG.

 

I want that beater ABG.

[NeonVomit]

Ashdown make great gear. Highly recommended.

[seraphim7s]

I have an ABM rig - it's great. I've had it for a year and a half now, never had any problems with it despite pushing it hard. It's got a lot of power (I play it at 4/10 against a metal drummer and Marshall stack) and great 'updated-vintage' tone. It's one of the few hybrid amps that's marketed to a predominantly rock audience.

 

My guitarist loves the tone I get from it - and he is a total vintage purist, so that should tell you something.

[gretschzildjian]

I played an ABM (I believe it was a 300) through an 8x10 cab in the studio a couple of times. Great and direct sound! Can make any cheap bass sound bad ass...

[claypoolfan]

I played through my Buddy' 5-15 Ashdown. I don't know the specs on that rig but it really thumped and i was very clean sounding too. Go test drive one. Wow.

[NeonVomit]

My realistic dream rig is a Warwick Thumb 6 through an ABM -> 4x10 ->2x10.

 

I've got the 2x10 now, and will soon have the 4x10.

 

Now for the head and the bass...

[rummy]

I've read too many bad reviews about Ashdowns when it comes to their build quality. I only played a 15" combo, and it sounded good. Any reliablity issues? I'm also in the market for a practice amp.

[Robin]

 

I've read too many bad reviews about Ashdowns when it comes to their build quality. I only played a 15" combo, and it sounded good. Any reliablity issues? I'm also in the market for a practice amp.

 

 

On reliability:

I've only had my combo about 4 months. I've put it through the paces alone and with an ext. cab.

 

Absolutely no issues whatsoever. I love this amp.

[SA Rios]

I have a pre-china ABM 500 that I love and has never crapped out in 4 years. I have heard that since the moved production to China that there are quality issues. The also have non-existent customer service.

[Robin]

 

I have a pre-china ABM 500 that I love and has never crapped out in 4 years. I have heard that since the moved production to China that there are quality issues. The also have non-existent customer service.

 

 

I registered mine with the UK headquarters. I'm sure they still honor whatever is built in China.

[mellobud]

Ive never had problems with mine either (2+yrs now)...My 210 combo was made in the UK so I don't know about the overseas ones.

 

Although, My 115 deep cab is Asian made and I love it...so, thats should say something.

[squish_man24]

Ashdown pwns. I fell in love with their sound and will never go back to any other amps. They are built like tanks, and they can sound exactly what you want them to sound like. Their MAG range is designed to be cost effective while still putting out the same basic tones as the ABM range. While the ABM range is built like a sherman tank, and has tone to go along with it. If you haven't tried a 4x10, i suggest you do, both the MAG and ABM series cabs!

[squish_man24]

My realistic dream rig is a Warwick Thumb 6 through an ABM -> 4x10 ->2x10. I've got the 2x10 now, and will soon have the 4x10. Now for the head and the bass...

 

Pretty close to mine!

 

Warwick Thumb 4 String --> ABM Rackmounted head --> 2 ABM 2x10 --> 2 ABM 4x10

[dDigitalPimp]

i love my ashdown EB 12 180 amp.

[i_wanna_les_paul]

I have a pre-china ABM 500 that I love and has never crapped out in 4 years. I have heard that since the moved production to China that there are quality issues. The also have non-existent customer service.

 

I thought the ABM line was still made in the UK and it was the MAG series that got moved to China

 

But I've been wrong before...just once or twice, but what you gonna do?

[Hotblack]

I use one in rehearsal (MAG 300 with a 4x10 cab). For the price: nice. Personally, not something I would go out of my way to purchase, but if you're on a budget, they are very respectable.

[Adrenochrome]

My MAG300r is the most reliable and consistent amp I've ever owned/used and has done 2 years hard labour without the slightest problem. It has paid for itself many times over. The tone suits the classic and more modern rock covers we do perfectly. I've recently had plenty of compliments on my sound from other semi-pro players and reviewers.