Ashdown: Head and Cab

[Marsvoltian]

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on this combo. The local music store is closing down and this is on sale for $740 AU. I haven't heard of Ashdown before so quality and the like is confusing.

It will be my first bass amp i have purchased in my 6 years of playing and it needs to be able to handle practise and gigs well.
I play progressive rock/metal and generally.

http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/detail.asp?ID=140
http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/detail.asp?ID=195

Thanks for your time,
Michael

[Adam Bomb]

Hi. I can't know what you will like the sound of. And I have no idea how much money $740 AU is. (Ten dollars? A million?) OK, I just checked - $662. Anyway, this is all very subjective. But my take on this rig is, if you don't mind the weight, it's a good rig. I would likely like the sound of it, for what that's worth. Probably loud enough? With a 4-ohm cab you won't be able to add another cab.

People might weigh in with more specific comments, but, in case they don't, and since you've never heard of Ashdown, I think Ashdown makes good stuff.

--Bomb

[Marsvoltian]

Thanks Bomb,
Yeah i know its hard to just ask that question. I didnt think the exchange rate was that bad. =P It must of dropped heaps recently, it was near even a few months back.

Im just beginning the band environment, I dont think linking cabs should be necessary. Loud enough for pub gigs and practise is all i need.

[Gav4003]

The ashdown gear is very reliable, I've got a very well used and abused 8x10 cab that if it ever (and I can't see this happening) packed in I would definately get the same to replace it, I had a 4x10 and 2x10 before that which I only stopped using for the 8x10.
Ashdown heads seem as reliable but do have a sound that is very 'them', not my kind of thing on preference but couple of friends swear by them and the practice rooms we use have a few of the mag evo rigs as there to rent out as they are in the owners opinion the best value for money around, try it out, the cabs are 100% worth the buy, if you like the sound of the head then you just can't go wrong with them either.

[rovito]

I have the same head with two cabs. Been beat on for four years without fail. Loud and clean. They do have their own sound but it is a good one. Not super deep and cuts in a live mix very well. Very warm mids. I get a lot of compliments from sound guys.

[BigOldHarry]

I do NOT like the sound of Ashdown cabs, but I do like the heads. The MAG line is the 2nd (lower) tier line to the ABM, so it won't be quite as nice...

I'd consider the head and forget the cabs. My opinion.

[Marsvoltian]

Ok, thanks guys. Personally i cant tell the difference between amp tones as most of the variation comes out of my bass..

Rovito: Thats the one, i noticed you didnt bother getting a rack case? Was it not necessary for you? Also an above comment stated that you can link them which it seems you have.

I will consult the individual price of the head as i have a Laney Cab that is able to be given to me, however i do not know the specifications and presumed they would work better as a pair

[tom once dead]

Im not a fan of the ashdown mag stuff. But that is a geat deal, if you're getting both for $740.

[bobalu]

I have the ABM series (ABM 500 and 210 + 115 cab). Its been dead reliable and I love the sound. I have heard lots of good things about the MAG series. I would by Ashdown again in a heartbeat.

[rovito]

Originally Posted by Marsvoltian

Ok, thanks guys. Personally i cant tell the difference between amp tones as most of the variation comes out of my bass..

Rovito: Thats the one, i noticed you didnt bother getting a rack case? Was it not necessary for you? Also an above comment stated that you can link them which it seems you have.

I will consult the individual price of the head as i have a Laney Cab that is able to be given to me, however i do not know the specifications and presumed they would work better as a pair

Mine is usually in a case. If you get the rack version you will need a case.

[marklaforest]

I had an Ashdowne head for a while - they're definitely not for everyone. They have their own tone that's nifty if you dig it, but hard to dial out if you're not that into it. Definitely a try before you buy amp. Well made, reliable, and everything you could ask for, but a one trick pony for sure.

[1kinal]

The head is one of the best in this price range. Great sound, cuts VERY well onstage. Very different sounding than the ABM line, less deep lows, more mids. Very good stuff. To my surprise, I didn't found the MAG600 really louder than the MAG300, just FYI. I could see myself gigging a mag head anytime and be perfectly happy. Might be a good thing to replace the fuse one you get it, a certain batch had bad fuses that would blow eventually, so invest the $4 it cost to replace it.

The MAG cabs are not that great IMO but for that price, what can you ask? Even new, it's incredible that you can get a cab WITH speakers for this price...But there's definately plenty of better sounding cabs. The lows are muddy, doesn't handle low boost very well.

Everything taken in consideration, it still a superb deal for a head and a 4x10 at this price...

[Marsvoltian]

OK i think im going to get it, its mostly positive feedback. Thanks guys.

So mid range hey? I like many bass players that use a mid range cut but i also play a 5 String, is the B going to be able to give out enough punch?

[jg919]

Hi Marsvoltian!

I use a Gallien Krueger 700rb II head with an Ashdown Cabinet. Not the one in the pics, but the higher model - 650watt with the logo in the middle of the grill. I bought it in Sydney for $1,000 from The bass People.
Ashdown is great gear - I have used it at EVERY gig since, and on every tour and recording date. I thoroughly reccommend Ashdown to you.

All the best!

JOHN.

[Marsvoltian]

Thankyou everyone. I know own the head and cab and am happy. =)

[Adam Bomb]

Originally Posted by Marsvoltian

Thankyou everyone. I know own the head and cab and am happy. =)

Pix, pleez!

--Bomb