Help on choosing between these two amps

Lord Henry · #1 03-20-2011, 10:59 AM

I posted a more general thread about this a few weeks ago but now I'm down to the final two for a head-to-head. I'm looking to replace my 65 watt practice combo with a more gig ready upgrade. On my last thread the overwhelming support went to the GK Micro Bass 115 (a 15" driver is one of my requirements). This certainly does look like a good amp. Very competitive price. Very light (anyone who has played pubs will know how much that can matter after a knackering gig). 200 watts should see me clear for most of the places I'll be playing and anywhere larger will DI it anyway. All in all a solid choice.

However no-one mentioned the Ashdown MAG C115-300 EVO III. Yes it's a bit pricier (but only by about £60). It is also close to twice the weight. But for your extra money (and spinal problems) you get 307 watts (oddly precise I know but that's watt they claim (sorry)), an effects send and receive (I have one on my current amp and it does get some use) Ashdown's sub-harmonic generator (I've used an Ashdown head a couple of times in the practice studio and it can be a good feature if used in moderation), and a 5 rather than 4 band EQ plus high and low boosts. Also, it's a freakin' Ashdown man.

So, which way should I go on this? Is the Ashdown the better amp with it's range of features and extra punch or would I be blowing £60 (which is the better part of a new chorus pedal or a nice night out with the misses) on 107 watts and a load of bells and whistles that I'm not really going to use (or will use to very bad effect)?

And yes, I know, just try them both out. But a) I don't get much of a chance to go shopping these days, and b) I haven't found anywhere carrying the Ashdown and the one place that I asked in said that they would only order it if I committed to buying (and that would be £30 more then getting it off the internet).

Any thoughts? As always, cheers in advance for the insights.

babebambi · #2 03-20-2011, 12:26 PM

Talkbass has an overwhelming majority of North American;
and Ashdown are way less popular than GK in America.

Ask the same question on basschat.uk, and you will get a very different respond.

BassmanPaul · #3 03-20-2011, 01:08 PM

I think that Henry has already made up his mind!

if the Ashdown is calling to you then you should get it.

BTW Did the bells ever grow rich???

RickenBoogie · #4 03-20-2011, 01:12 PM

For my money, the choice would go to whichever combo is capable of adding an ext cab to, and I know the GK won't. If the Ashdown will, that would be it for me. YMMV, IMO, Etc.