Markbass or Ashdown? Help!

raul · #1 07-08-2011, 09:43 AM

i'm thinking of going for an Ashdown ABM900...or a Markbass LMIII or another Markbass model...? i play a wide variety of music but love a loud strong punchy deep sound for hard rock, funk, thump, deep, flexible, experimental, strong, grind, Geddy, etc...

so would an ABM900 or LMIII be best? and would i need a pedal like a VT or VT deluxe? or a Sansamp? i like the idea behind both pedals but don't know if i need them but they seem awesome...

i need it for live and maybe studio and just because i need an all around great rockin' amp...

raul · #2 07-08-2011, 04:12 PM

anyone? i need some help deciding...LMIII? LM800? Ashdown ABM900?

need power girth and tone...will perhaps use a TV bass Deluxe pedal for more tone shaping if needed...which amp would be great for loud gigs, recording, rock, funk, sweet fat inspiring grinding tones?

LiamPodmore · #3 07-08-2011, 04:28 PM

The Ashdown does some sweet grindey tones, and can get fat with the right cabs. The Tube Overdrive on the ABM series is pretty good.

Liam

maevinj · #4 07-08-2011, 07:50 PM

Just got an ABM 500 and love it! First hybrid amp I've ever liked.

Sparky Mark · #5 07-09-2011, 01:40 PM

LM3 plus Deluxe VT Bass pedal will give you best of all worlds. The tube drive on the ABM is okay but not as flexible as the VT.

JimmyM · #6 07-09-2011, 02:28 PM

There is only one person who can tell you which amp is best or whether you need a VT or not...you. However, if you like overdrive, I would change the idea of getting the LMIII to the idea of getting an LM Tube. Doesn't overdrive a lot like a VT, but you can get some breakup. The LMIII, OTOH, is totally clean and makes nasty digital clipping sounds when overdriven.

Of course, if it were me, I'd forget both of them and look into the Ampeg SVT 7 Pro, but that's just my personal thang.

anonymous101511 · #7 07-09-2011, 03:38 PM

the ashdown would sound great!

bob atherton · #8 07-10-2011, 04:22 AM

I went from an Ashdown ABM 500 to a LMIII and prefer the sound of the LMIII, just. The size and weight of the LMIII made it a no brainer.

I do though play in a jazz fusion band not a rock one. I would have thought that the ABM 900 would be the best for rock IMHO.

**Faderoktopus** · #9 07-10-2011, 05:49 AM

For the last six years I've played an Ashdown ABM 500, and for a short period also owned an ABM 300, both made in UK. I'm very satisfied with the reliability (and the looks) of the amp, but for a few different reasons they never made me smile as much as they should. The valve drive is nice, on modest settings, but the sub-harmonics don't sound very good to me. Too much like two basses playing at once, and below certain frequencies the subs just disappear. The EQ section is big and seems very flexible, but I've found that it just isn't that powerful, so the "original" voice of the amp is hard to tweak. The DI out is not too stellar, but on the other hand I've never heard an amp DI that was. I now mostly go FX return from my Tonehammer and so simply use the ABM as a power amp, which is really a waste of a lot of features.

Judging from what people say on TB, some have had the same experience I have had and others love their ABM's to death. I can only assume that someone gets along with the voicing better than I do. As for customer service, never needed it and don't expect to need it anytime soon.

I've tried a few Markbass amps on various occasions, including the LM III in live situations and in stores. It has really impressed me with its power and with how easy it is to dial in the right tone for whatever I am playing. I can't speak for its reliability, though it seems tough enough.

I'm looking around for a new amp as well and am also considering Markbass, so I am looking forward to where this thread is leading.

Martin

rodl2005 · #10 07-10-2011, 06:12 AM

The great thing about the ABM900 is you can run two 4 ohm cabs eg. 2 810's, so HEAPS of volume capability. & they're reliable as heck, ime anyway.

andy67 · #11 07-10-2011, 06:17 AM

Honestly I don't work for Hartke! lol

LH500/1000 or Kilo when it arrives. Can't go wrong with the Ashdown ABM series either. I'm definitely not a fan of digital amps.

andy

xxx666 · #12 07-10-2011, 06:50 AM

Hey there , I bought an ABM 500 and an ABM 610 and can say that I am rapt with my choice and that this rig is awesome. I previously had a Hartke 3500 and VX 410 and whilst it packed more punch than Tyson, it also tended to bite my ear a bit ( hehe) I tried some mark bass stuff while I was in the store and I also thought it was awesome - the Ashdown stuff was just the better stuff for me... I think you should try both and make up your own mind!