Tell me about Ashdown...

[terribilino]

I'm thinking of getting a new amp in the next year or so, and the options where I live (Switzerland) aren't exactly cheap. (The Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0/12t Combo, which is what I'd really love to have, can be found online here for a mere $2,058, just to give you an idea of the prices here.)

The Ashdown 550 Touring 115 comes in at about $1,125; the Ashdown 550 2X10" COMBO SPYDER would cost about $940; and the MARKBASS Mini CMD 151P, another interesting possibility, at about $1,340.

I won't be seriously thinking of buying for another year or so, but what can you tell me about Ashdown? What kind of music do you use it for? What are your impressions of it compared to other amps you've played or heard?

Thanks!

[Mr. Foxen]

Ashdown have a pretty big range of stuff, so various tones, and various price ranges, the cheap stuff can be a bit cheap and cheerful, and the top stuff is great.

[terribilino]

It was this video, posted today in another thread, which made me curious. I like the simplicity of it, though it still seems to have a lot of versatility:

Ashdown Engineering Dual Tube 550 Bass Head Walk Through and Demo - YouTube

[bassman314]

At a gig a few weeks back, one of the bands backlined for us, and the bass player had an Ashdown combo. I think it was a MAG EVO 410.

It sounded great. Lots of punch. I then understood why folks like Ashdown gear so much.

[Arthur U. Poon]

Originally Posted by terribilino

It was this video, posted today in another thread, which made me curious. I like the simplicity of it, though it still seems to have a lot of versatility:

Ashdown Engineering Dual Tube 550 Bass Head Walk Through and Demo - YouTube

That's a great sounding amp setup!

[Faderoktopus]

I also posted in the thread that has already been linked to here.

I find the voicings on the ABM, MAG and Electric Blue lines to be a bit inflexible. The ABMs are acceptable to me because of their power, features and reliability, but if you want clarity I think there are better options, as their EQ section just won't cancel out the inherent dark tone of the amp. The Spyder looks interesting, though, far better overdrive. I much prefer Markbass when it comes to sound, although visually they could learn a few things from Ashdown.

I have used an ABM300 115combo and an ABM500 115combo, both MIE, pre-outsourcing. I have used them for metal, funk, pop, rock and some proggy modern rock. They do pop and some classic rock very well. For some of my other stuff I use a lot of harmonics, some chording and usually have a bit of transparent overdrive on, and I often felt that the ABMs were squashing the nuances out of my sound.

Just my experiences. Good hunting!

Martin

[terribilino]

Originally Posted by Faderoktopus

I also posted in the thread that has already been linked to here.

I find the voicings on the ABM, MAG and Electric Blue lines to be a bit inflexible. The ABMs are acceptable to me because of their power, features and reliability, but if you want clarity I think there are better options, as their EQ section just won't cancel out the inherent dark tone of the amp. The Spyder looks interesting, though, far better overdrive. I much prefer Markbass when it comes to sound, although visually they could learn a few things from Ashdown.

I have used an ABM300 115combo and an ABM500 115combo, both MIE, pre-outsourcing. I have used them for metal, funk, pop, rock and some proggy modern rock. They do pop and some classic rock very well. For some of my other stuff I use a lot of harmonics, some chording and usually have a bit of transparent overdrive on, and I often felt that the ABMs were squashing the nuances out of my sound.

Just my experiences. Good hunting!

Martin

Very detailed answer: thanks Martin!

I'd likely only be using it for classic rock and school orchestra stuff, so this might fit the bill.

BTW, I agree 100% on the Markbass aesthetics. The rig in the Ashdown video, besides sounding very nice, looks great as well.

[bassguppy]

I've owned several Ashdown rigs over the past 6-7 years. An ABM C-115 combo, ABM 210 & 115 cabs, & an ABM RPM EVOII Preamp. All great sounding although the 115 cab lacks a tweeter so for me it was missing something when used solo. Was pretty easy to dial in a good tone in a couple minutes and could get way grindy if desired. It does (IMO) have an inherent "darker" tone but if that's what your after go for it.

Great sound, powerful, reliable, & a decent price. Not sure why it's not more popular in this neck of the woods as they worked out manufacturing glitches years ago when the ABM line went to China.

[One Drop]

Have you checked the German online sites? After removing the DE VAT and adding back in customs charges and the lower Swiss VAT and shipping, gear still often comes out a lot cheaper, mostly due to the low Euro exchange rate. Station, Musik Produktiv, Thomann, etc. are worth a look.

[Faderoktopus]

Originally Posted by terribilino

Very detailed answer: thanks Martin!

I'd likely only be using it for classic rock and school orchestra stuff, so this might fit the bill.

BTW, I agree 100% on the Markbass aesthetics. The rig in the Ashdown video, besides sounding very nice, looks great as well.

You're welcome, it sounds like Ashdown might be just the right ticket for you.

BTW, +1 on the German sites, I have used Thomann on a number of occasions and they appear to be reliable, and you get a 30 day trial period with full refunds.

Using these sites will open up a lot of options from other well known and reliable brands like Ampeg, GK or SWR. I would recommend going hybrid with a brand like EBS, Eden (yes, I shamelessly recommend the brand that I'm using myself), Aguilar or Orange (the Terror Bass 500 is a great little head, and pretty cheap too. Mixed reviews on some of their other stuff, though). Others will have different favorites so do your reading, keep asking questions and have fun with it!

Martin

[JAUQO III-X]

I've been using and endorsing Ashdown amps and cabs since 96 or 97. Ashdown amps are far more versatile than most players think. A lot of bass players associate Ashdown with rock but believe me that is not the case at all. Ashdown sounds good no matter what genre I use it in. pop, r&b.funk, jazz, fusion and any thing in between. On occasion I use the EVO ABM series amps, The MK500, LG1000, EVO II 500 210 combo, EVO III 500 210 combo, I don't care for 15's but I have a Mag series 115 300 combo that has a sweetness to it that I'm very impressed with. As far as Ashdown cabs I use the ABM series and CL series. I even use a Spyder 550(the same model in the video in this thread) with a CL610 cab and yes the Spyder 550 is an extremely versatile amp.

From my serious hands on experience there is an Ashdown product for you. I think that the Spyder 550 210 combo is definitely something that you should check out. The Sypder 550 combo is built like a tank and I'm sure it will allow you many years of stand up service.

If possible check out as many Ashdowm amps and cabs as possible and I'm sure you will come across one that works perfectly for you.

[terribilino]

Originally Posted by JAUQO III-X

I've been using and endorsing Ashdown amps and cabs since 96 or 97. Ashdown amps are far more versatile than most players think. A lot of bass players associate Ashdown with rock but believe me that is not the case at all. Ashdown sounds good no matter what genre I use it in. pop, r&b.funk, jazz, fusion and any thing in between. On occasion I use the EVO ABM series amps, The MK500, LG1000, EVO II 500 210 combo, EVO III 500 210 combo, I don't care for 15's but I have a Mag series 115 300 combo that has a sweetness to it that I'm very impressed with. As far as Ashdown cabs I use the ABM series and CL series. I even use a Spyder 550(the same model in the video in this thread) with a CL610 cab and yes the Spyder 550 is an extremely versatile amp.

From my serious hands on experience there is an Ashdown product for you. I think that the Spyder 550 210 combo is definitely something that you should check out. The Sypder 550 combo is built like a tank and I'm sure it will allow you many years of stand up service.

If possible check out as many Ashdowm amps and cabs as possible and I'm sure you will come across one that works perfectly for you.

That's a pretty good plug right there! The Spyder 550 210 combo certainly has got my attention: very nice price, and the available combinations make this very interesting indeed.

Of course the 550 Spyder head plus the VS-212-200 is very tempting as well.

Choices, choices. Have to start saving money. First Christmas gifts, then we'll see what's left over...

Thanks for your advice, all!

[Jacob J]

The thread you are reffering to is probably the one I´ve started That 550 is probably the best sounding Ashdown I´ve heard so far. I can compare it to the Ashdown ABM Evo III head and the Ashdown ABM 210 Compact cab I had in the past (had to sell it to fund my studies). Currently I´m in a market for a new amp as well. I play mostly classic punk and rocknroll although my latest band was rather electropop oriented. My Ashdown rig always served me very well, I´ve never had a single issue with it. Soundwise it was indeed a bit darker sounding amp. But I liked the versatility, features and design. Anyway, these new Dual Tube amps and combos really drew my attention. They seem to be different from ABM series, but I like that simple layout and sound I´ve heard in that video is just my cup of tea.