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ashdown reliability?

B

barrybass85

Jun 29, 2009
3
0
#1
I am looking to purchase a bass head and cab that will serve as a reliable gigging amp. I play in a 3 piece punk band and don't require any fancy gimmicks just a straight forward tough set up that would give a bright and punchy sound. My budget is 700 pounds maximum. I look at this being a long time purchase so don't mind paying a little extra if it will do a great job!
I thought i had the answer with the ashdown mag series but after reading several negative reviews concerning their reliability it put me off. (Although the reviews on here speak quite positively of them) What is the general feeling on them?
I've also looked into the peavy tour 700, marshalls, hartkes and gallien kruegers but with little knowledge i just don't know what will be loud enough and the best sound for me. If u could suggest something or point me in the right direction that would be most helpful. Cheers. Lee. x
 
#2
Here are a couple of thoughts.

Ashdown Mag: I have one, but it never leaves my basement. I can't really give a good opinion on reliability since I don't gig it.

Hartke: I have been gigging an old 3500 for 10 years. The only problem I had was a fan replacement after about 9 years. Larry Hartke sent me one for free. Mine is rack mounted, and has been dropped on concrete several times. I've beaten the tar out of it and it has never skipped a beat. I have blown up a couple of thier 10" drivers though.

Peavey: Generally regarded as well built - lasts forever. Tone is love/hate with Peavey a lot of the time.

GK: Backline series or better - last forever and take a beating.

Marshall - they make guitar amps. :)
 
#6
I have a Ashdown MAG 600H. The tone is great and it has so far been reliable (for a year). I had read about people having them short out or have fuse issues- mine has not had either one. The big issue is that it does not seem to have the 575 watts as reported. It is not that loud and clips easily. It is now my backup amp...
 
#9
I've been using Ashdown amps and cabs for well over 11 years and I have yet to have a problem especially with reliability issues.






A lot issues are user fault and they just blame it on the brand.


There's not an amp company around that has not had people complain of reliability issues. Just do a search.






















And yes I'm an Ashdown endorser.
 
#14
I owned and gigged Ashdown combos and separates for 8 years, never a day's problem with any of them. If they had come up with a more workable lightweight system than they have (and quicker) I would still be using their kit.
 
#16
I have had bad experiencew with ashdown:
I bought a MAG 300 head and a MAG 115 cab. The head crashed after two hours of playing (no sound anymore whatever I tried...). The cas was good when I played alone, but with the band, the power was ridiculous. We idn't hear the bass (and I tried many eq settings). The low were very weak.
From my point of view, you'd better buy GK
 
#18
Groovin_Joe said:
a MAG 210T. Great tone!!! Head is solid like previously stated and the cabinet is well built and I haven't had any issues with it.
Click to expand...


How Ashdown made such a well built cab with a good tone for £20 more than the equivalent BEHRINGER is amazing.
Infact the 1x15 is CHEAPER than the behringer one by £10 on dolphin music :bassist:
There really is no reason for anyone to subject themselves to a behringer cabinet.

For the record my Sig rig is cutting through my guitarists 4x12 half stack at pub gigs, I am pushing it hard sometimes but it stays clean for any sensible volume i've played at so far, WILL be adding a second Mag 210T when I start doing bigger gigs that are non-p.A-assisted. (I did a festival but the PA Was Massive, I counted no less than 6 Crown I-tech series Amps (4000, 6000, 8000 per side!) and a midas desk :o)
 
#19
Ashdown cabs as a whole sound beautiful. The reliability of the head amps has come into question a few times. If you fancy it, a 2x10 + 1x15 setup will cost you £180 and £150 respectively, which leaves nearly £400 for you to spend on an amplifier. It also means you have two small cabs instead of one medium one, and you will get the amp running at 4 ohms rather than 8 ohms. (see OHMS FAQ for details if stuck)
 
#20
TerenceSharp said:
How Ashdown made such a well built cab with a good tone for £20 more than the equivalent BEHRINGER is amazing.
I am pushing it hard sometimes but it stays clean for any sensible volume i've played at so far, WILL be adding a second Mag 210T when I start doing bigger gigs that are non-p.A-assisted.
Click to expand...

Same here. Eventually another 210T. They are about 230CDN. For the same reasons as stated to push more air and get the 4Ohms out of my head.
 

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