Ashdown Unresponsive In Emails?

[Guacamoleisred]

I recently purchased an amp from them and just wanted to know the exact eq points on the amp (no manual and not listed anywhere). I sent 2 emails, one 2 weeks ago and one 1 week ago to 0 answer. Now its not a huge deal that I dont know the exact eq points on my amp but what if I have an issue with my amp? This is somewhat concerning to just get radio silence for 2 weeks.

Any experience with ashdown customer service?

 

[Phlipper]

This seems to be more common lately than I ever remember. Hartke used to be uber responsive but I had a helluva time getting a reply on a recent cab issue. Had an issue with a new Gretsch and FMIC was less than worthless. I even read here about high end maker Darkglass being very slow to respond.

Many CS depts are relatively one-man ops from home. Even as big as Samson Corp is. Post covid companies are struggling with staffing.

Sign of the times, I guess.

That's why I'm now a Mesa and Genzler fan. Not many companies are as responsive as those two. It's worth the extra expense to me to not have to worry about CS in the rare event I need something.

 

[kobass]

I emailed them when I was considering the purchase of an ABM head. Mark Gooday himself answered within 30 minutes. I sent a second email after I purchased it and he replied with a very nice "thank you."

 

[two fingers]

I emailed them when I was considering the purchase of an ABM head. Mark Gooday himself answered within 30 minutes. I sent a second email after I purchased it and he replied with a very nice "thank you."

When was this? I would he curious as to whether or not things are different post COVID.

 

[kobass]

When was this? I would he curious as to whether or not things are different post COVID.

August of 2020.

 

[two fingers]

I think part of the problem is that it comes from both ends.

Not only is it harder and harder to get/keep good help these days. But it's also EASIER and EASIER for us as customers to reach out to companies and inquire about (pretty much) ANYTHING.

So, in years past, let's say Hartke (for example) could easily field the phone calls to customer service. Only a few people per day, who happened to find the company phone number in the manual of their actual product, would call. According to legend, Larry Hartke himself would actually answer the phone.

These days, anyone sitting on his/her couch can be half drunk piddling on the internet and within seconds email Mesa to ask if they can get a Subway 210 in purple with a gold grill. The slightest little whim can end up in contacting the company directly. I imagine every major amp manufacturer could employ DOZENS of people just to combine through emails and see which ones are even worth answering.

Throw in bots, acammers, and solicitors, and the problem is compounded.

Perhaps @agedhorse can confirm or correct me on this one.


(By the way, this is just ANOTHER in a long list of examples as to why he is such a resource around here. Our questions get answered for the masses almost in real-time. It's also another reason why I'm a big Mesa fan. I'll take this opportunity to say thank you once again, Andy. I hope you read it enough to get tired of being thanked.)

 

[kobass]

When the president/founder of the company replies to an email, I get the impression that they are not that large of a company. Either way, they make great gear and I would not hesitate to purchase from them again.

 

[seamonkey]

Call them early in the day during the week. The most senior people are usually in first.

 

[Merton]

I recently purchased an amp from them and just wanted to know the exact eq points on the amp (no manual and not listed anywhere). I sent 2 emails, one 2 weeks ago and one 1 week ago to 0 answer. Now its not a huge deal that I dont know the exact eq points on my amp but what if I have an issue with my amp? This is somewhat concerning to just get radio silence for 2 weeks.

Any experience with ashdown customer service?

If you’re on Facebook find Mark Gooday and message him on there. I’ve had conversations with him at all hours of the day.

 

[agedhorse]

I think part of the problem is that it comes from both ends.

Not only is it harder and harder to get/keep good help these days. But it's also EASIER and EASIER for us as customers to reach out to companies and inquire about (pretty much) ANYTHING.

So, in years past, let's say Hartke (for example) could easily field the phone calls to customer service. Only a few people per day, who happened to find the company phone number in the manual of their actual product, would call. According to legend, Larry Hartke himself would actually answer the phone.

These days, anyone sitting on his/her couch can be half drunk piddling on the internet and within seconds email Mesa to ask if they can get a Subway 210 in purple with a gold grill. The slightest little whim can end up in contacting the company directly. I imagine every major amp manufacturer could employ DOZENS of people just to combine through emails and see which ones are even worth answering.

Throw in bots, acammers, and solicitors, and the problem is compounded.

Perhaps @agedhorse can confirm or correct me on this one.


(By the way, this is just ANOTHER in a long list of examples as to why he is such a resource around here. Our questions get answered for the masses almost in real-time. It's also another reason why I'm a big Mesa fan. I'll take this opportunity to say thank you once again, Andy. I hope you read it enough to get tired of being thanked.)

In general, the customers of the companies I have designed for (or the lines I have designed) are just a nicer and more respectful group of folks than average. Rarely do I have to deal with somebody that’s problematic. I do recognize that this is not universal, and am thankful for it.

It’s also unusual for companies to allow as much freedom to participate in public forums as the companies I have worked for, so everybody wins in this case.

I don’t think this is true in many cases however, and with the effects of COVID and the belt tightening that the industry is experiencing, communication is getting worse rather than better ime.

 

[SirMjac28]

In general, the customers of the companies I have designed for (or the lines I have designed) are just a nicer and more respectful group of folks than average. Rarely do I have to deal with somebody that’s problematic. I do recognize that this is not universal, and am thankful for it.

It’s also unusual for companies to allow as much freedom to participate in public forums as the companies I have worked for, so everybody wins in this case.

I don’t think this is true in many cases however, and with the effects of COVID and the belt tightening that the industry is experiencing, communication is getting worse rather than better ime.

I'm not sure if you've answered this question before but could you tell us how you got started in your field?

 

[agedhorse]

I'm not sure if you've answered this question before but could you tell us how you got started in your field?

EE degree plus 40 years in the touring pro audio world (mixing FOH plus product development)

 

[SirMjac28]

EE degree plus 40 years in the touring pro audio world (mixing FOH plus product development)

Your knowledge is ridiculous and I know it's been said many times but thank you for taking the time to answer so many questions you're the customer service of Talk Bass.

 

[MoireBass]

To the OP:
The fastest and easiest way to get that info is to download the manual. Most Ashdown manuals are available on their website and they list the EQ centers on the Specs page.

My one contact with Ashdown Customer Service was when the VU meter light failed on my MAG300, well after warranty period. They said 'Huh, that hardly ever happens' and sent me a new lamp in a padded envelope, no charge. When I opened up the amp and replaced the lamp, was impressed by the quality of the components and the overall build quality.
Have been very happy with my Mag300-115, hope you enjoy your Ashdown.

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

Mark Gooday has always been accessable and taken care of me on more than one occasion. I think the group at the company HQ is much smaller than most people would think.

Sometimes your curiosity is low on the priority pole. Also, sometimes people just need a break and ignore what can be found if really important. Self-soothing.

I just had a marvelous experience between Source Audio and Sweetwater, in obtaining a One Series Special Edition pedal. I was floored at the logistically execution that went down.

SA is also well represented here on TB by Roger Smith and at least two of his team. Their online Reverb Store is also very helpful.

I, generally, find retailers to be more of a PIA than manufacturers.

 

[Sparky Mark]

I recently purchased an amp from them and just wanted to know the exact eq points on the amp (no manual and not listed anywhere). I sent 2 emails, one 2 weeks ago and one 1 week ago to 0 answer. Now its not a huge deal that I dont know the exact eq points on my amp but what if I have an issue with my amp? This is somewhat concerning to just get radio silence for 2 weeks.

Any experience with ashdown customer service?

My experience of Ashdown customer service has always been second to none.
Which amp did you buy?

 

[Redbrangus]

just wanted to know the exact eq points on the amp

Why?

 

[Phlipper]

EE degree plus 40 years in the touring pro audio world (mixing FOH plus product development)

Andy is definitely the reason Mesa snagged a new customer in my case. I hope the corporate head shed understands how much he has done for Mesa and for Genzler. I can't see myself owning anything else. Andy and Jeff have done more for those two companies than any ad campaign could ever do.

I m a true believer. I have assimilated into the CULT OF MESA (GENZLER).

 

[seamonkey]

For those curious about EQ points and any gear, if you have a decent audio interface I'll just point out an easy and fairly cheap (IMHO) way to measure eq points and bell widths.
DDMF Plugin Doctor
Plugindoctor

Plug your gear under test into the interface in a loopback fashion.
Pick "Use Hardware" in the doctor and it will send out the test tones and graph the results.

Useful to match one head EQ to another. Or a head EQ to a VST.
A little bit of knob turning and graphing can show you just what is different. It will match what you hear as different.

It can perform many other aspects of audio analyst. It is often used by VST reviewers to compare against the hardware versions of gear. There's plenty of youtube videos showing it in use.

DDMF support via email has been very responsive.

Alternative and free methods are documented on the Room Eq Wizard site: REW room acoustics and audio device measurement and analysis software

 

[agedhorse]

For those curious about EQ points and any gear, if you have a decent audio interface I'll just point out an easy and fairly cheap (IMHO) way to measure eq points and bell widths.
DDMF Plugin Doctor
Plugindoctor

Plug your gear under test into the interface in a loopback fashion.
Pick "Use Hardware" in the doctor and it will send out the test tones and graph the results.

Useful to match one head EQ to another. Or a head EQ to a VST.
A little bit of knob turning and graphing can show you just what is different. It will match what you hear as different.

It can perform many other aspects of audio analyst. It is often used by VST reviewers to compare against the hardware versions of gear. There's plenty of youtube videos showing it in use.

DDMF support via email has been very responsive.

Alternative and free methods are documented on the Room Eq Wizard site: REW room acoustics and audio device measurement and analysis software

Important note... NEVER connect the speaker or headphone output of an amp to the input of a sound card. There are different output topologies, some of which can destroy a sound card and even a mother board if integrated or if the power supply ground routes through the mother board. Also, the output voltage is high enough to damage the sound card.