Hello Ashdown? Bye Eden?

[blowinblue]

Update. I am definitely keeping my WT400.

Unless I missed it, where do you set the volume on your basses? I have all of my basses set up to approximately the same output level and I run my WT-400 gain at 2:00 o'clock. My bass guitar volumes are set at about 8 out of 10 (just in case my guitar player gets too happy). At these settings the set level light comes on only when I hit hard on the lowest open string.

M. M.

 

[whitespike]

I keep my bass guitar volume all the way up. I was always taught that you sacrifice tone otherwise. I use only passive basses with flats (a Ric and a P).

It doesn't seem that I should have the gain cranked almost all the way, but I don't know.

 

[Hans Gruber]

I've owned both brands with different configurations. Yes, the Eden will give you more tonal options overall, but I think Ashdown has a pleasing musicality about it. There's this natural thickness about it and I disagree that it sounds better by itself.

IMO I think the thickness also has this presence. It sits well in the mix without being super bright. The thickness is articulate and not muddy. I find that it works for 90% of my gigs. Everything but smooth jazz

 

[whitespike]

I guess the bottom line is that buying a new amp is so risky. I love my Eden, but love the idea of the options the Ashdown provides. I think the best option would be to wait until I can own both. If I stop using one then, then I'll can it. But getting rid of an amp you like is stupid really. With a trade you can't go back. It's done.

I am just mainly curious about the functons of the Eden that I have ignored now.

Compression or no? And what's up with the gain?

 

[bassguppy]

I've owned both Eden and Ashdown.

I currently have the ABM 500 C115 Combo with the ABM 210 cab. It's a really nice diverse rig, loud as you want and then some, nice tube but not gritty sound. You can't go wrong IF YOU LIKE THE TONE. Asthetically, I think they have a stellar look. I do prefer the sound of both cabs together though.

I previously had the Eden WT550 with a Berg HT210S. The tone was monster and I would be totally happy with that rig again although I would probably add a 115 or go with a 410.

Sorry I'm no help but the only way to make this decision is getting the opportunity to play and gig both. Both can also cover nearly any real world situation.

 

[blowinblue]

Compression or no? And what's up with the gain?

Wish I had all the answers. You might want to go over to the Eden forum. They are very helpful on issues like this.

M. M.

 

[One Drop]

I have an Eden WT-550 and it is very similar to the 400. It's really important to get the gain structure set right, as the amp comes alive when it is.

With passive Fender basses and flat EQ (no enhance, I always run it flat) I am usually between 2:00 and 3:00 on the gain knob. I have plugged basses in that needed up to 3:00 but not 4:00. But I don't play with a light touch, either, so YMMV.

I wouldn't worry about where the knob is if it sounds good, but you might want to check the line on the knob lines up with zero when rolled off all the way. The little red face on the knobs can move sometimes.

Re: compression, the 400 like the 550 has a very rudimentary compression feature that really acts more like a limiter (don't ask me for technical details, I've gleaned this from the Eden Forum). I do know from experience it doesn't offer much in the way of true compression and it isn't really adjustable. I leave it on, though some hate it and use an outboard compressor if they want the real effect.

I agree Ashdown has a thick quality compared to Eden, I compare it to Ampeg tone somewhat, at least in that tradition. But I would seriously recommend you keep the WT400 long enough to try a few different cabs with it before going to an Ashdown combo. You will probably find an amazing rig and will have more flexibility. I find in general Eden heads match up well with most cabs.

 

[Purple Haze]

And I am still interested in hearing from Ashdown ABM combo users regarding live use.

I play semi pro every weekend in bars and at weddings functions etc and I use an ABM 2x10 combo. Personally I love the amp, I connect to the pa via the amps DI and that sounds great.

I guess my amp is used mostly for onstage sound, and I can hear myself perfectly. The set frequencies on it allow me to boost the low mids you need to cut through, and the valve drives gives the sound a nice bit of character IMO.

I would definately describe this as an old school amp, you can tell that just by looking at the thing!

Id recommend getting one, but then I would since I love mine so much.

 

[~ignited~wings~]

If you hate the look of Eden's David series cabs, and want a more old school tone, why not try out the E210... sounds to me like it's what you're looking for (not sure if it has carpet though...)