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Help me decide between Ashdown/Aguilar/Ampeg/Fender

eshalon

eshalon

Sep 4, 2008
164
16
New Zealand
www.myspace.com
#1
Hi everyone. I have decided I want to pass on my Mesa Bass 400 (non plus) and get a new tube amp. I am just having trouble deciding which way to go. I am looking at the Ashdown CTM series/Aguilar DB751/American Ampeg SVT 2/or Fender Super Bassman.

The Ampeg would be the cheapest as it would be used. it would also be the heaviest though which is a contributing factor. The Ashdown's are on a wicked sale at the moment it's almost worth going that way just for the deal. Where as the Fender and Aguilar I can get for the same price (The fender is about to go up $850 on the new shipment)

So I am wanting some advice (which I know is very subjective). I play modern pop/rock/funk in church. I like the Ampeg sound for pop/rock but do like a cleaner? sound for funk. What would you suggest?
 
#2
I only have experience with the Fender and the DB751. They are both great. I chose the Fender over the DB because it has two channels making it very flexible. The DB sounds great but is more limited in its tone pallet. They weigh the same when the DB is in its case.
 
#4
eshalon said:
Can the Fender get that low mid push going on that the SVT and DB kind of have naturally?
Click to expand...
Yes. I can get an SVT tone, the DB tone, the HiWatt tone, and the SWR type Marcus tone.

My take is that if that low mid rush of POWER is your sound, then go with the DB. If you want more flexibility, the Bassman works. I was very close to getting the DB. You really can't make a bad choice here.
 
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#5
I've only owned an SVT & currently own a Super Bassman. Haven't played the Ashdown tube amps apart from the LB-30 which I liked.
The Super Bassman is just the best amp I've ever played. ..so I'd recommend that. Very versatile and good at 8/4/2 ohms.
I've only played a DB750 once. ..liked it a lot. But I'm all for tube power sections. ..and the Super Bassman is lush. ..like no other. (That I've tried).
 
#7
eshalon said:
Hi everyone. I have decided I want to pass on my Mesa Bass 400 (non plus) and get a new tube amp. I am just having trouble deciding which way to go. I am looking at the Ashdown CTM series/Aguilar DB751/American Ampeg SVT 2/or Fender Super Bassman.

The Ampeg would be the cheapest as it would be used. it would also be the heaviest though which is a contributing factor. The Ashdown's are on a wicked sale at the moment it's almost worth going that way just for the deal. Where as the Fender and Aguilar I can get for the same price (The fender is about to go up $850 on the new shipment)

So I am wanting some advice (which I know is very subjective). I play modern pop/rock/funk in church. I like the Ampeg sound for pop/rock but do like a cleaner? sound for funk. What would you suggest?
Click to expand...

Hey mate, I would pick an Ashdown hands down. Love that All-Tube Ashdown tone. There's a 427 Small Block Ashdown here in Australia. Used but in great condition for $2100 AUD.

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#9
My Super Bassman does it all. It works well with the Ampeg SVT-212AV also.

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#10
Neon Blues said:
Hey mate, I would pick an Ashdown hands down. Love that All-Tube Ashdown tone. There's a 427 Small Block Ashdown here in Australia. Used but in great condition for $2100 AUD.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link but they have a brand new ctm 300 on sale for nz$2500 here or the ctm 100 for only $999! I only need the 100 watts so am going to go and check it out
 
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#14
I'm a huge Aguilar fan. The DB750 is my favorite...
Never loved the SVT.
I have a V4B reissue. Sounds great.
But for reliable, warm, clean volume - I always come back to my DB750.
And Aguilar has the best Customer Service I've ever experienced. Still a small enough company for quick personal replies. I've emailed with questions. I have always received quick knowledgable responses. Only problem I've ever had with a product was the plastic nut and washer on the tuner out jack on my Aguilar TH500 came off. I emailed them and they just sent me replacements for free....
 
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#15
Hi everyone thanks for all your input. Went to try out the CTM 100 today. Plugged in and instantly sounded how I like. Just a nice warm sound. Loved how it goes from a great rock sound to a deep funk sound with just the push of a couple of buttons. The overdrive is fantastic too. Got to try it side by side with the DB 751 and came home with the CTM. That was without even taking into account the $2500 price difference. The Ashdown is just an all around great head that was just what I was looking for
 
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