OFFICIAL ASHDOWN CLUB

[cmcbass]

dang you have a good eye , I didn't think of that ...I am now pretty sure that is what ties it all together and why I like looking at it But to me and probably because I'm used to the other things but the cab stands out ... it's the perfect Brown and grill choice for a Instrument cab for super classy . I always thought it was an odd choice for red logo on the amp and controls but here it's exactly as it should be . oh while I'm talking BA don't forget to put your 5751's in V2 kids for that big firm bottom and clearer top before the fuzz takes over you get a little more useable oomph out of it.
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Q: How do you get that awesome tone man!?
A: I just buy red things!

 

[Dasgre0g]

Hasn't been any new pictures of around here so I figure, might as well upload another picture of my same stuff! Everyone else feel free to join in

 

[javi_bassist]

Hasn't been any new pictures of around here so I figure, might as well upload another picture of my same stuff! Everyone else feel free to join inView attachment 3156219

Cool! Man I love those cabs. I still regret not getting the 212 version when it was crazy cheap. Which cabs are yours? They look big

 

[Dasgre0g]

Cool! Man I love those cabs. I still regret not getting the 212 version when it was crazy cheap. Which cabs are yours? They look big

I've actually got a VS212 and also a VS412. Sound amazing but so heavy!

 

[javi_bassist]

So I was fine with my amp situation (ABM+ABM 410 cab and Rootmaster+Mesa Boogie PH210) but today I saw this for 100 bucks...

I've always wanted a Spyder 550 but they are extremely rare in my area. So I got a Spyder 330 for 100 bucks... It works perfectly and has a killing tone. Compared to the ABM, the ABM has more possibilities and better EQ. With the Spyder you can only get one tone...but it's just awesome. I'm in love with it

Things I don't like: the noisy fan (as usual with Ashdown) and that the VU doesn't move (which in this model refers to the Output, not the Input). I don't mind the VU but the fan... Because it can be an awesome amp for studio IMO

 

[boristhespider7]

So I was fine with my amp situation (ABM+ABM 410 cab and Rootmaster+Mesa Boogie PH210) but today I saw this for 100 bucks...

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Compared to the ABM, the ABM has more possibilities and better EQ. With the Spyder you can only get one tone...but it's just awesome. I'm in love with it

What is the tone (compared to an ABM)? I have an ABM but am intrigued by the Spyder, but they are few and far between to try now

 

[javi_bassist]

What is the tone (compared to an ABM)? I have an ABM but am intrigued by the Spyder, but they are few and far between to try now

In my opinion, the Spyder has more tube vibe. I think only valve amps can sound like a valve amp, but the Spyder is closer than the ABM to that feeling. The ABM has a more clean sound. The EQ in the Spyder is passive.

The Spyder is less versatile. I would have liked Ashdown to keep on producing the Spyder. I know that the market is now more into class D amps, but a better Spyder (with a quieter fan) could have been used in studio with awesome results.

 

[boristhespider7]

In my opinion, the Spyder has more tube vibe. I think only valve amps can sound like a valve amp, but the Spyder is closer than the ABM to that feeling. The ABM has a more clean sound. The EQ in the Spyder is passive.

Would love to try one, but the passive EQ puts me off...now if they could mix the dual valve pre-amp with an active EQ i'd have serious gas!

 

[javi_bassist]

Would love to try one, but the passive EQ puts me off...now if they could mix the dual valve pre-amp with an active EQ i'd have serious gas!

I had the same thought at first. But I ended up liking that passive EQ. I prefer the EQ in the ABM, but the EQ in the Spyder is nice. If you try one, I'm sure you will love it

PS I'm still looking for a Spyder 550. But they cannot be found in Spain

 

[andrew]

Spyder 550 cannot be found in Canada either...

 

[Jim C]

I have an ABM500.
When I bought it(used), there was an issue with the mute switch that was repaired and I asked the tech to check it out. He said it was OK.
It's reasonably loud but not nearly as loud as a MB500.
In my experience, every British amp I've owned is crazy loud for the advertised output power.
Should mine go in for service, or are they just medium loud for 500 watts?

I cut a fair amount of low end and with a P bass it is difficult to drive the VU into the red unless I use the tube.
Even with the tube and the VU at a sensible level, it really isn't that loud.
For comparison a RB1001 is MUCH louder.
Time for a visit to the shop?

 

[javi_bassist]

I have an ABM500.
When I bought it(used), there was an issue with the mute switch that was repaired and I asked the tech to check it out. He said it was OK.
It's reasonably loud but not nearly as loud as a MB500.
In my experience, every British amp I've owned is crazy loud for the advertised output power.
Should mine go in for service, or are they just medium loud for 500 watts?

I cut a fair amount of low end and with a P bass it is difficult to drive the VU into the red unless I use the tube.
Even with the tube and the VU at a sensible level, it really isn't that loud.
For comparison a RB1001 is MUCH louder.
Time for a visit to the shop?

I have never played a MB500, so I cannot compare. First thing I can tell you: the VU meter is just for the looks. It doesn't really work in my RM500 or in the Spyder that I have. However, it works (more or less) in my ABM500. But I heard more people saying that in their unit the VU doesn't work (just check this thread)

What I can say about the ABM is that it is loud. However, I think that the feeling is that it's not that loud. I think it may be because it is more focused on the lows (it's my feeling). With a flat EQ, it looks like my RM500 is much louder than the ABM, but the ABM has more lows. Playing with the EQ can solve that. Compared to my previous amp (Line 6 Lowdown HD400) is a lot louder. With my ABM I've never set the master volume higher than 11 o'clock.

 

[boristhespider7]

I have an ABM500.
When I bought it(used), there was an issue with the mute switch that was repaired and I asked the tech to check it out. He said it was OK.
It's reasonably loud but not nearly as loud as a MB500.
In my experience, every British amp I've owned is crazy loud for the advertised output power.
Should mine go in for service, or are they just medium loud for 500 watts?

I cut a fair amount of low end and with a P bass it is difficult to drive the VU into the red unless I use the tube.
Even with the tube and the VU at a sensible level, it really isn't that loud.
For comparison a RB1001 is MUCH louder.
Time for a visit to the shop?

When i 1st got my ABM 500 for a short time i still had the Mag300 head i was replacing which seemed easily louder. I emailed Ashdown and was told that the ABM should kill the Mag for loudness. Took it to a local dealer who compared it to another ABM500 which was noticeably louder. Luckily it was still under warranty..turned out it had a blown cap which they replaced. It was then a lot louder.

More recently i started noticing some crackling, again with slightly reduced volume. Got in touch with Ashdown and ran a few simple tests (as instructed by them). Turns out the jack for the FX send had developed intermittent connection. As long as i have a patch cable connecting the 2 it works fine. Bottom line is, if you think its not very loud for a 500 i'd take it back to get checked out, or see if you can compare it to another 500.

I've had a few issues like this with a couple of their heads. However their excellent customer service more than makes up for it!

 

[boristhespider7]

I had the same thought at first. But I ended up liking that passive EQ....If you try one, I'm sure you will love it

I don't think so. I've owned the LB30 and the CTM100 (briefly) and just didn't get on with the EQ. Great core tone of the amp but i just couldn't dial in much else

 

[Daniel Piper]

I don't think so. I've owned the LB30 and the CTM100 (briefly) and just didn't get on with the EQ. Great core tone of the amp but i just couldn't dial in much else

My experience was the same. Nice tone. But only one tone.

 

[Jim C]

When i 1st got my ABM 500 for a short time i still had the Mag300 head i was replacing which seemed easily louder. I emailed Ashdown and was told that the ABM should kill the Mag for loudness. Took it to a local dealer who compared it to another ABM500 which was noticeably louder. Luckily it was still under warranty..turned out it had a blown cap which they replaced. It was then a lot louder.
More recently i started noticing some crackling, again with slightly reduced volume. Got in touch with Ashdown and ran a few simple tests (as instructed by them). Turns out the jack for the FX send had developed intermittent connection.

Thank you very much for this!!
I've known about distorted tone when the contacts for FX send/ return get dirty or a poor connection.
In this case, it gratly reduced the output volume.
As a test, a patch cable between the 2 jacks restored the missing output power.
I have been very happy with a 1001RB but the new improved Ashdown sounds a bit nicer (albeit not in the band mix).
And to think I was going to sell it.
Thanks mate; this amps staying now.

 

[boristhespider7]

Thank you very much for this!!
I've known about distorted tone when the contacts for FX send/ return get dirty or a poor connection.
In this case, it gratly reduced the output volume.
As a test, a patch cable between the 2 jacks restored the missing output power.
I have been very happy with a 1001RB but the new improved Ashdown sounds a bit nicer (albeit not in the band mix).
And to think I was going to sell it.
Thanks mate; this amps staying now.

No problem, glad you got it working! Seems like there may be an issue with some of the chinese soldering (assuming you have a chinese made one like me).

 

[javi_bassist]

Hello guys. I have a question for you guys: does any of you use the Ashdown OriginAL preamp?

I'm in love with the Ashdown tone (user of the ABM, the Rootmaster and the Spyder) but I have been going ampless (with IEMs) lately and I want to keep the Ashdown tone. I currently use a Tone Hammer (and I don't have any complain about it) but I want to try this Ashdown OriginAL. I cannot find it anywhere here in Europe, only in Gear4music in UK and it costs 400 bucks. IMO expensive if you look at its direct rivals.

 

[boristhespider7]

Hello guys. I have a question for you guys: does any of you use the Ashdown OriginAL preamp?

I'm in love with the Ashdown tone (user of the ABM, the Rootmaster and the Spyder) but I have been going ampless (with IEMs) lately and I want to keep the Ashdown tone. I currently use a Tone Hammer (and I don't have any complain about it) but I want to try this Ashdown OriginAL. I cannot find it anywhere here in Europe, only in Gear4music in UK and it costs 400 bucks. IMO expensive if you look at its direct rivals.

Sorry, doesn't really answer your question but i've used the ABM as a pre-amp in the past. Put DI into post eq mode and you'll capture the valve and eq sections...Ashdown tone. Not exactly a compact unit mind you...

 

[andrew]

Is there anyone here in North America who owns a JJ Burnel signature head?