What’s up with Ashdown?

[Sparky Mark]

Has anyone else had a hard time getting them to respond or request service?

Im in the U.S. and two months ago I ordered the ABM 400 LTD directly from their website (something that now you can no longer do). When I received it, I noticed some things were missing and didn’t get the certificate and video that are advertised with this Limited Edition.

I’ve contacted them over the course of the last two months and have had a couple of people promise to get back to me but I always have to reach back out for a response, still no resolution or acknowledgement of my last couple of emails. As of now, I’ve only been provided a video clip of an amp that is not my own.

I guess I’ll never get the extra features that were promised with this limited edition, but I’ve had an order for other Ashdown products including a tube head lined up with a dealer and would like some assurance that they can deliver on their products and service, especially since they’re in England and I’m in the U.S.

I guess for now I have my answer and should cancel my order? Any others with similar issues?

Out of curiosity, what were the expected features missing from your amp please?

 

[klattman]

Just updating. Mark answered most of my questions. Sounds like they are busy.

 

[lomo]

As far as Ashdown not going with the light weight gear flow....they have clearly caught the drift....the new line of Studio combos is uber light, but I have no clue how they sound or how reliable they are. In Canada the line is carried by the largest music gear chain (Long & McQuade), so I ma sure they are serviced here, at least while under warranty. Me..... I'm sticking with companies that have a track record of impeccable service in my back yard (Mesa, Genzler).

 

[foal30]

Just updating. Mark answered most of my questions. Sounds like they are busy.

it’s a good day when mark answers an email

I’ll get me coat….

 

[Confunk]

it’s a good day when mark answers an email

I’ll get me coat….

...I saw what you did there!

 

[AlexMG]

OP here following up. Received a pleasant response this week from Dan at Ashdown. Seems I won’t be getting the video for my unit but they will send the certificate and other Ashdown merch items my way.

 

[SaucyJackBass]

I have a CTM-100 which I've grown to really love- Their all-tube heads have a unique character that gets it done for me, along with a NOS Klystron 15 cab that I found online. Both were built in England, and together they make quite the cool rig.
I E-mailed Ashdown with a ? about covers for the no-longer made Klystron cab, and Mark responded immediately.
Now this was pre-covid, and that probably accounts for something these days, IDK.
I still get E-mails about new products i.e.:
LB 30 2.N – Ashdown Engineering (ashdownmusic.com)
which looks like quite the bomb!

I record everything with a CTM-100 through an AMPEG 2x10 double mic'ed. Maybe compression on the way in, but otherwise everything is clean. The CTM-100 tubes provide the ideal recording of my Birdsong basses

 

[foal30]

I record everything with a CTM-100 through an AMPEG 2x10 double mic'ed. Maybe compression on the way in, but otherwise everything is clean. The CTM-100 tubes provide the ideal recording of my Birdsong basses

i jammed a blues/rock trio last night with the CTM 300 and my old ABM 1510.
A righteous racket

 

[Confunk]

I record everything with a CTM-100 through an AMPEG 2x10 double mic'ed. Maybe compression on the way in, but otherwise everything is clean. The CTM-100 tubes provide the ideal recording of my Birdsong basses

i jammed a blues/rock trio last night with the CTM 300 and my old ABM 1510.
A righteous racket

I must say, the CTM's are way under the radar for how good they are. My 100 thumps, and a 300 must thunder like down under!
Maybe it's the distribution/availability that makes them < popular than Ampeg V-4B's and such.
I'm an Ampeg lover, and had a V4BH, very nice, but I prefer the Ashdown voicing. It's deep and bold.
More likely it is the preponderance of good pocket size heads, I mean, who wants to tote their 40 or 60 lb. rigs (head only) around??

I do!, or should I say- I will!

 

[AlexMG]

Update from the OP:

A couple of weeks ago, Ashdown sent me some cool merch including the toolkit and daybag along with my certificate for the LTD 400.

I also received my CTM100 from the dealer and it delivers the goods; incredibly versatile sounds and superb tone.

Took a couple of months but I’m really happy here!