MattW

Mike has made a start on my neck so thought I'd share some photos! Looking great @Cosmicrain

Yes that's correct - the 500's are 575w. I had an ABM300 Evo ii combo once that was crazy loud, and when I spoke to Dave Green about it he said they were always badged as being less than they really were - under promise and over deliver was the ethos. Pretty sure thats true of the old UK made Trace amps too. I think he said the early Evo 300's were actually 400w. It was awesome anyway and regreted selling instantly when I changed to a Class D amp which I can only have gigged 10 times before going back straight back to an ABM. On that note it was my EVO IV for sale. I have a CTM 300 now and I should really move it on. However after a lot of interest I just couldn't bring myself to sell so I have withdrawn it. Having had an EVO II I have to agree the EVO IV is a massive step up. It's what everyone says, more punch, the EQ is better, Drive gets grittier etc. I like the Compressor and despite a lot of folk not liking the Sub feature, used sparingly on a low setting I think it can be quite nice when switched in/out for backing guitar solos. I'm going to keep if as a spare or for when it's too tight on space or risky to take the CTM out - thats how I've justified it to the Mrs anyway 😄

I started having a good play this afternoon before being told the house was shaking too much 😆 However you are absolutely right, there is a serious range of tones in there, it's certainly not a one trick pony! I feel like I've only had a taste of what's to come!

Well it's back and sounding amazing!! So glad I didn't just send it back to PMT, Ashdown were brilliant and had it back to me and all sorted in 3 working days. It seems it had taken a serious knock, one of the tubed had imploded, everything had shifted and 2 internal fuses has blown. The packing was completely intact so hard to say of that happened in-store or in transit. Pretty impressed it made any sound at all when it arrived! Now it's working at full strength I am super pleased with it, and paired with my Stringray it makes the sound that was in my head but I never quite managed to translate into the real world. Can't wait to gig it now 😭 Following everyone's advice I have decided to add a second ABM 210 Evo IV cab, it seems thats best compromise of sound/weight/portability/cost - it helps they Thomann have them of special at the moment too! Thanks everyone for the help!

The only thing I can suggest is that you can reserve online to collect in your nearest store, so you can see/test it before taking it away and not risk it being couriered. I should have done that and just waited until after lockdown to get my hands on it. However thankfully for me Ashdown are very local and I have always had excellent service from them, so looks like I will have it up and running very soon. It is gutting though when the amp of your dreams arrives in a poor state, and can't say I'd recommend getting one mail order now.

Thanks for the replies. It was a really good deal £1039 down from £1999! However it was advertised as new not as ex demo or a return, but it's clearly had use. I think it's been dropped as the tubes are all askew, Valve 2 isn't operating and there is no output showing on 2, 3 or 6. Also the bias mode isn't moving the needle on any of the valves. PMT promptly offered a refund but I also emailed @Ashdown Engineeringand they have offered to collect it and sort it for me, they are only down the road! Super service as always. If it comes back working then all good, otherwise PMT can have it back and I'll think again.

Yep. Unfortunately not my first poor experience from them, but it will be my last.

Well the fun didn't last long! Amp is clearly faulty, sounds pants, no output showing on tubes 2, 3 or 6 & tube 2 isn't even glowing. Plus there is evidence of previous use, it didn't come with any original packing or paperwork, I suspect it's ex demo or a return. Packed back up and refund requested 😭

Looking good on the 210 anyway! Now to test it....

Thanks all, really interesting, appreciate the input. I have an ABM Evo IV 210 that I was intending to use to start with, might even be best just to add another!? Or Thomann have the 115h compact at a silly price at the moment. Ideally want to avoid larger cab sizes than that due to the narrowness of my stairs at home, so perhaps I need to go modular if the consensus is that more drivers are best! The 300 is apparently waiting for me at home, so as soon as I get home from work I'll be trying it out. The 100 and 300 are pretty much the same height and length but the 300 is deeper according to Ashdowns specs.

Hi All, I have an Ashdown CTM 300 arriving tomorrow (exciting!), and am contemplating getting a Barefaced Cab to go with it based on trying them out at the guitar and bass show last year. Just wondered if anyone has any recommendations on a suitable model? There is a used Super 12 available from another member locally which I am seriously considering, but wondered what others were using, Barefaced or otherwise? Also is it possible to use a Super 12 or any Barefaced cabs on their side? I have concerns that the CTM300 will overhang and be unstable using them "upright" given its size! Any advice would be appreciated! Cheers, Matt

Playing in an original blues band in a local pub last year with a gritty female vocalist - think female Howlin' Wolf - and a punter asked if we could play some Kylie!?! Singer was taken back she just didn't know what to say, so I chipped in with "You should be so lucky..."! 😁

That's interesting! If that works that sounds easier than spray adhesive.

Hi All. Am considering replacing the carpet on one of my amps with Tolex, perhaps with something custom. I know there are some YouTube videos showing the process, but wondered if anyone could recommend suppliers, glues etc in the UK and if anyone had any top-tips? Many thanks!