BassAdder60

I really like my Player Series and know how to setup get the best from it and also how to spot a lemon ( had a few of those over the years that went back ) Its a great working bass I feel and I guess I should be happy it does it’s job very well At rehearsals I’m often using my Classic vibe 70’s and that’s a half decent bass too ( soon to have new Dimarzio P pickups fitted )

I currently use a very nice and well set up Player Series PBass I like it a lot but often wonder if the current American PBass which are at least twice the price would gain anything in sound ? They do look really nice and I’ve come close to buying one recently but stop myself and ask myself do I really need one ? Convince me ?

The band I’m in and most of my past bands play rock, heavy rock and punk etc. That is mostly my favourite kind of music but I do / did like soul music as well in my younger lady chasing days My current and probably last band now plays most of my favourite songs / covers …. I really enjoy the set and find playing live with songs you really like the best outcome of all

Just ordered a set of Dimarzio PBass pickups to try in my Squire CV 70’s PBass They seem to get good reviews for rock

I can confirm this as I have two of them 👍

My VU needle is often way over into the red zone on a low Eb ( we tune to Eb as standard ) but mostly its at 0V value ( the ideal ) You will find that various things on the ABM600 affect the input obviously EQ settings, drive, shape and Compressor

Let us know if you need any tips or questions about settings etc I find the Shape Out button ( instant smiley face EQ ) sounds great at home but in a band it gets a little lost. You can boost the 340hz slider to compensate or … Run Shape Button IN and pull down the 340hz slider a bit I find that is an ideal setting for rock etc my settings below The onboard compressor isn’t great ( drops the output level too much and kills the top end sizzle ) Drive control is the best and sounds really good Using my PBass I run the input level as shown

Yes good point Sadly the PF series has had terrible shutdown issues probably from folk pushing them harder to get more volume Grab a second cab or a better amp

I found the PF500 and PF800 very underpowered compared to the Ashdown RM800 The Ashdown ABM600 will knock you off your feet with authority !

Tone update … band rehearsal showed me that my pick tone just didn’t come close enough to my finger tone to warrant a change Flesh wins over plastic for me !

Yep I do that too on some songs where I don’t need the notes to sustain. Works well on a PBass

Ok fellow ABM600 owners how about we share your EQ settings Mine are as below

I don’t think you will find a better amp for the money Loads of power and huge EQ adjustments plus valve drive compressor and Sub As a gigging amp it’s fantastic and records well in the studio too ( DI )

Definitely the ABM600 and it really is that good as is the service and direct support from Ashdown in Essex HQ I had one ( secondhand) and sold it then couldn’t find an amp to beat it so purchased a new one late last year 100% a great amp that you learn more about how superb it is the longer you use it

Ok so I’ve ordered the Boss LMB3 pedal to try and see how that works to achieve the same result

I do have both so I can compare the two .. thanks for the advice

The Ashdown ABM600 onboard compressor isn’t great but it shows that a compressor with fast attack may work So which one to buy as a pedal ??? I did try the Ampeg Opto but they don’t have fast attack times so didn’t see the improved tone

I have some of those 2mm picks too 👍

Ok with the following EQ adjustments I’m getting close ( I think ) Using my ABM600 head Pull down 340hz completely to fatten sound. Back off main mids slightly ( adjust to be heard in band context ) Engage Dynamic Compressor and set at 3 o clock ( lots of compression) Pbass tone backed off slightly and use a JD Nylon 1.5mm pick That is starting to sound nearer to want I’m chasing and the Compressor seems to be playing a valuable part to removing the pick attack

Then I discover this … grrrr

Perhaps using a ton of compression would help ? There must be a reason that fingers bring out more of the fundamental for longer ( slow attack ) and hence we hear this full bass tone I can achieve the same bass EQ with a pick but it’s not as complete a sound if that makes sense, down to fast pick attack on the string I guess In drumming comparisons it’s like the felt pad on a bass drum pedal ( finger ) compared to the plastic ? bass pedal pad .. ( pick ) fast and bright bass tone Not trying to re- invent anything but curious to why so many pick players don’t miss that fullness of the tone yet can still be punchy and bright