Merton

Nice one

Yup the GK stuff is great, the MB Fusion would definitely be worth a look as it can get nice and dirty and fat with the valve preamp. I suspect the MB500 might be a bit too brittle for you though

[quote name='alexclaber' timestamp='1438804789' post='2837610'] Great amp! I think the naysayers have either used them with muddy cabs or are after a totally different tone. Try one on a Super Twin - magic! [/quote] Or indeed a Super Compact or two - glorious

Haha!

They are very underrated amps, probably because so many ABM and MAG combos get shagged within an inch of their lives in rehearsal rooms and as backline at grotty gigs. Set them flat (tweak for the room if necessary), add a bit of valve drive and you're good to go

Not got the Retroglide but I have the RM800 finally. It's fecking awesome

Glad you still like it Mark, and I agree with everything you've said! It is definitely a Class A/B amp btw, just not advertised anywhere as for whatever reason that's not a selling point the same way Class D seems to be...

Channel tunnel / cross channel ferries are delaying a lot of incomings from and outgoings to European mainland due to all the French strikes and migrant problems

That D112XLT was a bargain for someone - great cabs

[quote name='jonno1981' timestamp='1438720450' post='2836727'] I've really valued reading through this thread as I'm in a similar boat. My Ashdown RC500 evo ii has died a death and is beyond economical repair (needs new PSU and it's cooked half the transistors on the board). I have a Sansamp Bass VT and use a trex bass fuzz and tend to have a slightly overdriven sound pretty much all the time onto a full on fuzz through a schroeder 410l. I need to get a new head but don't have a huge budget to play with. I've been looking at a lightweight heads but have been a bit disappointed with the overall heft of some of the amps I've tried before. They just haven't had the same big chunky natural low end of the Ashdown which I really loved. However I don't want to get anything as heavy and I don't want a hifi esque tone. I've been eyeing up the new sansamp VT 500. It's appealing as I'm used to the tone of the pre-amp pedal that's been in my chain for years. If I get one I can also sell the pre-amp pedal too for £100ish. Are there any other contenders for less than £500? Am I asking too much for this budget? I play in a really loud 3 piece with a big hitting drummer which doesn't help! Any advice is much appreciated. [/quote] I've just got one of the first Ashdowm RM800 heads; £499 is the RRP so not much change for you but I know it'll give you the Ashdown sound you know and love in a smaller package

I appear to have sold Mark another amp, and can again say it was an absolute pleasure! He is a thoroughly bloody nice bloke and fine bass player to boot

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1438508385' post='2834939'] Are you planning to gig the CTM30 with the BF cabs? [/quote] Yup; having gigged both a CTM15 and CTM100 with them I know roughly what to expect and frankly cannot wait

[quote name='RandomBass' timestamp='1438508136' post='2834934'] How do you find the emulated tube drive, compared to the ABM tube drive? [/quote] I like it, I gather the new EVO IV valve drive is "better" than the older ABM drive but comparing the RM vs the EVO II was a positive thing. I always found the valve to be a bit "fizzy" if you went too far past twelve o'clock on the drive dial on the ABM; I tried a couple of different valves and couldn't discern much, if any, difference between brands. The RM reminds me of the SansAmp drive control, I think they've done a fine job with it

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1438371740' post='2834113'] I've asked Mark G if I can review the RM800 and the new Retrograde head. I think i'll like both! [/quote] The RM800 is loverly! It can do clean, dirty, the sub harmonic thing is nice and subtle even when maxed out, the EQ simple but effective, the line mix a stroke of genius when practicing, and the build quality is top notch. Very, very happy with it

[quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1438379715' post='2834196'] No mug pics? [/quote] I'll get on it!

[quote name='obbm' timestamp='1438380754' post='2834202'] I must confess that I've never seen an amp used on its side like that before. Does it improve the sound distribution or is it because, as a bass player, you're classed as a sidesman? [/quote] Yep, and it helps the electrons flow in the right direction towards the speakon socket........

Shiney new amp:

[quote name='RandomBass' timestamp='1438367970' post='2834048'] More importantly, what is the handle like? [/quote] A bit shoddy, there's no movement or flexibility. It's like it's made of china or something... Weird.

Oh balls they're all lying down. Better go sort that

From my very brief play, it's a great amp. I was concerned I'd miss the ABM but on the evidence presented at home noise levels I doubt I will. Gig next week will be the proof! The CTM was b-stock which I found on eBay, it needs a couple of tweaks (the bulb has gone on the VU, one of the knobs has broken so I'm changing them all for the cream chicken head type on the CTM100) but is also just a cracking little amp. Really impressed! My office was a bit overrun earlier today...: Then I got home for a little play:

Well the amps are immense: The RM800 has oodles of power and the valve-emulated drive is glorious. The CTM30 is exactly as I expected, I think it will be unstoppable with the two Barefaced Super Compact cabs. The cab is great, less "boxy" and middy than the Mi10 I think. The mug is a big disappointment though, not enough juice for my liking and the overdrive is non existent. Poor show. Pics soon....

[quote name='Twincam' timestamp='1438348247' post='2833787'] The ctm 30 seems pretty cool. Is the mug all valve too? [/quote] Damn straight, an EL84

Pictures tonight I hope, but so far today I've opened boxes containing: Ashdown CTM-30 head Ashdown RM-800 head Ashdown RM-110 cab Ashdown VU mug... I think the better half won't be impressed later......