Ashdown ABM issue

[Stefanogregori]

Hi all,

I have an Ashdown ABM 500 I am having a bit of trouble with. When I turn on the drive section and try to crank the drive up to 'grind' it gets quieter until the volume goes completely when turned fully to the right. Any Ashdown owners out there ever had this problem?

Cheers Steve

[Lozz196]

Not had one of these myself, but had a Marshall MB amp that had the same problem, turned out that the pre-amp valve had become dislodged.

[RandomBass]

I had one of these excellent amps. Sounds like the valve is either dead or needs reseating firmly in its holder. Time to open her up...

[Stefanogregori]

Thanks for your responses. It is worth having a look before I take it in for repair. How do you open these up? Is it just a case of undoing the 4 screws on the bottom and pulling the unit out of the case?

[Cosmo Valdemar]

If it's the same as my old ABM, you need to remove the 4 plastic buttons from the top of the case, then unscrew - the inside should slide out.
It's a very simple job to replace the valve but be aware that different valves will affect the sound. The first replacement valve I popped in really changed the nature of the drive, and not for the better!

[Stefanogregori]

Ok, cool. I haven't had the ABM long and just remember my MAG head having screws on the bottom. I will take a look when I get home.

[Stefanogregori]

I just popped it open and had a look. The valve had possibly come unseated a little. I pushed it back in but still no joy. Should it light up when the drive is engaged? Because it didn't.

[RandomBass]

It should light up all the time the amp is switched on. Sounds like it may need replacing. They usually last a long time though, how old is the amp? Has it had a hard life, or been looked after?

Edited October 7, 2015 by RandomBass

[Stefanogregori]

I have had it about 2 months, I don't know how long the guy I bought from had it for. It is in a flight case and in very good nick though so assume it has been well looked after. Any recommendations on a replacement valve?

[yorks5stringer]

Use the same as in it? Or check with ashdown what they fitted when new? You could even phone them, they are usually very helpful.

[Dad3353]

Pre-amp valves won't always have a visible 'lit-up' heater. It would be a wise buy to have a spare, in any case, so there's no real harm in getting one, either the same, or that recommended by the makers, and swapping it over; if it doesn't cure it, at least you've a spare.
The usual warning, of course... there can be very high voltages in amps, even after switching off and unplugging from the wall, and for quite some time. Be really sure you know what you're doing with bare fingers or metal objects inside an amp. If in doubt, consult a qualified technician. Folks get badly hurt, very quickly, very easily, through neglecting these warnings. Don't be one of them.
Hope this helps.

Edited October 8, 2015 by Dad3353

[RandomBass]

[quote name='Stefanogregori' timestamp='1444260698' post='2881763']
I have had it about 2 months, I don't know how long the guy I bought from had it for. It is in a flight case and in very good nick though so assume it has been well looked after. Any recommendations on a replacement valve?
[/quote]
Mine had a 12ax7 (ECC83) valve in it. They are widely available online, watford valves is one option, or hotrox. There's a few guys on here that dabble in them too and would be able to give some good advice. I think Mr Foxen is one of them.

[eude]

Give Ashdown a shout, their customer service is amazing!

[LewisK1975]

[quote name='eude' timestamp='1444295089' post='2881894']
Give Ashdown a shout, their customer service is amazing!
[/quote]

Can vouch for that - always had good, timely replies from them just by using their website 'contact us' form...

[AlexDelores]

[quote name='eude' timestamp='1444295089' post='2881894']
Give Ashdown a shout, their customer service is amazing!
[/quote]
[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1444310646' post='2882123']


Can vouch for that - always had good, timely replies from them just by using their website 'contact us' form...
[/quote]

And another thumbs up from me, been fantastic help the few times ive needed them

[Stefanogregori]

Thanks for all your replies. I mailed Ashdown and they were super quick to come back. They think that the drive pot could be damaged. I'm going to try a replacement valve 1st and see how that goes before I send it in for repair though.

[Stefanogregori]

So, new valve was waiting for me when I got home from work. Just fitted it and all good! Working like a dream! Thanks to all for your help and advice.

[AlexDelores]

[quote name='Stefanogregori' timestamp='1444669676' post='2884960']
So, new valve was waiting for me when I got home from work. Just fitted it and all good! Working like a dream! Thanks to all for your help and advice.
[/quote]

great news, glad you got it sorted,out of interest did you buy the valve through Ashdown or from somewhere else? just incase i have any future issues etc with mine?

[Stefanogregori]

[quote name='AlexDelores' timestamp='1444671706' post='2884985']


great news, glad you got it sorted,out of interest did you buy the valve through Ashdown or from somewhere else? just incase i have any future issues etc with mine?
[/quote]

This is the one I bought, Ashdown recommended JJ valves so I figured that was a good place to start. It was ordered on Friday and arrived today so very impressed. http://valvetubeguitaramps.com/product/jj-ecc83s-preamp-valve/?gclid=CjwKEAjwv8iwBRC35-_e8aPqwCESJAB8khP9SAXptplM6ulGAgqB3DKAJWpVKjDhuXLNfRjRYuwA2RoC_ybw_wcB

Edited October 12, 2015 by Stefanogregori