Ashdown head issue

[T-Bay]

My Ashdown head has died this evening. It was sounding as though I had a distortion pedal on lowish, then went full on hiss for a few seconds before it died completely. There was a smell of electrical’hotness’ if that makes sense. I whipped it out the case and the main transformer was too hot to touch. All boards and the valve looked ok. One fuse has blown, all others ok. No obvious signs anywhere of any issues, no burning, no fat capacitors etc.

 

So what are the possible causes of the transformer trying to cook itself?

[AndyTravis]

I’d message @Ashdown Engineeringthrough their page, once I’m done recording, my old mk500 is off for a service and they had a returns number to me within 24hrs.

 

The VU meter on my (15 year old) amp has stopped working, they’re happy to sort!

[Reggaebass]

My LB 30 fizzled out a while back, I called Dave Green at Ashdown and took it in a few days later and he fixed it while I waited and looked around the shop, all FOC , I’m sure they will sort it for you T bay 👍

[T-Bay]

Thanks guys, I will send them a message. Luckily I only use it as a practice amp so not desperate to get it fixed super quick.

[Lozz196]

I think you’ve got the best brand there is, in respect of getting this sorted. And in respect of the sound of course.

[BassmanPaul]

On 11/11/2021 at 14:50, T-Bay said:

So what are the possible causes of the transformer trying to cook itself?

 

Circuitry drawing too much power. Tech Time!

[BassAdder60]

Ashdown will sort it … great service 

[T-Bay]

So I sent it off to Dave at Ashdown. Their service was beyond superb. I cannot rate them highly enough. I would recommend them to anyone without the tiniest hesitation. 

[Reggaebass]

16 minutes ago, T-Bay said:

So I sent it off to Dave at Ashdown

Glad you got it sorted T Bay 👍

[T-Bay]

In case anyone was interested the cause was the breakdown of insulation in the transformer causing a short which then cooked it. It now has a nice Polish made version which has a lifetime warranty. They also replaced a few pots and it has a new valve. All done for cost of parts only. A lot of companies could learn from their customer service.

[Lozz196]

Ashdown proving again what a decent company they are

[BassAdder60]

I bet the amp sounds great again 

[T-Bay]

Should be back with me Monday, so a week from when I sent it with at least 5 of those days in transit, and I only had to pay for parts on an amp I have had about 10 years. Needless to say that my next amp will also be an Ashdown.

[BassmanPaul]

On 26/11/2021 at 11:09, T-Bay said:

Should be back with me Monday, so a week from when I sent it with at least 5 of those days in transit, and I only had to pay for parts on an amp I have had about 10 years. Needless to say that my next amp will also be an Ashdown.

AND? 

[TheGreek]

Ashdown set a standard that others should aspire to...other manufacturers are you reading this thread??

[T-Bay]

35 minutes ago, BassmanPaul said:

AND? 

And….. as promised it’s back, good as new and I am sure I posted about it, so unsure where that post went 🤔

[BassmanPaul]

Into the Ether!