JPJ Posted March 4, 2022 Share Posted March 4, 2022 New amp day here at JPJ towers thanks to our very own ryancowell25. Having used nothing but SWR for the last 15 odd years (save for a brief flirtation with an Aguilar AG500) I decided to try something different as I’m being drawn more towards that lightly overdriven valve sound. I’ve posted before how despite wanting to, I could never get on with the Ashdown ABM range so this was a bit of a leap of faith. So far I’ve only been able to play this through a little TC 2x8 cab at low volume but it sounds mighty and sort of reminds me of someone but I can’t quite put my finger on who? 🤔😉😎 Thanks to Hermes, the amp has obviously had a knock in transit damaging the Subs control knob and thank the gods Ryan opted to ship in the Gator gig bag or who knows how much worse things could have been. Quick order fired off to Ashdown for a set of 5 replacement knobs so she should be looking at her sexiest best for her first public outing next weekend. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted March 4, 2022 Share Posted March 4, 2022 Great amps, I tried one at Ashdown HQ and if I hadn`t already had an ABM600 (which the HOD is very similar to) I`d have bought it there & then. I love how the two level indicators look like eyes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryancowell25 Posted March 4, 2022 Share Posted March 4, 2022 Indeed a great amp - only moved it on as I had an incoming Aguilar DB751 - Kev is a top guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NAS Bass Posted March 7, 2022 Share Posted March 7, 2022 What are the main differences with the HOD from ABM 500/600? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPJ Posted March 12, 2022 Author Share Posted March 12, 2022 Wowzers! Just used this in anger for the first time today at rehearsal playing through an Ampeg 6x10. What can I say other than I’m blown away. Pre-shape engaged, EQ flat, passive five string Precision bass and this thing sounds and more importantly feels like a full valve amp. It has that ‘bounce’ and for those who are interested, it has enough heft to demolish walls. Whack on the doom control and it’s instant Geezer Butler. Can’t wait for tomorrows gig now 😎 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NAS Bass Posted March 12, 2022 Share Posted March 12, 2022 11 minutes ago, JPJ said: Wowzers! Just used this in anger for the first time today at rehearsal playing through an Ampeg 6x10. What can I say other than I’m blown away. Pre-shape engaged, EQ flat, passive five string Precision bass and this thing sounds and more importantly feels like a full valve amp. It has that ‘bounce’ and for those who are interested, it has enough heft to demolish walls. Whack on the doom control and it’s instant Geezer Butler. Can’t wait for tomorrows gig now 😎 Does it come through the mix well with that pre-shape engaged? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPJ Posted March 12, 2022 Author Share Posted March 12, 2022 Just now, NAS Bass said: Does it come through the mix well with that pre-shape engaged? Yes, it’s a very ‘musical’ eq pre-shape. Sat well between two guitars and acoustic drums. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted March 12, 2022 Share Posted March 12, 2022 Yes, I think with a Precision, which has buckets of mids, the Preshape works a treat, removes everything that gets in the way of the guitars and adds in some nice highs for definition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Mark Posted March 12, 2022 Share Posted March 12, 2022 1 hour ago, JPJ said: Wowzers! Just used this in anger for the first time today at rehearsal playing through an Ampeg 6x10. What can I say other than I’m blown away. Pre-shape engaged, EQ flat, passive five string Precision bass and this thing sounds and more importantly feels like a full valve amp. It has that ‘bounce’ and for those who are interested, it has enough heft to demolish walls. Whack on the doom control and it’s instant Geezer Butler. Can’t wait for tomorrows gig now 😎 The ABM600 has that same "bounce" too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAdder60 Posted March 12, 2022 Share Posted March 12, 2022 I’m about to start using the Shape “out” on my ABM600 as I plan to pick play instead of fingers I think the shape ( pulls mids etc) makes pick playing an easier result as you get bottom end and top clarity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPJ Posted March 14, 2022 Author Share Posted March 14, 2022 Here she is on her debut gig. And without wishing to repeat myself, Wow what a fabulous piece of kit. I’m smitten 😍 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassAdder60 Posted March 14, 2022 Share Posted March 14, 2022 Looks fantastic Regarding the shape feature ( Out position on the ABM ) I am finding that the best EQ for pick playing as it adds a lot of depth to the sound. What I do though is boost the 340HZ to bring back the low mids and back off slightly the main bass ( 40hz ) so it’s not too flubby when playing the low E string etc Its not easy to mimic it with Shape IN ie off and using EQ as I’ve tried and you cannot quite get there. It’s like having your own select for pick playing button ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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