Marvin Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 (edited) Looking at getting a 300w combo for pub gigging. Marshall MB4210 [url="http://www.marshallamps.com/product.asp?productCode=MB4210&pageType=SPECS"]http://www.marshallamps.com/product.asp?pr...;pageType=SPECS[/url] or Ashdown MAG C115-300 EVO II Combo [url="http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/detail.asp?ID=77"]http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/detail.asp?ID=77[/url] Both about the same price Is one better than the other, eg reliability etc? Edited November 23, 2009 by Marvin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leonshelley01 Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 I have the Marshall MB4210 which I use regularly with a couple bands and it has never let me down. I sometimes use the matching 1x15 cab for gigs, not for volume but just because it annoys the guitarists! I do know some people have had problems with theirs, but touchwood, mine has been fine. The reason I chose it over the Ashdown is I just felt it was more versatile and actually had a nicer tone in my opinion. Just to put that into context, I am not an Ashdown hater, and did not think it was "wooly", I just felt (in my opinion) that the Marshall had a better "rock" tone. See if you can find a local dealer and try them both, it's the only way to be sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted November 23, 2009 Author Share Posted November 23, 2009 Thanks. I did have a play around on a Park practice amp a couple of months ago (which I believe is something to do with Marshall) and that had a good sound. And I've got to say for 15w was loud, it kept up with a drummer and guitarist, albeit full volume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickH Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 I've got the Marshall 4210 myself. It's a cracker. Tried quite a few amps when I went to the store and for the price bracket this one kicked the bejesus out of everything else. Only downside for me is, the cooling fan is a noisy bugger. Only really an issue for quiet practice at home of course, at a gig it wouldn't be at all noticeable. I'm thinking of trying to source a silent PC internal fan that would fit and see if I can jerry-rig it in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddude16 Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 The new marshalls i do not rate at all, sorry if any offence is caused but I'd rather have a new ashdown to a marshall. However the specific makes you both have may be better than I judged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moos3h Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 I was in this quandry a while ago, I read quite a lot about how the Marshalls have a few reliability issues and then bought the Ashdown. Three Ashdowns later, I gave up and bought something else. Moral of the story is buy what you like and give it a fair trial, there's a lot of stuff spake on the Intraweb, but not all of it will apply...I reckon either would do a good job for you, and at a least will have a year's warranty for you to put it through its paces. You can't argue with the pricing of the Ashdown stuff, some people have issues with the tone but I never have and know two other bassists with them, one who never had any trouble and the other with a couple of problems along the line. Make of that what you will! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Protium Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 I would look for an Ashdown 2x10 combo rather than the 1x15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phatbass787 Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Ashdown all the way, really didnt think much to the Marshalls when i tried em Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pkomor Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Ive tried some ashdown stuff, but not that specific combo, so i cant really comment, but ive got a Hartke vx2515 which is definatly worth looking at! Great tone, very versitile and plenty loud enough for most things, only on BIG venues does it ever get Di'd.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RugbyBass Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Got myself a MAG15-300 and love it! I had a Marshall BassState before with 5 band graphic. Decided on the Ashdown as it looked more robust (+ cool vu meter!) The Marshall graphic was slider controls and was easily knocked and had to be repaired a number of times. The MAG has been good to me so far (18 months +) and I love the clear tone. Also useful to have inbuilt DI output. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted November 26, 2009 Author Share Posted November 26, 2009 Many thanks to you all. Found out that my local music store stocks both, so probably best if I pop along and have a noodle. Also a good friend, and fellow bassist, knows of someone who has just bought an ashdown, so may fire a few questions that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted November 27, 2009 Author Share Posted November 27, 2009 Sorry to have wasted your time, but the whole band thing has just gone t1ts up. Bal1s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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