Ashdown ABM 500 RC MKII Head

I bought this amp brand new in early January '07, so I guess it was made in 2006. The features are numerous, including 7-band EQ, sub-harmonizer, valve drive, etc. It delivers 575 huge watts @ 4 ohms. More than enough. Nice mirror-like front-end + lighted VU.

I mainly use a Fender American Deluxe Jazz Bass 5 string and the head is paired with Ashdown MAG210T and ABM115 cabinets. The tone is simply awesome. I mainly play pop/rock and this combination is (almost) perfect. Even with that kinda thin sounding Fender, the tone is huge and thick. Impressive. The compliments are going to stop here, though.

One gig, then back to repair (under warranty). Huge buzz anytime, even when no bass is plugged in. At this time, my head must be somewhere in Belgium, since the importer for France 1/ delivers no agreements for local repair shops on warranty period 2/ has no customer service in France. Bad, bad, bad.
I have 30 gigs this summer, and 1/ I don't know whether my amp will back on time 2/ I don't know whether it will be dependable or not.

See above, in reliability section.

Big dilemma. Awesome tone, bad reliability, awful customer service. As a professional bass player, I can't work with any kind of gear I can't depend on. Fortunately, my local dealer is a kind guy and I have a replacement amp (Hartke 5000) he lent me so that I can at least play for my rehearsals and gigs. But not with the tone I want, of course. I'm already in search of something that sounds as well but that is more reliable, even if I had to pay more for it. An amp is a working tool for me. Sorry, but the bad side of the story (reliability) is more important to me than the good side (tone). Good amp if you like rock bass tones, but when you become a pro try something else.

Rack Mountable Model, Chrome Facia 575wrms @ 4ohms, selectable/variable solid state/tube preamp stage, adjustable subharmonics, well placed eq frequencies, logical layout of controls, good looking & sounding

This amp is very warm, smooth and dynamic. It has a SVT type flavour combined with a GK steadyness of sound. I say that because I have used both these amps during most of my 12 years of playing. Currently running into a Ampeg SVT 410HLF 4ohm Cab.
My main bass is a Fender USA Jazz Bass Deluxe and my style of playing is mostly Heavy Rock and Alternative based.
I've tried all the main players and found this to be the most enjoyable and balance amp. It can produce a heavy 'dub bass' sound to a bouyant funk slap attack that has just the right amount of bite without making you cringe. The sub harmonics it produces reminds you of the soul factor and the notes are always distinguishalble without being boomy. It sounds big clean or it can produce that valve grind but it never looses it focus.

No problems so far, time will tell though. I did purchase this amp partly on its reputation for reliability.

Havent dealt with the crew at Ashdown. Warranty is 12mths

After all the auditioning of other amps, I'm happy that I've got this amp. It has added a vitality to my playing, mainly because of its sound of course! At the same time its easy to use and every control functions nicely. It does what it sets out to do and the results are consistent. Its warm and musical without any unpleasant artifacts in its sound. I wouldn't hesitate to replace it if need be.
I wish it had a tuner out though....