Ashdown FA-50 DSP Fallen Angel

I've always loved the looks of these amps, but could never justify buying one until they went on sale at a close out price ($299). I needed another amp like I needed the flu, but my buyer's resistance wore down.

Since these will no longer be manufactured, I'll repeat some of it's features. It's the solid state version of the Fallen Angel line of guitar amplifiers Ashdown marketed from 2004 through 2007. This model has a tube pre-amp and a solid state output stage that runs 50 watts RMS. It has two channels, each with dedicated gain, volume, and bass, middle, and treble controls. One channel also has a boost feature that adds gain. Unique among amplifiers is the dual master volume control setup. You can set two different volume levels for the entire amp. This means each channel can have two preset volume levels selectable by a footswitch - this lets you have a rhythmn and solo volume setting for each channel.

There are 3 digital effects selectable by a 16 position rotary switch - the effects are chorus, flange and delay. The intensity, and speed of each effect is predetermined by which setting you choose with the rotary switch. Effects can be turned on and off. There is also a separate reverb control that operates independently of the digital effects. A power out meter is included on the front panel that actually works.

There is provision for an effects loop. There is a four button footswitch included that switches channels, turns boost and effects on and off, and selects between the two master volume levels.

I have to say this is one gorgeous looking piece of equipment. Unlike the all black tube versions, the solid state Fallen Angels are covered with a tu-tone burgundy and black covering - very British-looking. The lettering on the control panel is white (not red, like the tube models). Also, unlike most amps that have a single carrying handle on the top, this one has two on either side of the top. And while this forces you to carry it with two hands, it also makes it feel lighter than it is.

So far, I've only tried this amp in my den, although it seems to put out an amazing volume level for 50 solid state watts. I play older stuff - classic rock, country, blues and standards. I perform as a one man band, playing dinner/dances for older folks (like myself). So my gigs aren't too demanding, but I do need a lot of tonal variety.

I find the tonal versatility of this amp to be most impressive, particularly for what I play. People have complained that these tend to have too much bass (Ashdown, after all, is known for making bass amps). But by careful adjustment of the 3 tone controls, you can reduce the bass to acceptable levels. In my case, a lot of the stuff I play needs a rich, full sound, and this amp delivers that in spades. What's especially impressive is that it lacks the antiseptic, ice pick sound many solid state amps produce. I believe the tube pre-amp contributes to this. Also, unlike so many amps that have a pure clean channel, the inclusion of a gain control on the Angel's clean channel means you can dial in a bit of grit to give it a warmer, almost tube-like sound.

The distortion channel isn't too bad for crunchy stuff, and working with the channel's gain, volume, and one of the master volume controls, you can fine tune how much dirt you want. And the boost feature is great for solo work on this channel. But for very high gain stuff, I'm not overly impressed. If I were a metal player, I may not choose this amp.

The effects are somewhat limited and a bit overpowering, but are certainly useable. The reverb likewise is okay.

I've played a Gibson Flying V, Standard Strat, Standard Tele, and an Epiphone Dot through this amp and all sound pretty good.

It's too soon to tell how reliable this amp will be, so I'm not assigning a rating. I will carry a backup to gigs, just in case!

Haven't had to get support, so no opinion.

I've been playing for over 45 years and have owned a lot of amps. The Fallen Angel 50 is a very pleasant surprise. For me, although tube amps sound slightly better than solid state amps, I don't like their price and their weight. This amp sounds more tube-like than any other solid state amp I own. And aside from the killer looks, which I absolutely adore, I love the flexibility offered by the master volume controls and the inclusion of a gain control in each channel. It's also nice to have an incouded footswitch - no extras to buy!

Dislikes? Well, I wish it had a built in tuner (that might be a better use for that silly power meter). And, it is much too large and heavy for what it has - the cabinet is as large as my Twin reverb, and it tips the scales at nearly 50 lbs (my Fender Deluxe 900, 90 watt solid state 1-12 amp weighs only 34 lbs). But the dual carrying handles do make it feel lighter when carrying it.

Overall, it's too bad Ashdown stopped making these (although a sister company, Hayden, amkes a variation calle the "Peacemaker").

2007 When the amp arrived there were only 3 bolts actually holding in the brain. The assembler must have leaned on the drill too hard cus the screw was shoved clean through the top of the cabinet.

The reverb and the effects did not work at all. The sound was like an early transister amp very bland. More like dark and lifeless. At any rate I could tell even without the effects there was no way it was a keeper.

Who knows. Busted when I got it.

I've been playing over 50 years. Dont even thing about buying this Chineze junk, you will be sorry. The only good thing was it looked pretty good, nice cabinet. Also where the screw had gone through the top of the cabinet it seemed like real chincy particle board. Sent it back to Musicians Friend the next day. Great people to do business with............