Ashdown Peacemaker 40 112 Combo

see others. wish it had a REAL 3rd channel.

strengths: There are no strengths about this amp, except maybe the looks. it's a piece of crap!! since i got this amp it crapped out on me several times. when it worked, the OD channel sounded like crap.

see above.

any amp is better than this one!
cheap components! which suck big time!

got it used. no warranty. no dealers that know this amp or how to get parts.

If your thinking of buying this amp - dont!! its a waste of money!! ive spent more on repairs for the amp than i bought it for!! now it's broken again. i use it as a chair. i only still have this piece of crap because no dealer wants to trade it in.

All you could want.

N/A

I'll just add a bit here as I reviewed the amp once before.
Whilst this amp was getting fixed I spent the last 12 days with a friends 100watt Fender Solid State. I thought that it was fine until I got the Peacemaker back today.

It is so much warmer and raspier than I remember it being. Sometimes things have to go away for you to miss them and truly appreciate them.

In comparasion to the Fender, the Peacemaker is beautiful.

Not great boys and girls. That's why I am writing another review- something went wrong...??? I don't know exactly what, don't get technical with me, but I think it was to do with the master volume pots dying a death and it had to get back to Ashdown.

But the real reason I am writing is to comment on the customer support.... Read on McDuff

Answered my e mails promptly and with plenty of advice in a friendly manner.

Whenever they thought I couldn't sort it they told me to send it back. I had a few problems sending the thing, to do with the courier rather that Ashdown.
After a couple of days I emailed Ashdown to see if it had arrived and I was told it was on it's way home.

Works fine, all work carried out under warranty... can you ask for more?

Still a fan of the amp... lovely rich tone on the clean and when you're playing with a few friends that 2nd channel sounds a lot better than when you are noodling on your own.

The only issue I have is over reliability, I have a great sound, but I am very conscious that that sound is paid for by the fragility of tubes.

As described by others: 2 - 3 channels, 2 master volumes etc in many ways the most feature rich tube combo ...

All the people who have heard the clean channel said: WOW.

Concerning the distortion channals - some like it some don't. In my experience (I had 3 of these by now): it varies from model to model, some are more screachy and some are fluid-singing.

Test the actual unit you are buying and decide.

In principle I would have to give it 9, but I love that clean sound and it sounds so UNBELIEVABLY good through 412 cabinet (that nehances the bottom and adds the depth - which is why most reviewers give better rating to 212 60W model) so I cannot give less than 10 ... try it with 412 or 212 and you'll understand :-)

In the first one the transformer was blowing fuses, so they gave me another one ... no problems since ... and I gig once per week

They replied to my Emails and phone calls (in the UK):
very nice people - helpfull.

If you need all these channel switching / volume options then it is for you. In the USA try also Yorkvilles and Reverend hellhound and also Fender Prosonic combo ... If stollen, I would order a custom made one made by Ashdown specially for me with some additional gadgets and features ...

The main problem with this amp is that a resale value is not that high as it's not a Fender or Marshall or ... but soundwise it is great sounding versatile combo.

I am updating my prior review now that I've used the amp over a longer period of time.:

A key feature this amp has is the dual volume control that is selectable with a footswitch. My only complaint in this regard is that the stock footswitch won't select the volume channel. You have to get a separate single-button switch for that.

One thing I didn't like was that the footswitch has no indicators for when the items are on or off. I don't like having to crane my neck to look back at the amp to find this out. So I installed some LEDs on my footswitch and I'm happy! These are easy to add and they're cheap, so I don't understand why Ashdown wouldn't have them in there.

The 40W power is just right for me. It works well on it's own in a small club, and mic's nicely in a larger setting.

Many reviewers rave the clean channel and slam the distortion channel. I think in most cases this is based upon only a cursory review of the product. You can't fairly evaluate this amp by playing with it for 10 minutes in a music store and walking out, or even for an hour in your living room. Also, if you are looking for a particular type of distortion, this amp may or may not match that expectation.

It is true that the clean channel on this amp is excellent. Beefy low end, crisp/clean high end, and can be contoured fairly nicely with the tone controls. Using strat pickups and gain set at about 12 o'clock it will get the slightest break-up. It also works well with humbuckers. I have since upgraded my ES-347 to Harmonic Design classic humbuckers and this things rocks big time.

The distortion channel simply must be used live. What I said before and will say again is that the only issue I have with the distortion channel is that it's a little too aggressive. It distorts heavily even at fairly low gain settings before you even think about kicking in the "channel 3" extra boost. However, by keeping the gain set at, say, 9 o'clock or less you can get what I'll call an "intense crunch". Also when playing live, as another reviewer noted below, the channel 2 simply just sings. Evaluating the channels in my living room, I thought I'd never use channel 2 except in extreme cases. But when playing live I found it has an excellent voice for solos adding that beautiful distorted edge, and gives a nice scratchy rhythm for quickly-brushed chords.

Anyway... I wanted to add this update so that readers would not off-hand reject this amp due to its distortion channel. If you are wanting a Fender distortion, you need to get a Fender. The Ashdown amp distortion has its own sound, probably closest to boutique. But it is very useful and musical for a number of musical styles including blues, contemporary jazz, metal, and classic rock.

After I got past my loose 12AX7 problem, I've had no issues with this amp from a reliability standpoint. I found out that the tube shields that Crate sells fit this amp. (I happen to have a Crate VC6112 with tube shields, which allowed me to discover this.) So I bought some tube shields from Crate to put into the Ashdown. The springs on the Crate shields are much more aggressive than those on the Ashdown, so I clipped the springs down to reduce the intensity of the force on the tube. They work great.

I have read and seen issues others have had with cracked VU meters. If you are evaluating the amp based upon that, you need to find out if it was a shipping/packing problem that may have since been resolved.

Bottom line: I've been using my amp for about 9 months now playing live about once per week and had no reliability problems after securing the tubes.

Customer support I'll still say is sporadic. If you email a technical question, like "what tubes correspond to what stages in the pre-amp?", you'll get a good, prompt answer. They also replied to my question about whether my plan for installing LEDs in the footswitch would cause any problems.

Places where I found Ashdown lacking, though, are:

* They don't respond well to problems or difficulties. In fact, you're likely to get no reply at all. They really need a descent tech support e-mail and/or phone number.

* They need a way for folks outside of UK to order accessories, such as an amp cover. I found an amp cover recently on their site and it was listed as "includes shipping" in the UK. I sent an email asking what the deal would be for a US shipment. NO REPLY. Don't these guys want to sell stuff?? Their US distributors don't have the amp covers. And I don't want to spend over $100 on a kangaroo cover... PLEASE!

* They need a way for people to order spare parts (knobs, tube shields, VU meter).

I still really like this amp. For the money, it's hard to beat. Alternatives close to this price might be a USED Fender Vibrolux Reverb. Or if you're lucky you might find a USED Rivera Chubster 40 at this price (although likely about $150 or so more money). Having not tried these other two choices, I don't know if they'd be better. I'd like to find these two in a music shop somewhere to give them a spin. And of course there's the Ashdown Fallen Angel 40 now. I'd like to give that one a try too if I had the chance.

I'll give this amp a 9 for overall value.

Same as all other posters, so I won't repeat.

Have all kinds of guitars - Ernie Ball SS Axis, Silhouette, Les Paul Goldtop with PAFs, Custom Shop Fender Fat Strat, several old Ibanez Roadstars with upgraded pickups, mostly Duncans. Gives me a good chance to explore the range of sounds. I am not a pro but playing for 30 years, all kinds of stuff from Stones, Zepellin to Slipknot, Tool. Sundays its Muddy Waters and SRV. I have had the amp for two years and it has taken me this long to appreciate. I don't think the amp is all it can be with the stock Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, so I have been experimenting with Fane and Jensen (no real success) finally hitting the jackpot with a ten year old Mesa Vintage Black Shadow that was reconed. There is open, much more textured and warm now, closer to the high end boutique stuff. I found the V30 only good for the Marshall squeal, jangly Tele stuff or funk stuff. Being Brits they are aligned more with the Marshall crowd than the California sound. The LesP was well matched to the V30 speaker but is no longer the best fit. The single coils of the Fender are beautiful sounding, while the high gain stuff from the Ernie Ball Axis has wonderful grind and growl when CH1 gain is 10 and volume is 7 high while Master is 4. I have matched set of Groove Tubes in both pre and power sections which are also a noticeable improvement over the stock stuff. The sustain does not modulate and there is better definition on chords. With tube and speaker changes, drop D or C tuning is impressive. FYI, my son is 16 and a talented player who prefers this to his muddy Mesa Single Rect Combo. I find Channel 2/3 not useful or enjoyable. So I stay with pedals in front of the the clean channel. Ibanez TS modded by Analogman and usual Boss stuff, chorus, delay.
Nothing crazy. Lastly, I always keep this amp away from the wall a few feet and have removed the back panels. Then again I don't gig and only have to fill a 15x20 room. As a recreational player with play money and a kid that changes gear like he changes NFL football jerseys, I have been through all the major names (Marshall DSL, 5150, Fender, Line 6) and only have kept a Hiwatt Lead 50 through Mesa 2x12, Soldano HotRod 50 XL+ through Trutone 2x12 with Webers, and this Peacemaker 40 Combo with a 1x12 Vintage Mesa speaker. Great controls, highly flexible. Let's the sound of your axe some through, no two sound the same.

No issues. Has been dropped and still works fine.

Hope I never need service, in Toronto there's only commitment to Ashdown for Bass.

I wish I would have bought the Peacemaker 60 head, then I would have been able to find the right speaker match for my taste much easier. This is a great combo for the dough, but there's no prestige owning it and resale will be poor.

This amp was manufactured in November 2002 and although is seemed versatile at first, it does have several problems.

This amp is a sudo-Class A amp, not a true Class A but close enought that you will be hard pressed to tell the difference without electrical meters to measure the output, etc.

The "3rd" channel is also a sudo-3rd channel that basically sends more voltage through the preamp tube section and only works in channel two mode.

The effect loop is good and can be used to mix or drive the power tube section.

If it were not for the electrical 60 hz buzz and the constant drop in volume while playing... this would be a great amp.

Most of all - I especially like te ability to switch between two power settings. Good trick that other manufacturers should adapt to their amps.

Stratocasters, Telecasters and P-90 Les Pauls.

Mostly I play the blues and always cut heads at the local bars and clubs.

Fo a 40 watt amp, it is loud enough to cut through the drummer and bass and get that bluesy tone that only tubes can deliver.

However, this particular amp has dropped in volume at the wrong times, really pissing me off. (Lead and cuts and dies in volume)

Ashdown is a joke, send the amp to England ?

Fix the BUZZ and Dead amp problem

Stupid brits - set up a service chain for the equipment you sell. Answer e-mails and phones - Jerks

I am go a sucker to buy this amp from me.

I will not buy another Ashdown.

2 Channel all tube 40W combo. Boost on channel 2. Two footswitchable master volumes, parallel FX loop, with mix level. Loads of stuff for a little combo. Oh.. and a speedometer!(Vu meter)
I have now used and gigged this amp at a reasonable volume so can now give a qualified opinion.
The amount of power this amp kicks out is excellent. it is rated at 40 watts into 16 ohms. As the celetion speaker fitted is 8 ohms, this probably means that I am getting more like 50 or 60 watts out of it. My band use a 2K vocal rig, 1K bass rig, keyboards, and I don't need to mic up. Guitar amps usually cut through well, and this amp is no exception.
I don't need anything else from an amp.

I have used this amp with my Les Paul Studio, my gold top and an Ibanez SA. All sound excellent, and the different sounds are what you would expect.
The eq is extremely responsive, so you will probably not find your ideal tones without plenty of experimentation. excellent mild break up of the channel one sound when driven. Channel two perfect for 70's rock, classic guitar tones, especially from the les paul. Got some good Hendrix tones from the ibanez neck pickup. I play Lizzie, Bad Company, Boobie Bros, Floyd, and tones are great for that stuff.
This is a classic sounding tube amp. It doesn't do nu-metal and 80's thrash, but I suppose if that's what you play, then you shouldn't even look at this amp. Boost works well, adding extra overdrive, Good clean reverb. Sounds the best once you get master volume above half way. If you don't drive the amp, you don't get the tone. This is definitely a gigging amp. If this piece of equipment was your practice/low volume amp, I am sure you would be less impressed. But that's not what it is designed for.
Very low noise, much less noise than my Marshall JMP head.
All round amp. Can't give full marks though, as no amp can please everyone.

Still relatively new. Arrived in pristine condition, and no faults so far.

No comment yet. Let's wait and see.

I bought this amp because:
A. Price - I don't have much spare cash
B. Sounds great.
C. Although my marshall JMP head has the best overdrive in the world (No arguments please), it has not got the versatility of a modern combo.
Arguments about boutigue, class A, comparisons against mesa amps etc are irrelevant, like comparing a Ford to a Ferrari. If you are to do comparisons, then it needs to be against other 40/50 watt valve combos less than #600. There are very few of these, and even fewer better than this amp.

I am the very first reviewer of this amp so by now I think I know 'all' about it and many people have asked me questions.

Features are basically almost class A great sounding channel 1 with SWEET sounding EL84s, and 2/3 channel that some people like and some dislike ... 2 master volumes, great reverb
and very light 112 combo ...

I am writing this as I want to comment on TUBES - read on.

The pre-amp tubes are Sovtek Electro-Harmonix AX or ECC83.

I wanted softer and smoother distortion that starts EARLIER on channel 2 so I replaced the pre-amp tubes 2 and 3, i.e. next to the shielded small tube no.1 that handles channel 1 only.

I used Fender Groove tubes equivalents and these make distortion slightly earlier and darker which suits my style.

If you want even more improvement then buy JJ ECC83 - these cost around $20 per pair. If you like the channel 1, like most people do, then just replace tube no 3 (for channel 2-3).

The power tubes are EL84 and again if you like the best go for NOS by Mullard - but these cost $400 or more for a set. A great alternative are again (Slovak tesla) JJ EL84s or as a spare Groove Tubes EL84s ...

In general the best advice on valves you get from
watfordvalves.com in England and they have made numerous tests ...

people who do not get fabulous TONE i.e. sweet sounding almost class A tubey EL84 singing channel 1 - have a problem with their ears or the amp is faulty, period.

namely, people normally pay $2000+ for any true class A single channel EL84 tube amp or combo like Matchless AC30 ... or Orange AD30R ... and Ashdown gives you an extra channel, is much lighter and 25% of the price ...

I am not giving it 10 as nowadays the very best dry tube amp on the Planet is $900 THD UniValve =10 ... so I am objective ...

Peacemaker channel 1 , when hot, comes close ...

NOTE also that people who reviews 212 PM60 gave it 10 as psychologically 2 X 12" speakers convince some ears more ...

Finally, you can pull the second pair of EL84s and then you have a sweet 15W combo amp that distorts earlier ! That will reduce the lifetime of your 2 working EL84 valves a lot :-)

This is NOT hand-made amp so cannot get 10.

Until now I have heard of 3 cases where people had to replace their first combo, but given the fact that this is from the whole Planet (and many called me as the first reviewer) this is not too bad - I had worse things with Marshalls or Peaveys ...

Apart from these 3 initially faulty amps (blew fuses) all the others were happy and the questions were how to fine tune the sound and I advised to use initially treble and middle and reverb below 9 at all channels. Also test the amp with all knobs at maximum except reverb - and NO pluged guitar - to test the intrinsic noise. which is very low - lower than any Fender ...

When you add reverb it adds noise but that's usual if you have much treble. I use reverb at maximum in one song and it acts
almost as a slap echo - GREAT sound ...

Go to ashdown.co.uk and send them mails
or call them and they reply ...

In Switzerland Marcandella guys are perfect so - 10

I said it before but I repeat: this is the best almost clas A tube amp of the MOST desired type i.e. class A 4 X EL84s: that's a classic that everybody dreams like reference Matchless AC30.

PM 40 can give you that sound in channel 1 when hot if you have the best EL84 valves (or add a second speaker for loudness).
When you have THAT sound - then you no longer need words ...
and it is easy to add distortion or whatever ...

People differ on channel 2 but that's normal - that's for rock yet not quite for any metal rock and I said before - I tamed it and now I use it with gain and volume at maximum and all else at zero
with slightly open bass. When I switch it ON it forces power tubes into singing ...

If you really need final argument: Use channel 1 and again have gain and volumes at maximum and EQ at minimum. VERY slowly, slightly open the bass to 8am and play your Les Paul
very hard - you will DIE for the tone if you hit it hard as THE SOUND of DISTORTING EL84 POWER TUBES is what I and all the Masters of the tube sound call: THE Divine Tone !

Enough said for tonight: Happy playing :-)

pretty good features for the price. 2 channels, gain boost on channel 2 (not actually 3 channel amp though) 2 master volumes. the amps pretty well built, and the VU meter looks cool.

the clean channel is, frankly, amazing. Nice and jangley but goes a bit crunchy as the gain goes up. One negative reviewer said that to say the Peacemaker sounded like an aveage SS amp "would be a compliment." I dont know where he gets all his gear from, but Id like to - this amp sounds amazing. Channel 2/3 is a really good sound if you like blues/ classic rock, it is a distinctive voice but a versatile one that covers a lot of ground so long as you aren't into 80's shred or nu-metal. If you are, buy a Marshall (or change your taste in music:) ) all in all, very nice. Word of advice though, the amps EQ is VERY sensitive and interactive, so setting up a good sound takes time, so dont listen to the negative reviews, as the guys probably only tried them in the shop.

seems sturdy enough in terms of the fundamental components. however, the front panel is quite roughly cut, and some people ( though not me ) seem to have had problems with the VU meter and fuses. the plastic knobs also chip quite easily. apart from this, however, the amp seems built to last, and most of what can go wrong is either cheap to replace (eg. fuses) or purely aesthetic anyway(eg. chipped knobs)

never had a problem

relly good amp for blues, R n B, pop, classic rock. Less good for metal (though having said that, with a good distortion pedal, I've managed some Rage against the machine covers). Takes time to get sounding good, but when it does, it sounds really good. Amazing looking too, except for some small, minor blemishes (such as rough cut front panel, chip-able knobs) but I suppose you get what you pay for, and I'd rather they cut corners in non-essential areas like this than in other, more major areas. Recommended!

Very versatile valve amp - 2 channel with an extra footswitchable gain boost on channel 2, all the EQ controls you need, 2 master volumes, reverb, impedence selectable speaker out and a dedicated 16 ohm speaker out. In short, it has all the features you need from a combo like this. Lots of features for the amazing price.

For me this is where the peacemaker really excels. I use a Les Paul Black Beauty (3 pickup) and on occasion, my brother's Yamaha RGX 270. The clean is simply fantastic, ranging from a very jangly, sparkly sound to a great light crunch when the gain is increased. The overdrive, while not for everyone's taste - this is no Marshall style distortion - is also great, with the EQ working wonders in changing the sound. To compare it to a Marshall is missing the point - it was never designed for that type of overdrive. Connecting it up to a 4x12 is simply breathtaking. Plus, it can be turned right down (to the point where if you turned the master volume any lower it would be inaudible) and still retain a useable sound. Great for bedroom practising.

Although the first one I received was damaged in transit (broken VU meter cover), this amp is very reliable. I have owned it for months, used it live and in the studio, and have had no reliability problems so far.

As I said, the first one I received was broken. I phoned up, was sent a new amp within 2 days and was given a single footswitch and 6m lead for the inconvenience. Also has a 5 year warranty - very generous.

I've been playing for 4 years, and this amp is as good as any I have seen. Considering the price, it's great. I also own a Marshall JCM head and 4x12, which combine together really well, but connecting my 4x12 to the peacemaker produces different, but equally pleasing results. If you want lots of distortion, it is probably best to buy a Marshall. But if you can do without the gain, and want excellent tones from a fairly small combo, this is a fantastic combo which is well worth the modest price tag. Buy one now!