UK amp maker sees great response to typical ‘English’ image
Ashdown has, yet again, an awful lot going on at NAMM, located in the heart of the rock n roll section of the hall and with its impressive London bus centred stand, which worked well (aside from the products of course) to bring thousands to see its ware.
First up is the 427 Small Block head, which has an octet of KT88s and three over-fed transformers lurking under the bonnet, as well as an ECC83-fueled preamp.
Following nicely on, the 550 Spyder Head combines the warmth and grind of the Small Block’s all-tube preamp with the dynamics of Ashdown’s 500-Watt ABM power stage for a smart, powerful gigging combo.
The third element from Ashdown is the BTA (Big Tube Head), which combines a third-generation ABM preamp with a choice of 200, 300 and 400-Watt valve output stages.
Rounding off the selection from the Essex noise boys is a wee amp named after James Dean’s car, the Little Bastard. This all-tube mini bass amp head is rated at 30 Watts, so it won’t rip your head off, but its EL84-equipped power section is more than capable enough for small gigs. And, of course, it won’t put your back out on the way (I know a lot of need that sort of reassurance).
