ossyrocks

So, I've been playing my new RM800. Comparing amps is always interesting, and sometimes difficult. Bass - '73 Fender Precision, cab - BF Super Compact (still waiting for the 3x10) The benchmark amp for me at the moment is my Tecamp Puma 900, and this is the amp I have been A/B'ing it with. I must say I am quite impressed with the RM800. The Tecamp has a lot of the "H" word in it, but it's also quite 2 dimensional, or polite, almost clinical in it's delivery. It's got a very tight punchy tone to it. It's like a well built Volvo (I drive a Volvo by the way), but is not that exciting. It gets the job done very very well. The Ashdown exhibits more character, has a wider, more open breadth of tone, maybe amplifies wider frequencies, or just sounds more interesting to the ear (?). But doesn't quite punch in the gut like the Tecamp, but it's actually ok that it does that. I really like it so far. I have actually been using a tiny bit of the Compressor in the amp, which is not like me. I usually go straight in with no effects, but the Compressor on this amp adds just that little je ne sais quoi when used sparingly. I'm keeping it, and I'm going to use it on my upcoming gigs, it feels good. Here's the settings on the amps at home in the lounge, both amps set to get a roughly similar tone from the same bass. But in the end, the amps do sound markedly different to each other. Rob

FIngers crossed that yours is as nice. It may be pot luck. But, you still have the right to return for online purchases.

Ok, my RM800 arrived yesterday. These were indeed advertised as "B" stock. "Used for demo and photography purposes, some minor wear and tear, no original packaging." It arrived in what looks like the proper Ashdown branded box, with the proper corner protectors in it, so I DO have original packaging. It came with a new mains leads too. The amp itself still has the plastic on the VU meter, and I honestly can't find a single mark on it, nothing. If they had said it was brand new, I would have believed it. So, I have what I think is a brand new RM800 direct from Ashdown for the princely sum of £475. Yay! Rob

I've just been told my 3x10 should be ready to ship by mid/late next week ! I ordered it on 7th May, so the 6-8 weeks lead time they quote is pretty accurate. In my case, more like 6 weeks. Rob

It won't be an issue with my BF cabs.

Cheers Tony, I've been thinking about trying one for ages, even bought a secondhand RM500 from PMT, but it arrived in a terrible state and went straight back. I've been looking on and off ever since, but then when I saw the "last chance" page on the Ashdown site, and just how much they were discounting them, I just bought one. I did spend the evening A/B/C'ing my current amps and have decided to let one of them go to pay for it (5 amps should be enough!). I like that fact that's it's British, and that the company stand behind them so firmly, it's reassuring. When I had a Mark Bass rig I was always worried that if it broke down I'd just have to throw it away. Ampeg is another I haven't tried, but even the V4B is a bit too big and heavy for me to contemplate using. I'd like to hear a Venture series head though. Rob

I've just ordered an RM 800 EVO II direct from Ashdown. It's B Stock, and therefore quite a bit cheaper than others. It will be my first time playing an Ashdown, so I'm looking forward to seeing how it sounds. Rob

Thanks for the review - deep, warm, definition, clarity, all good. Mine should be here in a few weeks. I've ordered it without a tweeter, I won't need it. I've also had a few of their 10" offerings and am currently running a Super Compact. I can't wait to have their 10" tone in a bigger cab! Rob

I have been looking at these for ages, and have finally caved in, RM800 EVO II incoming. I have watched a number of reviews/videos and nothing has deterred me. I bought direct from Ashdown via their discount page. £475 for the 800 is pretty good I think. Rob

Blimey https://altomusicshop.myshopify.com/products/fender-american-ultra-jazz-bass-in-ultraburst?_pos=6&_sid=52b9295c5&_ss=r

The handle on top of a ST is at the back, so there's plenty of room for the amp on top in front of the handle. With my Tecamp Puma 900 I have to use some sticky matt between the amp and cab otherwise the amp tends to wander. Rob

You are bold, it cannot be denied. In the absence of being able to try multiple amps in gigging situations, we are forced to take leaps of faith more often than we would like. The Tecamp Puma 900 I have, which is identical to the amp you've ordered, is about as close as I've got to the tone in my head so far. I too play P basses and BF cabs. It does have plenty of the "H" word. (Still not sure why we can't say heft! ha ha)

This is the same amp, albeit new. They can be had for about half this price secondhand, but I haven't seen many come up. A 500 sold on ebay a couple of weeks ago for less than £300. https://www.thomann.de/gb/eich_amplification_t900.htm Rob

@GreeneKing brought a GK Legacy 800 to the Bass Bash. We tried it through my 2 x BF Super Compacts. We were quite impressed with it, to the extent that I've now started looking for one secondhand. I also have a Bergantino Forte D, which I was going to sell until I ordered my BF 3x10 and now I want to try it through that. It's probably the most open natural sounding amp I've ever tried, but for me, with a P bass with flats and the tone rolled off a bit, I couldn't quite get get the mid sweet enough with the BF 12's. But I do like a lot of low mid. I can see why the Berg costs that much more though, it is a classy bit of kit.

I have a Tecamp Puma 900. Headroom for weeks. I settled on it mostly because I like the "Taste" control, and I use it at the "Rich" end of the dial. But I had someone try it out yesterday, more of a rock player and he set it flat and he loved it. At the bass bash a couple of weeks ago we directly compared my amp with the latest Eich T900, and we couldn't hear a difference. They are a good match with BF cabs too. Rob

I've been playing a pair of Super Compacts with a P bass. Full, deep tone with clarity is exactly what they do. Yes, they do rattle heads off the top on occasion. I use a non-slip mat for the head to keep it in place. Two BF 12's will sound immense, believe the hype.

PSA: Richard Henry Guitars has just posted on Facebook, a nice looking '72 Jazz now reduced to £3500. Sunburst/rosewood/tort. Inc covers, looks clean. I think this is quite a good buy for someone. Rob

P's never got the bullet, my '78 doesn't have one either