BluRay

[quote name='Kevin Dean' timestamp='1412763745' post='2571687'] I have the Ashdown Neo 2 x10 cab I Also have a Barefaced super 12T I have now done a few gigs with both cabs using the ABM 400 RH . The Barefaced cab naturally emphasizes the low end , too much for the plectrum style I like ,So I have to do a lot with the EQ & when gigging on a small stage I get a great sound when standing out front for a sound check but when standing on a tight stage I can't hear note definition very well , With the Ashdown 2 x10 even though it's a shorter cab I can hear it perfectly & get the sound I like with hardly any EQ . I use a 36" Shuker tuned D G C F & have no problems at all when playing with the octaver when we do some Peter Gabriel stuff . I'm about to order another 2 x10 to get the full efficiency out of the head not that I need it plus I think they look cool . [/quote] I have 2 abm neos (that I've posted about before - see link in my sig) – and it’s a killer rig, if quite big. A regular ABM head seems a good 30%+ louder using two of them together, and a CTM100 sounds vast through these cabs also. Never realised a 100w value amp would run so loud. Stacked, they look quite imposing on stage, and might appear overkill for the smaller gigs – but I just brass it out. Worth mentioning that, cos they are so narrow, they’re much more sure-footed stacked sideways, so worth getting extra set of feet (for the sides) if you get another one.

The second hand 408s at bass direct (mentioned above) look like a good deal? I have the 210 versions from the same ABM NEO range and they are exceptionally nice cabs - using two of them together sounds immense. They're are easy enough to carry due to the top handle and being quite slim, although 20kg is about as heavy as I'm comfortable with these days!

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1410957382' post='2555019'] Good luck to you though and if you ever get beyond playing for free for the possibility of a pint and a few CDs sold and any of your songs become popular I'll be sure to suggest to the band that we trot them out for you [/quote] Ha! Be my guest. On balance, between the merch and the rare good-payer, it probably balances out. We tend to put our proceeds back into the band (for studio, stock etc), rather than pocket any profits individually. To be fair, most - if not all - original bands that I know (excluding any that are genuinely well known), have to suck up a lot of poorly compensated gigs to pave the way to the better ones. Its a very common situation. [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1410976840' post='2555279'] And I'll book you...you'll not mind playing for free then as well, will you? [/quote] Be delighted to, see above

Speaking from the perspective of a smallish originals band, we almost never get paid anyway. In fact it’s rare to get basic expenses and a pint each for our trouble. A cover band in the venue next door may have charged £200+ for trotting out assorted hits of yester-year, and good luck to them. If that’s the going rate for playing covers, that’s what they should get. We’ve made the choice to stick to originals, despite knowing its something we usually have to subsidise ourselves – often because the venues that support original bands are not exactly little goldmines. Many need support themselves! We usually shift some merch which helps with the costs, get the odd dole-out from PRS, and enjoy doing our own thing. So when the fundraisers come calling, we make the decision based on whether it’s a “proper” event, and one where we’ll go down well (usually linked to venue and which other bands are on the bill). Every so often we regret it – but wouldn’t never say never

I don't mid sharing my backline with bands next to us on the bill. These things are usually sorted out in advance, so no big deal. I'd rather share my gear than be forced to use some inadequate practice amp - which has happened quite a lot. These days I tend to bring my rig even when asked not to (just in case!). Don't think I've ever seen a band turn up empty handed, without a clue about where the backline is coming from.

I had the titchy little 1820 (with just one 18 driver plus 2x10 above). It weighed an absolute tonne and was completely impractical - but, to be fair, always sounded fantastic. The 3620 looks insane.

Update for the OP - gigged the CTM 100 for the first time last night. Smallish venue with loud band (2x Marshalled-up guitars etc). Backline only with just vox going through the PA. Didn't have the volume past 12 oclock, and plenty of headroom.

[quote name='grenadilla' timestamp='1406205200' post='2509292'] In the States the neo 210 was $100 more than an ABM 410, when a store had some to sell. Has anyone tried both to compare ? ( I meant cabinet, not combo ) [/quote] I traded my abm 410 in for 2x Neo 210 - so didn't compare side by side - but I think my abm 410 was darker sounding and coloured the tone a bit more. The neo is very crisp and punchy – it can run very deep but still tight. On balance I prefer the neo – but its subjective really. I could get away with a single neo 210 to match my normal backline volume – but I usually use two (which can run very loud). I’d say its definitely worth the extra $100 for nearly half the weight.

The neo cabs are really nice. A single neo 210 (with a regular abm head) is plenty loud enough for band backline, so I guess the 400w combo would be quite similar. Two neo cabs together run very loud indeed. I was briefly in possession of a neo 210 combo, as I was sent one in error when I ordered my cabs. Its only about 7kg heavier than the cab on its own - but that made it a little bit too hefty for me. Looked really nice tho - was a shame to send it back!

[quote name='Kevin Dean' timestamp='1405678808' post='2504231'] At the moment I use the ABM Neo 400 R with a Barefaced super 12T . I use the ABM head with the foot switch to cover all the sounds I need , The EQ & Drive to get a Stranglers type sound , Compression & Octave for Tony Levin type sound , but with the shape button it is just a little bit to bass heavy & was hoping that the Neo 2x10 might just resolve that . Plus it looks nicer , looks easier to carry , & I'm just talking myself into getting one ...Oh & the after sales service at Ashdown has been excellent [/quote] I wouldn't use the shape button on the neo cab either TBH. I get better results with running the abm eq mostly flat, no compression and a bit of drive.The neo cabs are a bit less dark and bassy than regular abm (never tried S12), so you can bump the bass / low mids more, and its still nice and tight - but I don't think the shape thing helps much.

I haven't noticed any hiss at all. I've only used the 210 version, and its plenty deep (thats using an abm head). Can't comment on the neo 115 - I didn't like the regular abm 115 particularly, so decided to stick with the 210s.

[quote name='Merton' timestamp='1405617118' post='2503735'] Glad you like. I think the CTM100 has become my favourite amp ever very rapidly. And I've gone through a fair few amps in the last ten years [/quote] Yeah, I didn't want to gush too much cos I've only had it a week, and still getting to know it. But first impressions are that the natural tone is nothing short of fantastic. It can match my normal backline volume in a fairly loud band, with some grit but not overdriven (would need pa support if much more clean-ish volume required), looks great, and no need to call in the (non existent) road crew to help me move it. Top marks so far!

[quote name='Kevin Dean' timestamp='1405637154' post='2504012'] Thanks for that , Can you adjust the tweeter ? [/quote] No (TBH I had to check there was one ) In my other abm cabs I always had the tweeter switched off - but I prefer the sound of the neo cabs overall, so not sure it matters (to me anyway) that you can't switch it off.

I havent seen any other product videos - but I'm really liking the sound from my NEO cabs. Brief description via the link in my sig

I used my CTM 100 for the first time at rehearsal last night. I play in quite a loud band, and usually quite high in the mix. Was a bit worried it wouldn't cut it - but actually I was able to play (and cut through) comfortably at my normal gigging volume. I had it set snarly when I dug in but not unwanted fuzz. The natural tone is to die for and what its about. Can’t imagine ever using effects with it. The eq is subtle to say the least – but there’s not much to change really. Bumped the mids and treble a bit for the guitar mix, but I could have left it flat and still been very happy. For context, I was using 2xABM 210s (not neos) and Yamaha 2024 which runs quite hot for a passive bass. Using the high input I had the volume cranked to about 3 o'clock. When I switched to the low input, it felt like an adrenaline boost - everything down a big step to compensate. I think I prefer the slightly tamer high input for the yammy, but its good to know there’s more under the hood if needed. I’m still experimenting with it – but based on last night’s effort, id say its plenty powerful enough for regular gigs. Well happy.

[quote name='Handwired' timestamp='1405356794' post='2501177'] just stay away from Ashdown cabs! [/quote] Unless you're looking for a well made, reliable and (subjectively) very good sounding cab that's designed to compliment an ashdown head.

CTM100 acquired! Didn't get chance to unpack it until I got back after last night's gig, and it took supreme act of willpower not to crank it up at 1.15am. Certainly looks the business up close - the website pics don't do it justice. Its going to be a loooong day waiting to get home to try it out.I'll be trying it out on a band setting next week.

[quote name='BluRay' timestamp='1404755282' post='2495462'] Guess you pay for lightweight - the heavy version was somewhat cheaper! [/quote] Edit cos I originally said by how much, and then inexplicably felt a bit guilty about it

[quote name='hubrad' timestamp='1404734825' post='2495145'] I was just looking round at such things.. PMT online must have the limited edition model - only seems to weight 1kg! [url="http://www.pmtonline.co.uk/ashsown-ctm-100-valve-bass-head.html"]http://www.pmtonline...-bass-head.html[/url] [/quote] Guess you pay for lightweight - the heavy version was somewhat cheaper!

I've just had a major GAS blowout and ordered a CTM 100. I hope to report back in a few weeks with how it fairs in a loud band setting.

I quite like the matched headstock and the hipshot addition is nice. Not so keen on the extra cutaway and ponsey inlay. Not sure I'd prefer it to the standard version really.

I have a 2024x and its an absolute beast. Worth every penny. No fiddling with controls required - just plug in for the fattest snarlyest rock tone ever. Its feels like a big-ass bass to play - large body and headstock - and feels very assertive (if that makes sense). The neck is just right. Top notch fit and finish. Mine's finished in black, and does seem to pick up scratches - if I was getting another (which I probably will at some stage) I'd get a white or sunburst one because of that. Awesome basses tho.

I bought a squier jaguar (last month) for my 11 year old lad - and its fab. Plays really well, sounds and looks good, and right size. Recommended.

Whats the verdict on the CTM 100 in terms of volume? I'm wondering if it will be loud enough to hold up against two noisy geetards and heavy hitting drummer? (gas build up pending!). I'd be running it with two abm neo 210s. Ta