Ashdown Electric Blue 15-180 Bass Combo Amplifier (180 Watts, 1x15 in.)

Balanced DI output. FX loop. Sub-harmonic generator.

Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

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"Best in its class, easily"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
 
 
 
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:
For the price, the amount and quality of features is amazing. Seperate in and out volume amplification knobs, LED meter showing if you're about to overdrive the preamp, high and low impedance ins, very effective 5-band EQ, "deep" and "bright" switches (which boost the extreme lows and highs respectively), subharmonic generator with level control, effects loop, XLR direct out, tuner out, along with a plug in back for an extra cab.... The amp even has a dual-speed cooling fan.

Quality:
The carpet covering seems durable enough, along with the front grill. It would probably take a lot of abuse to take this amp out of commission. The only thing I have some doubts about is the top handle, it's just a hard rubber strip (like most combos in this price range) and it will probably last for a while, but handles on the sides would have been better. The knobs are also a little loose, which just means that your settings might get messed up a little while you're moving it, but nothing major.

Value:
I looked at a number of other low-end 15" combos -- Gallien-Krueger, Fender, SWR, Ibanez -- and the Electric Blue is not only cheaper and has almost double the power, but it even sounds at least as good or better in my opinion.

Desirability:
This was actually the first reason I noticed this amp. The blue amp head and speaker are cooler than heck, much more so than your normal black cabinet/black speaker motif. Plus it's British, 'nuff said.

Sound:
Very clean sound, with some good EQing and use of the bright and deep switches you can get it to fit just about any style of music you want. I have the lows, mids, and highs down a little and the low- and high-mids up, and it gives it a killer growl when I play with a pick. I use a cheap Japanese Fender P-J bass and I can get it to sound like a $1000 Stingray through this amp (well maybe not quite, but almost). The only thing that keeps me from giving this a 10 is that the sub-harmonic generator makes things a little muddy if used with lower notes. It also distorts somewhat and gets some noticeable noise at very high volumes, but chances are you won't have to push it that hard anyway.

Overall:
I was playing through my dad's old Gallien-Krueger GMT 300B head and a homemade 15" cab before I got this, and I don't think I could have found a better deal on a "first" amp (although I've been playing bass for almost four years). It just goes to show that you don't have to buy an amp from a well-known brand like Fender or SWR to get good quality. If it was stolen I would definitely buy another one. With 180 watts RMS and its extention cab out I can't see myself needing more power anytime in the near future, and if I did I could always just mic it or plug it straight into the PA. Someday if all goes well I'll probably end up getting a higher-end tube amp like an Ampeg SVT or Ashdown ABM, but until then the Electric Blue will do just fine.

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"I'm not trying to sell you this product. Nor do I work for Ashdown. Nor am I lying about the awesome sound. This is just an awe"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:
Many of today's amps come with built in effects. Ashdowns don't, but the effects on most amps sound artificial and boring anyway, so I don't really care. This ashdown is loaded with features, though, such as multiple imputs and effect/tuner imputs, an easy to use but powerful 5-band EQ, and in/out switches for bright and deep.

Quality:
Tough as nails. I have had no problems with my amp so far, and over the past 6 months that I've owned it, I've noticed no diminishment in sound quality or max. volume. The bulky buttons and switches don't fall off, the carpet cover is completely in tact, and I've taken it all around Illinois without it falling apart or breaking.

Value:
I bought this amp for it's dollar-to-watts ratio, and it's better than any other amp I've found. Totally worth it, this amp packs serious punch in a cheap package.

Desirability:
blue amp + awesome sound + fifteen inch speaker with blue accents + really cool head with cool buttons + smooth carpet covering + British flair = really really sexy amp

Sound:
We all by Ashdown amps for sound. The 'electric blue 180' delivers the warmest tone that I've heard on any amp, and it truly stands out from other bass amps with its lound, clean, soft tone.

Overall:
Awesome sound, great price, lasting quality, cool features, knowledgable support, huge speaker, not too heavy, insanely loud (but doesn't lose sound quality when playing quietly), sturdy construction...need I say more?

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"Ashdown tone, ashdown quality, ashdown looks, what more can you ask for?"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
Well, not many fancy incorporated effects, so what? most amps with built in effects suck. The sub harmonic is great, but you have to understand one thing, when you are setting the Sub harmonic's knob you'r actually setting the volume of the effect, not the degree of Octaves. high boost, low boost, 5 band EQ, XLR out, Efect's loop, EXTENSION CAB CAPABILITY PEOPLE! The only thing I wish this thing had extra is making the Sub-Harmonics foot switchable.

Quality:
I havn't had a single issue with it in the 1.5Year+ I'v had it.

Value:
Not 10 simply put becouse I am still to try a Perfect amp.

Desirability:
C'm on people, this thing looks amazing. the VU meter is stylish, as is the brand's logo, and the Blue speaker just looks amazing.

Sound:
Ohh waht can I say. oh, yes. ASHDOWN PEOPLE. This brand is reckognized for one thing: TONE. and their lower end products (unlike many other brands ones) are faithful to this reputation. Far better sound than a Behringer, and just slightly more expensive. I love the sound from this thing, It's extremeley well balanced, Sharp highs, thump'n mids and booming lows, all the way. This thing sounds so good even without EQ'ing that I only use the EQ for a slight bass boost.

Ease of Use:
You dont even need to EQ this thing to sound good. No fancy knobs, no nothing. if you cant use this thing you might aswell give up playing bass right ahead.

Support:
Sometimes it takes ashdown a while to answer inquiries in time, but you wont have to wait over a week for anything. At least I havn't, and I'v bothered them, ALOT with random questions about may of their items.

Overall:
The only thing I'm thinking about upgrading now is my bass! Allright, you caught me, I do want an EXT. cab to go with this sucker But I wont trade this thing until it's absolutley necesarry.

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"Best amp in it's class... Suppurb tone! Sexy blue speaker"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:
The sub harmonics totally rock... The give you that gutsy tone your after in bass.

Quality:
This amp is solid and well built.. the amp itself it near indistructable.. the cabinet is made of real plywood and not that particle crap... the only thing I would change is the speaker... the blue one is sexy but doesn't handle the power the amp can put out.

Value:
this is a fantastic amp for small gigs... practice.. I have actually blow out lights in my house with this amp because it shakes the roof.

Desirability:
This thing is hot... chicks like the blue.. they come up to me and go I like that blue thing.. and I say then you'll like my purple thing even better... LOL.. jk... The 15 is nice.. people can respect a 15' speaker... It say.. I mean business!

Sound:
Great brittish tone.. Sub harmonics set it apart from other amps in it's class. Parametric sweep on EQ is fantastic stuff you find in more expensive units. Best amp sound for dollars paid by far. I play an active bass and have a tube preamp and tube compressor on the effects loop. It pushes it a little too far and the speaker with fart and chirp if i turn it up too loud, but I usually dont need that much volume. Also fades a little on my five string's low B my 4 string passive bass rocks this amp nicely

Support:
zzounds is great... you can call and actuall people will answer... Ashdown is cool too everyone I've ever talked to knew what they were talking about...

Overall:
I have already moved up to bigger more powerful gear to play out bigger events.. mostly because my guitar player bought a Boogie.. I could keep up with his Marshal 100 watt but the Boogie drowned me out... but I would never sell it... I use it at home and when I go goof so I dont have to lug big stuff.

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"best amp ever"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
the sub hurmonics are cool but if u notice its a bout 1/2 a second befor they kick in but if you r playing you cant notice

Quality:
the is th ebest amp made ever it can take a beating. i dont think this would ever break but the onlything im worried about iss blowing the 150watt speaker it comes wiht

Value:
this is the most watt at the price exept banger i think and they suck and ashdown makes some of the best amps ever so its worth it

Desirability:
its cool mean sleak and sex

Sound:
this is the best amp ive ever played on sound great and is loud the only problem is if you play hard you cant turn the input up past 1/4 or it will sound distorted. also its 180 watts rms and a 300 watt peak but the speaker is only 150 watts idk if thats rms or peak

Ease of Use:
its so easy to find your sound and it sounds great on any type of bass

Support:
i haavnt needed support

Overall:
im going to buy an ashdown external cab to blow everyone back farther than the combo amp does by its self

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"No greater bang for the buck."

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
The amp is pretty basic in its features. I know some other amps in this price range come with a foot pedal for effects that this one lacks. However, instead it comes with more power and cleaner sound.

Quality:
The amp is solidly built and will probably be around long after I'm gone. It has held up well to use and looks no worse for the wear. I saw one review before I purchased this amp that said the amp could withstand a bomb blast. The guy was telling the truth.

Value:
Nothing else in this price range compares when it comes to quality or bang for buck. When you do your research and find something that is a "no-name" product in the US but that seems like a good bet to take a risk on, it is very satisfying to find out that it exceeds your expectations. I'd recommend this amp in a heartbeat.

Desirability:
I think the sex-appeal of this product comes from its uniqueness and performance. When other musicians walk up to see what is behind the sound you're generating, you know you've got something.

Sound:
This amp provides a full, rich sound. The bass boost will blow you out of the water. We've found it blends well (strong and yet not overpowering) with the other instruments, which use Line 6 and Fender amps.

Support:
I had a question and went to the Ashdown webpage to contact their service department. They responded within 24 hours and provided excellent trouble-shooting ideas. I found them to be very personable and interested in satisfying the customer. Even my wife was impressed by the way they responded (and that's a miracle!).

Overall:
I don't believe I'll be in the market for another bass amp for many moons to come. When I outgrow the performance of this thing, I'll be having to dig DEEP into my pocket book. However, I don't think that will happen for many, many years.

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"A must buy with its strong power and sound for the money."

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
 
 
 
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:
The external speaker jack is a very nice extra. Many comparable systems lacked this feature. The 5 band EQ with the deep and bright are nice additions to this unit.

Quality:
The amp is solidly built. The unit is heavy but expected with such sturdy construction.

Desirability:
The blue speaker and front panel adds serious visual appeal to the amp. It gets noticed.

Sound:
The Ashdown Electric Blue 15-180 Bass Combo Ampllifier produces a variety of sounds. It gives the heavy bass sound of more expensive amps along with the contemporary tones. The unit competes well with other notable bass amps.

Support:
Not at this time.

Overall:
5 to 6 years. I campared it to the Crate bass combo & the Fender Rumble 100. The Ashdown Electric Blue out performed these two units.

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"BUY NOW!"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
No accessories include with this Ashdown unlike with a fender. but comes with 2 inputs for a guitar or 2 to choose from, about 3 or 4 outputs to other amps and a DI for PAing and recording. i got the ne "face lift" ELECTRIC BLUE EB 15-180 Combo which has a new revised grill and proper backlit VU as on the Ashdown MAG series which Ashdown are creating now which i wanted but wasnt sure if i was getting cos i got it off the internet (not this site) so there are as many features as i need and wanted.

Quality:
This is a quality produce. its proper solid, carpet covering (that picks up the bits cos its new), rubber corners, big buttons, big speaker and watts. Made by Ashdown which is a known make of amplification. HOWEVER this produce is HEAVY, heavier than the specifications which says its only 18.6kgs... rubbish, mine wieghs around 25kgs so its a struggle for me gettting it up the stairs.

Value:
only amp combo i found in this price range wth similar spec is Behringer Ultrabass BX1800,(15" 1800watts was
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"the (SEX() electric blue (the master)"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
 
 
 
Feature:
it doesnt have unesearry extras i really like the octave divider it is a good extra

Quality:
this product is sturdy and has corner protectors and rough carpet sides and a strong kick-proof grill on the front protecting the speaker

Value:
this is such good value you wont find another amp of this quality for the price

Desirability:
the blue speaker is quite eyecatching

Sound:
the sound is very versitile but it isnt clear enough at higher volumes

Overall:
good sound and perfect for small gigs (pubs)ect good build quality use ful features looks good easy to use and exelent value

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"This thing owns!!"

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * *