This page about Ashdown Engineering ABM 500 EVO II is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Ashdown Engineering ABM 500 EVO II is a powerhouse for bassists seeking both versatility and power in their sound. This 500-watt bass amplifier head is designed to deliver a rich, dynamic tone that brings out the best in your performance, whether you're on stage or in the studio. With its proprietary Tube Preamp, the EVO II offers a warm, natural sound that can be tailored to your specific style and preferences. The amp head's design ensures seamless integration with a variety of cabinets, making it a flexible choice for musicians who frequently switch setups.

This amplifier head features a user-friendly interface with intuitive controls, allowing you to easily adjust the EQ, gain, and volume. The onboard compressor and sub-harmonic generator further enhance your sound, providing additional depth and clarity. Built with durability in mind, the ABM 500 EVO II can withstand the rigors of touring and regular gigging, ensuring reliability whenever you plug in.

Ideal for both live performances and recording sessions, this amp head is a staple for bassists who demand precision and power. Its blend of classic tone and modern features makes it a standout choice for any player looking to elevate their sound.

Key Features:

  • 500-watt power output
  • Proprietary Tube Preamp for warm, natural tone
  • Onboard compressor for added sound control
  • Sub-harmonic generator for enhanced depth
  • Intuitive EQ and gain controls
  • Compatible with a variety of cabinets
  • Built for durability and reliability

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ashdown Engineering ABM 500 EVO II.

User experience

  • Owners praise the Ashdown ABM series for its reliability and solid performance, even after extensive gigging, including notable venues like the Royal Albert Hall.

    Source
  • The ABM 500 EVO II provides a rock/soul sound with sufficient volume to compete with loud drummers and complex setups, despite not being the loudest amp available.

    Source
  • Positive feedback on Ashdown's customer service includes out-of-warranty repairs offered directly by the manufacturer, only requiring the owner to cover postage costs.

    Source
  • Owners of the Ashdown ABM series note that the amp "opens up and sings" when the volume is at about halfway, offering more headroom and clarity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite some volume limitations, the ABM series holds its own in various settings, from small venues to prestigious locations, showcasing its versatility.

    Source
  • A single 15" speaker can suffice for live performances, but multiple users recommend adding additional cabs for better sound projection and coverage in larger venues.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The newer ABM models are noted for being louder than older iterations, suggesting improvements in power and sound projection in the latest designs.

    Source
  • The Ashdown ABM 600W offers double the power of the 300W version for only a 15% price increase, without any difference in size or weight.

    Source
  • The tube preamp and built-in octaver are key features that differentiate the Ashdown ABM from other models like the Aguilar TH700 and Darkglass heads.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • An owner acquired a 15-year-old ABM EVO 3 rig for £300, highlighting the potential for excellent value in the second-hand market while maintaining performance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Ashdown ABM 300 can handle small club gigs without PA support, but the 600W version is recommended for bands with louder setups or outdoor venues.

    Source

Other

  • Some users reported Ashdown amps having quality control issues, with instances of units catching fire, highlighting the importance of purchasing from a reputable source.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Ashdown Engineering ABM 500 EVO II

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

Paul is playing bass through an EVO II.

See how Nick Harmer uses Ashdown Engineering ABM 500 EVO II

Nick Harmer

Bassist

Death Cab for Cutie

...
Verified via YouTube

Nick switched to the Ashdown ABM 500 some time ago, making it his main power amplifier. He has two of them, one as a backup.

See how Jean-Jacques Burnel uses Ashdown Engineering ABM 500 EVO II

Jean-Jacques Burnel

Bassist

The Stranglers

...
Verified via Thestranglers

Jean-Jacques Burnel used the Ashdown Engineering ABM 500 EVO II bass amplifier head before his signature model was developed, as confirmed by correspondence with Ashdown. This information is supported by the official Stranglers website.

See how Ethan Meixsell uses Ashdown Engineering ABM 500 EVO II

Ethan Meixsell

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Ethan Meixsell is shown using the Ashdown Engineering ABM 500 EVO II bass amplifier head.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ashdown Engineering ABM 500 EVO II, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

T-Rex Engineering Quint Machine
T-Rex Engineering Quint Machine Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
T-Rex Tapster Tremolo
T-Rex Tapster Tremolo Tremolo Effects Pedals
1
Marshall MS-2R Mini Amp
Marshall MS-2R Mini Amp Mini Guitar Amplifiers
1
Ashdown Engineering MAG 414T Deep
Ashdown Engineering MAG 414T Deep Bass Amplifier Cabinets
1
Pete Cornish Passive Play/Mute Switch
Pete Cornish Passive Play/Mute Switch Noise Gate Effects Pedals
1
Pete Cornish G-2
Pete Cornish G-2 Fuzz Effects Pedals
1

More Ashdown Engineering Bass Amplifier Heads

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    nikfarr
    nikfarr

    Gear IQ 15323