Ashdown Engineering, a proud advocate of British craftsmanship, is doubling down on its commitment to UK manufacturing in 2025. The company, renowned for its innovative amplification solutions for both bass and guitar, is celebrating its Essex roots by ramping up production at its UK facility, supported by its new partner, Algam SAS.
Introducing the ALL NEW Ashdown Classic Custom Shop Range
The new Ashdown Classic Custom Shop range of bass enclosures has been meticulously engineered for extraordinary articulation and low-end response. Built using high-quality Birch Ply cabinets, these enclosures are braced for rigidity, ensuring a naturally tight and dynamic sound. Each cabinet features a tuned bass-reflex port, enhancing perceived volume specifically around 100-80Hz.
Designed with aesthetics and durability in mind, the cabinets are covered in Buffalo Tolex and finished with Silver & Blue weave grill cloth, Chrome corners, and the iconic Ashdown double-wing logo prominently displayed.
Additional thoughtful design features include an offset handle for optimal stability during transport and back plates equipped with official Neutrik connectors alongside a three-way crossover for the high-frequency horn.
Speaker Innovation with B&C Speakers
After extensive testing, Ashdown has selected B&C Speakers for their unmatched power and efficiency. Neodymium drivers were specifically chosen to offset the weight of the robust Birch Ply enclosures, ensuring superior performance without compromise.
Since 1946, B&C Speakers has been a leader in professional loudspeaker transducer manufacturing, known for their reliability and precision.
The NEW UK-Built Enclosures
Ashdown’s new Classic Custom Shop range includes:
- 700W, 350 AES, 98.5dB Sens, 8-ohm: 1×12″ B&C NEO-loaded cabinet with detailed B&C high-frequency horn and three-way variable control.
- 1000W, 500 AES, 99dB Sens, 8-ohm: 2×10″ B&C NEO-loaded cabinet with detailed B&C high-frequency horn and three-way variable control.
- 800W, 400 AES, 98.5dB Sens, 8-ohm: 1×15″ B&C NEO-loaded cabinet with detailed B&C high-frequency horn and three-way variable control.
Driving the Future of UK Manufacturing
“After 44 years of innovation in amplification, it’s time to return to our roots here in Essex,” says Mark Gooday, founder of Ashdown Engineering. “We’re dedicating 2025 to building more in our UK facility, ensuring that the quality, craftsmanship, and innovation we’re known for remain firmly MADE IN THE UK.
For over 25 years, the Ashdown ABM series has earned its place on some of the world’s biggest stage, trusted by professional bass players for its signature tone, flexibility, and bulletproof reliability. With the introduction of the UK-ABM-300-EVO IV and UK-ABM-600-EVO IV, this legacy enters a new era of British-built excellence.
UK-ABM-300-EVO IV: Classic Power, Refined
Delivering 300 watts of pure bass power, the UK-ABM-300-EVO IV combines heritage tone with modern control. Its class-leading preamp features the Variable Valve Drive Plus, giving players access to a broad tonal spectrum, from warm cleans to gritty overdrive, all foot-switchable for performance versatility. A brand-new 9-band EQ offers pinpoint tonal shaping, while the One Knob Compressor and Sub-Harmonic Generator ensure your bass remains rich, tight, and stage-ready. Professional connectivity, including FX loop, Line Input, and tuner out, make it a complete solution for live and studio applications.
UK-ABM-600-EVO IV: Power Without Compromise
For players demanding more headroom and authority, the Uk-ABM-600-EVO IV offers 600 watts of commanding power while retaining the full feature set of its 300W sibling. The enhanced 9-band EQ, signature VU meter, and foot-switchable controls for Valve Drive, Compression, EQ, and Sub-Harmonics allow seamless integration into any performance setup. Built for the modern bassist yet faithful to its roots, the UK-ABM-600-EVO IV represents the pinnacle of Ashdown’s amplifier design.
Built in Britain. Built to Perform.
Hand-assembled at Ashdown’s UK headquarters in Essex, these amps represent a renewed dedication to in-house engineering and local manufacturing. Every UK-ABM-EVO IV head is crafted with the same passion and precision that has defined Ashdown for decades.
Perfectly complementing the new amplifier heads is Ashdown’s UK-ABM cabinet range, delivering exceptional tone, power, and portability for bassists who demand performance without compromise. Crafted entirely in the UK, these five newly re-engineered cabinets blend iconic ABM tone with state-of-the-art materials and superior construction.
The New Standard in Bass Cabinets
At the pinnacle of the range is the UK-ABM-810H- EVO IV, a powerhouse cabinet designed for commanding the largest of stages. Loaded with eight precision 10” ceramic drivers arranged in sealed chamber pairs, the UK-ABM-810H-EVO IV offers unmatched punch and midrange articulation. With a massive 2000W AES power handling and a switchable high-frequency horn, this is a cabinet built to deliver, night after night.
Complementing the UK-ABM-810H-EVO IV are four other versatile formats tailored to every performance context.
· UK-ABM-410H-EVO IV – A studio and stage staple worldwide, delivering tight response and 1000W AES of focused clarity from four 10” ceramic drivers.
· UK-ABM-210H-EVO IV – Half the size, all the tone. Ideal for smaller gigs or pairing with additional cabs, offering 500W AES.
· UK-ABM-115H-EVO IV – A 500W AES 15” cabinet for players who crave classic warmth and depth.
· UK-ABM-112H-EVO IV – Compact yet mighty, the new 300W AES 12” format is meticulously balanced and is already being heralded as the go-to cab for the range.
All cabinets feature genuine Neutrik Speakon connectors, are rear-ported for enhanced low-end performance, and are constructed from FSC-certified Mahogany plywood (or Latvian Baltic birch for the UK-ABM-810H-EVO IV) for unrivalled resonance and durability.
A Thoughtful Evolution in Design
Instead of asking speaker manufacturers to compromise on quality, Ashdown developed these cabinets to specifically harness the flagship EU-made drivers from Sica, B&C, and Ciarre, the same professional-grade components used in the world’s most respected enclosures. Every speaker is computer analysed, tested, and fitted in the UK to ensure consistency and tonal excellence.
Built for the Future, Rooted in Heritage
Whether you’re a seasoned touring professional, studio session ace, or weekend warrior, the UK-ABM cabinet range is designed to elevate your tone and endure the rigours of the road. Compatible with both the ABM and Rootmaster amplifier series, these cabs are a modern continuation of Ashdown’s trusted legacy. Now with enhanced sustainability, portability, and sonic character.
About Ashdown Engineering:
Founded in 1997, Ashdown Engineering has become a globally recognised leader in amplification and musical equipment. Renowned for its commitment to innovation, superior sound quality, and robust design, Ashdown proudly serves musicians and audio professionals around the world. With a diverse product range and an unwavering passion for music, Ashdown continues to set the standard for amplification and engineering excellence.