Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Black Friday
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
JBL Series 3 mkII
Studio Monitors Best studio monitors 2025: Studio speakers for musicians and producers on any budget
Roland TD-02K and TD-02KV V-Drums electronic drum sets
Drum Kits Best electronic drum set for kids 2025: child-friendly electronic drum kits
Kids hands on a beginner keyboard
Keyboards & Pianos Best keyboards for beginners 2025: Get started with our expert pick of beginner keyboards for all ages
A Boss RC-10R looper pedal on a wooden floor
Guitar Pedals Best looper pedals 2025: My favourite loop stations for every budget
Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars under $500/£500 in 2025: Affordable electrics
Close up of a Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitar
Acoustic Guitars Best cheap acoustic guitars 2025: Top picks for strummers on a budget
An ESP and Kramer electric guitars on a blue background
Electric Guitars Thomann just came out firing for Black Friday with up to 70% off a massive line-up of music gear
A Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 on a desk with various audio interfaces in the background
Audio Interfaces Best audio interface 2025: For home recording, podcasting, and streaming - tested by experts
Deals of the week
Gear & Gadgets MusicRadar deals of the week: Black Friday is over a week away, and the sales are in full swing - save up to 80%
A pair of KRK Systems Kreate 5 studio monitors in a studio
Studio Monitors Best budget studio monitors 2025: Make your mixes sing with these wallet-friendly home studio speakers
Close up of a Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar lying on a wooden floor
Acoustic Guitars Best acoustic guitars 2025: Super steel string acoustics for all players and budgets
Man playing Roland TD716 electronic drum set in a studio
Electronic Drums Best electronic drum sets 2025: Top picks for every playing level and budget, tested by drummers – plus video and audio demos
Pair of Audio-Technica in-ear monitors sat on a case
Studio Monitors Best in-ear monitors 2025: IEMs for stage and studio
Close up of LR Baggs Anthem pickup in an acoustic guitar
Guitar Pickups Best acoustic guitar pickups 2025: electrify your acoustic for stage, studio and sound fx – our top picks for all budgets
Sennheiser in ear monitors on a lit up dj controller
Studio Monitors Best budget in-ear monitors 2025: My pick of cheap in-ears for every type of musician
More
  • Black Friday plugin deals
  • Pete Townshend on smashing - and fixing - his guitars
  • AI slop hits #1
  • The pain that birthed Don't Speak
  • Europe vs AI
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Guitars
  2. Bass Guitars

NAMM 2014: Ashdown unveils Rootmaster range and PiBass amps

News
By Matt Parker ( Total Guitar, Guitarist ) published 24 January 2014

Plus new models for AAA series

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

PiBass-240 Artist Signature Series amp

PiBass-240 Artist Signature Series amp

NAMM 2014: Bass firm Ashdown Engineering has been busy since last year's show. The company has not only announced a new signature model, in the form of Wojtek Pilichowski's PiBass-240, but a whole new range of solid state gear, dubbed the Rootmasters, and new three additions (plus AppTek connectivity) for the Access All Areas amp series.

Check out the gallery to view the official press releases, starting with the PiBass 240 below, and head to the Ashdown Engineering site for more information.

PiBass-240 Artist Signature Series amp

PRESS RELEASE: WINTER NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 23rd, 2014 - Ashdown Engineering (Booth 6440 / Hall A) announces the PiBass-240.

This new, 240-watt digital bass amp was designed to the exacting specs of bassist Wojtek Pilichowski, an accomplished musician who has played with the likes of Greg Bissonette (David Lee Roth, Joe Satriani), Rick Latham, Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Marco Minnemann (H-Blockx), Vinnie Moore, and Chris de Burgh, as well as fronting a super group in his native Poland.

The PiBass-240 is ideal for the serious musician who needs a reliable, versatile, high-quality portable amplifier that can withstand the rigors of the road. Weighing in at just 7.7 pounds, it's small enough to fit in the front pocket of most gig bags and is well-suited for air travel.

Featuring an active/passive input select, a 3-band, semi-parametric equalizer with an EQ in/out switch, master volume, headphone out and a DI output with a ground lift, the PiBass satisfies the fundamental demands of any professional application. When coupled with any small footprint, 8 ohm Ashdown speaker cabinet such as the Mi12 or ABM Mini 210 NEO, players can feel confident that the low end is deftly handled while the subtlety and nuance of the instrument is articulated with clarity and punch--an ideal combination for gigging players looking to lighten the load without compromising their sound.

The Ashdown PiBass will be available in February 2014 with a U.S. Street price of $399.99.

Page 1 of 3
Page 1 of 3
Rootmaster amp range

Rootmaster amp range

PRESS RELEASE: WINTER NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 23rd, 2014 - Ashdown Engineering (Booth 6440 / Hall A) announces the new Rootmaster range of solid state bass heads, speakers and combo amplifiers.

With its affordable price and professional features, the new Rootmaster line of bass amplification is perfectly suited for players of all levels and skills in addition to being a solid solution for most schools, churches, nightclubs and backline companies seeking a reasonably-priced bass rig.

The Rootmaster line consists of two powered amplifier heads, three full range combo amplifiers and five speaker cabinets, all moderately priced and capable of producing sound pressure levels to satisfy almost any live performance situation.

Housed in a sturdy steel chassis, all Rootmaster electronics include classic Ashdown attributes like Variable Overdrive, Variable Compression, an Ashdown Sub-Harmonic generator in addition to a comprehensive 5-Band EQ, variable input gain, master volume, and an external input blend control that allows the user to mix in external audio sources alongside the amplified instrument.

Additionally, the amplifiers all feature front panel push button switches that activate EQ in/out, Drive in/out and a global "Shape" feature that re-voices the amplifier. Rear panel connectivity includes a mini-jack input plus a SpeakOn® combination connector, DI out, FX Loop, footswitch jack that accesses the Sub Harmonic generator and Drive FX. The electronics are kept cool with a silent running fan ensuring optimal performance under any conditions.

The Rootmaster Slim cabinetry utilizes an Acoustic Suspension design that maximizes transducer performance by mitigating unwanted resonance. This delivers tighter, more accurate low frequencies, enabling the Rootmaster system to be highly efficient.

Ashdown is also proud to offer a new 5-year limited warranty on all products.

The Ashdown Rootmaster Series will be available in February 2014. Available models include:

  • Rootmaster 420 - 420w Head;US Street $499.00
  • Rootmaster 220 - 220w Head; US Street $399.00
  • Rootmaster C115 - 420w 1 x 15" Combo; US Street $599.00
  • Rootmaster C210T - 420w 2 x 10" Combo; US Street $649.00
  • Rootmaster C112 - 220w 1 x 12" Combo; US Street $499.00
  • Rootmaster 115 - 250w 1 x 15" 8 ohm speaker w/tweeter; US Street $299.00
  • Rootmaster 210T - 250w 2 x 10" 8 ohm speaker w/tweeter; US Street $349.00
  • Rootmaster 212T - 300w 2 x 12" 8 ohm speaker w/tweeter; US Street $399.00
  • Rootmaster 410T - 450w 4 x 10" 8 ohm speaker w/tweeter; US Street $399.00
  • Rootmaster 414T - 450w 4 x 10" 4 ohm speaker w/tweeter; US Street $399.00
Page 2 of 3
Page 2 of 3
AAA amp range

AAA amp range

PRESS RELEASE: WINTER NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 23rd, 2014 - Ashdown Engineering (Booth 6440 / Hall A) has expanded its popular Access All Areas (AAA) range of affordably-priced combo amplifiers with new models that feature increased wattage and the integration of convenient AppTek connectivity.

Perfect for students, schools, private teaching facilities or simply as a dedicated practice amplifier, AAA amps offer eye-catching looks, high-quality sound and solid construction, all at affordable prices.

With the addition of Ashdown's proprietary AppTek software integration circuit, players can expand their palette of available tones and features by accessing any music apps they've downloaded to a tablet or mobile device, all with a simple connection via the included cable.

For example, when using the Agile Partners IOS app containing a model of the Ashdown ABM900, players can utilize all of the ABM 900's pro features like 7-band EQ, variable compression, sub-harmonic generator and the drive circuit, all on the AAA amplifiers.

The Ashdown AAA range consists of seven combos and one stand-alone head, all available in the spring of 2014:

  • The Tourbus 10 - 10 Watt combo with 6.5" speaker; US Street $79.99
  • The Tourbus 15 - 15 Watt combo with 8" speaker; US Street $99.99
  • The After 8 - 30 Watt combo with 8" speaker; US Street $199.99
  • The Perfect 10 - 60 Watt combo with 10" speaker; US Street $249.99
  • The new Vintage 12 - 75 Watt combo with 12" speaker; US Street $349.99
  • The Five 15 - 125 Watt combo with 15" speaker; US Street $399.99
  • The new Five 15 Big Boy Head - 180 Watt head w/FX loop and line in; US Street $349.99
  • The new Five 15 Big Boy - 220 Watt version of the Five 15; US Street $499.99
Page 3 of 3
Page 3 of 3
Matt Parker
Matt Parker

Matt is a freelance journalist who has spent the last decade interviewing musicians for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.

Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition. image
Stay up to date with the latest gear and tuition.
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
Deals not to miss
A Boss RC-10R looper pedal on a wooden floor
Best looper pedals 2025: My favourite loop stations for every budget
 
 
Close up of Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster
Best electric guitars under $500/£500 in 2025: Affordable electrics
 
 
Close up of a Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitar
Best cheap acoustic guitars 2025: Top picks for strummers on a budget
 
 
An ESP and Kramer electric guitars on a blue background
Thomann just came out firing for Black Friday with up to 70% off a massive line-up of music gear
 
 
A Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 on a desk with various audio interfaces in the background
Best audio interface 2025: For home recording, podcasting, and streaming - tested by experts
 
 
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: Black Friday is over a week away, and the sales are in full swing - save up to 80%
 
 
Latest in Bass Guitars
Mani of the Stone Roses, 1992
Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist, dies, aged 63
 
 
The Epiphone Mike Dirnt G-3 Grabber is an affordable replica of his original Gibson and features a trio of Gibson USA pickups, custom wiring, and is available in Natural and Silverburst finishes.
Epiphone unveils signature G-3 Grabber with Gibson USA pickups for Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt
 
 
Thundercat and Sam Rivers composite image
“He played the role of a bass player very musically”: Thundercat pays tribute to Sam Rivers
 
 
Blackstar Debut Bass 25: this compact little combo is finished in black with matching grille clothe and is photographed in close-up against a stone floor and weaved rug.
“Its solid quality, punchy tone and its surprising amount of headroom might make it a secret weapon for rehearsals, or even gigs”: Blackstar Debut Bass 25 review
 
 
Jazz bassist Anthony Jackson performs at North Sea Jazz festival, The Hague, Netherlands, 10th July1998
"Rest in Power": Anthony Jackson, six-string bass ace, dies aged 73
 
 
Fender's American Professional Classic series photographed against the side of a chrome tour bus [L-R]: Jaguar in faded Sherwood Green Metallic, HSS Stratocaster in Faded Lake Placid Blue, Stratocaster in Faded Firemist Gold, Telecaster in Faded Butterscotch Blonde, Precision Bass in Faded 3-Color Sunburst.
Fender gives its US lineup a retro-modern makeover with the American Professional Classic range
 
 
Latest in News
An ESP and Kramer electric guitars on a blue background
Thomann just came out firing for Black Friday with up to 70% off a massive line-up of music gear
 
 
Kraftwerk, German electronic band, during a concert, September 16, 1978. (Photo by Christian Rose/Roger Viollet via Getty Images)
I went to the Kraftwerk auction to buy their chairs, but came back with a studio's worth of gear instead
 
 
IK Multimedia iLoud Sub
“If the studio fits on a desktop, iLoud Sub fits right in”: IK Multimedia’s new sub is perfect for small setups
 
 
Geoff Barrow
Geoff Barrow on pigeonholing, production and beating imposter syndrome to become a film soundtrack composer
 
 
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: Black Friday is over a week away, and the sales are in full swing - save up to 80%
 
 
STOCKBRIDGE, GEORGIA - AUGUST 30: Jimmy Jam performs onstage during Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Friends 40th Anniversary Tribute concert at VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge on August 30, 2025 in Stockbridge, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Jimmy Jam says that Prince’s LM-1 association influenced Jam and Lewis’s decision to switch to a Roland TR-808
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...