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
  • 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
More
  • NAMM 2026: as it happened
  • Best NAMM tech gear
  • Joni's Woodstock
  • 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
Latest in Bass Guitars
Cliff Burton and Kirk Hammett in 1986
"Cliff took Kirk's solo, which I think is just so cool": Robert Trujillo on the time Metallica mixed up their solos
 
 
Harley Benton NAMM 2026 releases include left-handed options on its V-style electric and offset bass guitars, fresh finish options for the SC single-cuts, and new colours for its HSS S-style
Harley Benton’s 2026 mega-drop: Metallica makeovers, fresh colours and a baritone SC Custom III, all-solid acoustics for under $250 and more
 
 
Harley Benton ST-80 FR MN
“This has been a difficult decision for us”: Harley Benton is closing its US store on Reverb
 
 
Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 poses backstage at the Sahara Tent during the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 14, 2023 in Indio, California
“Bass players are the glue”: Mark Hoppus names his three (or four) favourite bassists
 
 
Squier Sonic Series: featuring mini-Stratocasters, single-humbucker Esquires and cult offsets too, the Fender-owned budget brand has made a big play for the beginner market in 2026
Squier unveils huge Sonic Series refresh – super-affordable, beginner and child-friendly versions of classic Fender models
 
 
TNAG Global founder/CEO Ben Montague [left] and Norman Harris [right] point to each other as they are photographed on the shop floor at Norman's Rare Guitars.
Joe Bonamassa gives his blessing as Norman Harris sells Norman’s Rare Guitars and says the future of his iconic LA store has been secured
 
 
Latest in News
Gary Clark Jr plays his signature Cobra Burst ES-355 live onstage.
Gary Clark Jr channels the King of the Blues for limited edition Gibson Custom Shop collab
 
 
Pitbull
“Know you’re about to have the time of your lives”: Pitbull fans will attempt to break a world record in July
 
 
Nile Rodgers and John Mayer
How the gift of a divisive Rolling Stones album scuppered the chance of a collaboration between Nile Rodgers and John Mayer
 
 
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Michael Stipe attends Netflix's "Goodbye June" New York screening at Whitby Hotel on December 08, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Stephanie Augello/Getty Images)
Michael Stipe returns to Springfield to sing a rewritten version of one of REM's biggest hits
 
 
PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 15: Raye performs live on stage at Accor Arena on February 15, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)
Producer Mike Sabath on starting Raye’s “outrageous” second studio album at an Airbnb
 
 
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 16: Billy Steinberg performs onstage at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 42nd Annual Induction and Awards at The New York Marriott Marquis Hotel - Shubert Alley on June 16, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall of Fame)
Tributes paid to Billy Steinberg, one of the defining songwriters of the '80s and '90s, who has died
 
 

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...