The story of Ashdown Engineering - bass in the blood

This article was written by Georgina Tanswell-Lowe from Algam Ashdown:

Since its inception in 1997, Ashdown Engineering has cemented itself as a cornerstone of rock “n” roll, revolutionising the bass amplifier industry and appearing on major stages with some of the biggest names in music. But while the Ashdown name began its journey in the late ‘90s, the company’s roots go deeper, shaped by the vision and experience of its founder, Mark Gooday; he had already spent over a decade as Managing Director at Trace Elliot, a major player in the world of bass amplification.

Setting the Stage: 1997 and Beyond

When Mark left Trace Elliot, he didn’t just walk away from a job – he walked away with a dream. After years of experience in developing top-tier bass amps, he envisioned something even better. In 1997, armed with technical know-how, innovative ideas, and a passion for bass, he launched Ashdown Engineering with one simple goal, to engineer the best bass amps on the market.

Mark’s approach was methodical. Before diving into production, he sought feedback from trusted names in the bass community – icons like John Entwistle of The Who, Mark King of Level 42, and JJ Burnel of The Stranglers. Their input helped shape the direction of Ashdown’s first bass amplifiers.

With feedback in hand, Mark’s attention to tone and power led to the creation of the ABM series (Ashdown Bass Magnifier), originally dubbed the Klystron Bass Magnifier, named after a line from one of his favourite films, Flash Gordon. The ABM amps stood out immediately for their superior tonal flexibility and sheer power, packaged in an unmistakable design complete with the now-iconic VU Meter on the front panel.

The Living Room Legacy

In its earliest days, Ashdown was quite literally a family affair. The first ABM amps were hand-built in the Gooday family living room with Mark, his wife Jane, and their children Dan and Daisy working side by side in the evenings. By day, Mark would visit music dealers and artists, spreading the word about the ground-breaking amps they were crafting.

It didn’t take long for the bass community to take notice. Leading players began using Ashdown amps, and soon the brand’s distinctive look and sound appeared on stages and in studios around the world. John Entwistle became one of the first major advocates, helping propel Ashdown into the spotlight.

Evolution and Innovation

With its reputation for reliability, power, and tonal excellence, Ashdown expanded its product line over the years. True to its origin, the company never strayed from its core vision – creating the best bass amplification for every player, whether beginner, seasoned professional, or legend. From tube and hybrid amps to compact practice setups and FX pedals, Ashdown has consistently pushed the envelope of what bass amplification can be.

Behind the scenes, product development has always remained in the family. Mark’s son, Dan Gooday, who grew up in the industry and learned the intricacies of bass amplification from a young age, now leads the company’s development efforts alongside electronics engineer Dave Green. Together, they’ve helped Ashdown maintain its cutting-edge approach while keeping a firm grasp on the real needs of working bass players.

A Family of Bass Enthusiasts

What makes Ashdown unique isn’t just its innovative products or its presence on some of the world’s biggest stages – it is the sense of family that runs through everything the company does. The team at Ashdown is small but mighty, with only a handful of dedicated individuals who handle everything from sales and service to production and marketing. It’s this personal, hands-on approach that has endeared the brand to bass players around the world.

A Global Bass Community

Today, Ashdown Engineering boasts a global family of users, from budding bassists to seasoned touring professionals. They all share a love for Ashdown’s unmistakable sound, reliability, and a deep connection the brand has with its players. This global network of Ashdown users is united by one thing – bass is in their blood, just as it is for the Gooday family and the team behind the company.

Though Ashdown has grown into a global force in bass amplification, it remains grounded in the same passion and dedication that brought it to life in 1997. With exciting new products on the horizon and a commitment to bass players of all levels, Ashdown continues to set the standard for bass amplification, staying true to its roots while always pushing forward.

In the world of bass amps, few brands have the legacy, innovation, and sheer heart of Ashdown Engineering – a company that has truly make its mark in rock ‘n’ roll history.

Read more about Ashdown Engineering on their website.