Bloc Party bassist Gordon Moakes is a long time user of Ashdown gear, having opted for the brand since his band started to tour. Gordon uses two ABM 500 heads  with two ABM 810 cabs, and here he speaks of Ashdown.

'I've been playing through Ashdown gear ever since I started touring in Bloc Party, which was before we even had a record deal. I don't like playing anything else now. I stop short at hissy-fits but I'm not a happy bunny if I ever have to play through anything else. I've occasionally had to rent other gear for festivals and far-flung shows and those days make me sad. Ashdown is so good because it's the only set-up that creates the sound I hear in my head.

'The way I want to play is about a clean, ringing high end without any lack of punch in the low. I want the bass to be musical but also heavy and percussive. You should be able to move to it and sing it at the same time. I've only been able to get that all-round sound with Ashdown. It's all about a thick, rounded sound from the lowest drop D, or lower, all the way up the high frets. It has to work at both ends.

'But I'm not after some over- indulgent 80s five-string bass sound. As far as I'm concerned what I play is punk rock, and even if I'm staying around three notes on the E string I want the richest, most visceral sound I can get. And that's Ashdown. '