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Ashdown CTM-100 100-watt Tube Bass Head

100-watt Tube Bass Amp Head, with Tube-driven Effects Loop, Tube-driven/Transformer-derived DI Output, and 2-/4-/8-ohm Outputs
7 Write review Item ID: CTM100
$1,849.99

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Ashdown CTM-100 100-watt Tube Bass Head
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A Wide-ranging Bass Amp That's Ready for the Road

Inspired by classic tube bass amps, the Ashdown CTM-100 tube bass amp head is built for maximum performance. It's got the tonal range to cover everything from smooth and clean to overdriven and growling. You'll get plenty of punch, power, and headroom for small- to medium-size gigs from the CTM-100's power section, which packs two KT-88 power tubes. In addition to standard tone controls, you can fine-tune your perfect tone with deep, mid-shift, and bright switches. For a solid tonal foundation for your bass rig, it's hard to beat the rugged Ashdown CTM-100 tube bass amp.

Ashdown CTM-100 Tube Bass Amp Head at a Glance:
  • Built for powerful, rugged performance
  • Extensive tone shaping capabilities
  • Amazing direct tone with tube-driven DI output
Built for powerful, rugged performance

You'll know you're working with the real deal even before you plug your favorite bass guitar into the Ashdown CTM-100. Handbuilt in the U.K., the CTM-100 sports an 18mm Marine-grade birch-ply cabinet for unbeatable durability on the road. An internal cooling fan keeps the temperature in check for reliable performances at every gig.

Extensive tone shaping capabilities

From mellow '60s tone to growling '70s-style bass to thick and powerful modern tone, you can cover a ton of sonic territory with the Ashdown CTM-100. Standard tone controls give you a wide range of sweet sounds, while deep, mid-shift, and bright switches let you fine-tune your tone. Dual power amp tubes give you incredible punch, impact, and headroom.

Amazing direct tone with tube-driven DI output

Don't worry, your tone won't suffer if you plug your Ashdown CTM-100 directly into your sound system or recording interface. The CTM-100's tube-driven, transformer-derived DI output has an isolated ground so you get maximum sonic purity from this convenient direct connection.

Ashdown CTM-100 Tube Bass Amp Head Features:
  • 100-watt tube bass amp head with tube-driven, transformer-derived DI output
  • Perfect for live performance and direct recording
  • 2 KT-88 power amp tubes for amazing punch, impact, and headroom
  • Tube-driven effects loop makes it easy to enhance your tone
  • Dual-function front panel VU meter
  • Dual inputs for active and passive basses
Low-end supremacy is yours with the Ashdown CTM-100!

Additional Media

Bass Guitar Amp Buying Guide
Sweetwater Welcomes Ashdown Engineering

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Tube
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Total Power: 100W
  • EQ: 3-band, Mellow/Deep/Shift/Bright Switches
  • Preamp Tubes: 2 x 12AX7, 2 x 12AU7
  • Power Tubes: 2 x KT88
  • Inputs: 2 x 1/4" (High/Low)
  • Outputs: 3 x 1/4" (8/4/2 ohms), 1 x XLR (DI)
  • Effects Loop: Yes
  • Cooling System: Internal Fan, Top Air Vent
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Height: 12.4"
  • Width: 25.4"
  • Depth: 11.8"
  • Weight: 28.6 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: CTM-100

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Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5

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two years in, still my go-to amp

OK so I am not the greatest bassist ever (by a long shot). But I've been a dedicated amateur player for 25 years, and I know what a good amp sounds like. This Ashdown delivers, and then some. Fantastic tube tones that are hugely responsive to your instrument and your playing style. Ample power as many of the other reviewers have noted - though I will say when you take the master V above 6, you will definitely hear the tubes grunting a bit :) So the only caveat I'd give is if you like squeaky clean tone all the way up, you'll probably be happier with a Hartke. Otherwise, though, recommended without reservation!!!!
by Erica Foley from NY on
Music background: Amateur

Best amps ever

Logan recently got me 3 x Ctm100's. I run them thru different cabs and get different sounds from each. Don't let the 100watts scare you away. These power my 8x10, 4x10, 2x12, 2x15 and an aguilar stack. Stoked to get my 300 in a few months. By far the best tube bass amps around.
by Latigo Sharon on
Music background: Professional Musician

ANOTHER ASHDOWN GEM...

I am a huge fan of Ashdown bass amps I have been playing bass for 40+ years , though I own and use several other brand name bass amps too , I love the Ashdown line of bass amps, I started using Ashdown bass amps in 2008, I have a Ashdown Klystrom 500 head, and a Rootmaster 500 head and a CTM 300 head, I currently pair them with two Ashdown Rootmaster 2X10" cabs, So purchasing this Ashdown 100 head was a no brainer, this head for only 100 watts puts out a powerful sound , the tubes give you that warm vintage sound that I love, at only 48lbs , it don't break your back transporting it either, but this gem sounds awesome , its clean sounding when you want it to be and turn the gain up and the tubes get nice and dirty if you desire that gritty sound , its a win win with this head , you cant go wrong, so if your looking for a tube head that delivers , the Ashdown CTM 100is the head for you, and I have been buying gear from Sweetwater for several years and have always been 100 % satisfied with my purchases, my gear agent Bart Amburn and his staff provide the best customer service, they are second to none, I will continue to be a customer of Sweetwater for my musical gear needs..
by Angelo Esposito from Philadelphia Pa. on
Music background: Professional player

A tone from heaven

I bought this amp around four months ago, I was super excited to finally get my hands on an all tube bass head, for a good price. I was a little skeptical of it only being 100 watts, coming from a 500 watt gk head. But this head delievers, and does not leave you searching for more. From the tube saturation, and warm heavenly tone of this head, that sits so well in a band mix. The only thing youll be searching for is more time to play it.

I would definitely recommend to try one out if you can, or just order one like I did and you will be blown away. Ashdown kncocked it out of the park, and I look forward to being a long time customer!
by Joseph spears from Louisiana on

A Literal Freight Train

This was a step into the big leagues. I was always a guitarist first, so when I got into a band as a bassist I picked up a fairly cheap solid state head and a 410 to project my shortcomings with plenty of authority, telling myself this was just to get my foot in the door in the music scene and I'd be back to playing lead guitar in no time. However, here we are 2 years later and I'm more a bassist than a guitarist. I finally decided it was time to invest in my new instrument of choice that I was no longer terrible at and knew that tube was they way I wanted to go. My requirements were loud, deep, and dirty.

It was a three-way tie between this, the Ampeg V-4b, and the Fender Bassman 100T. While those were wonderful amps, the few quiet tests I did at my local music store were somewhat steering me towards this amp. I asked the opinion of my sales engineer (shouts out to Alex Morales) and he suggested this one without hesitation. When I finally got to crank it at practice, it was everything I hoped it would be. It has a beautiful drive and harmonic distortion with tons of natural compression as the master volume goes up. Using a pick further coaxes some drive. The walls rattled because of the massive bass but it was never at any point muddy. Finally, 100 watts was perfect for me because given that I play with a dirty sound, I don't need tons of clean headroom and would rather have an amp I can actually crank a little. The drive pedal I had is now collecting dust as I get all of my tone and drive from the tubes. I won't try to directly compare it to the other two amps I mentioned, but suffice it to say that if you wanted to play loud, driven rock, I can't imagine something better.

My only qualm is the passive EQ. It actually is very musical, it just can't change much. A dark bass will be dark and a bright bass will be bright. All you can do is mildly tweak it. Other than that, I can't think of anything I don't love about it. Stepping up to a pro amp was worth the investment.
by Charley from Nashville on
Music background: Bassist, Sound Engineer
See also: Bass Amp Heads, Ashdown, Ashdown Bass Guitar Amp Heads
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