Ashdown AGM-484H Head review

Ashdown’s Guitar Magnifier head features a deceptively simple preamp that delivers a wide range of tones into the classic quartet of EL84 output tubes – all at real-world prices

Ashdown AGM-484H head
(Image: © Future / Olly Curtis)

Guitar World Verdict

Aimed at serious amateurs and pro users, Ashdown’s AGM-484H has the tone and power to get your point over on any stage. And for a product that’s handmade in Ashdown’s UK Custom Shop, we think it’s very good value for money.

Pros

  • +

    A great-sounding, compact and portable all-valve head with plenty of punch.

  • +

    Ideal with effects pedals.

  • +

    Built to last.

Cons

  • -

    The fully enclosed steel chassis makes quick valve replacement difficult.

  • -

    It’d be nice to have an on/off switch for the fan.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Ashdown Music is well known all over the world as an industry standard in bass amps, with a huge user-list that reads like a who’s who of the world’s greatest bass players. It’s such a strong reputation that Ashdown’s equally impressive guitar products sometimes tend to be a little unfairly overshadowed.  

Launched back in 2020, Ashdown’s Guitar Magnifier heads and combos take their inspiration from the best-selling Bass Magnifier range. Designed by amp guru Dave Green and made in the UK at Ashdown’s Essex Custom Shop, the AGM collection promises great tone and real-world versatility at affordable prices. 

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