ASHDOWN AGM-484H HEAD

Heads are back in vogue, thanks to their diminishing size and mixand-match flexibility when paired with different cabs. Ashdown’s slender and highly portable AGM-484H raises the game a little further with a versatile gain stage, great headroom from its 30-watt output and carry-on luggage portability (it measures just 80mm high). We loved its purposeful tones that could fulfil so many musical roles without ever being characterless. A quartet of quality JJ EL84s, the power valve du jour, provides the mumbo in the power stage, while a useful clipping switch “alters the gain structure for more versatility”, said Nick Guppy. A practical, punchy pocket rocket – and it’s built in the UK, too.