Discover the Ashdown/Hayden Classic Lead 80
- Nic Moore

- May 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 11
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Dave Green’s influence is deeply embedded in the Classic Lead 80. With a rich history at Matamp, Green brought a wealth of experience to Hayden. He ensured that this amp wasn’t just another addition to the market but a statement of quality and intent. Handwired on turret boards, the Classic Lead 80 eschews unnecessary frills. It focuses instead on delivering unadulterated, classic British rock tones.
Design and Build Quality
The build quality of the Classic Lead 80 is exceptional. Each component is carefully chosen, ensuring durability and performance. This attention to detail makes a significant difference in sound quality. The amp's dual-channel design also offers versatility. Players can seamlessly transition from crisp cleans to rich, saturated overdrives.
Tonal Excellence
At the heart of the Classic Lead 80 lies its ability to produce tones reminiscent of '70s British rock. This progresses to more aggressive modern sounds. The clean channel provides warmth and clarity. It's an excellent platform for pedals or standalone purity. Engaging the overdrive channel unveils a harmonically rich distortion. This quality is perfect for genres spanning blues to hard rock.
Dynamic Responsiveness
Moreover, the amp's dynamic responsiveness ensures that every nuance of your playing is captured and amplified. Whether you are strumming softly or hitting the strings hard, the Classic Lead 80 reacts beautifully. Players appreciate how it enhances their performance and brings their unique sound to life.
Endorsements by Esteemed Artists
The Classic Lead 80 has gained favour among notable musicians. Stevie Salas, renowned for his work with artists like Mick Jagger and Rod Stewart, has praised Hayden amps. He appreciates their robust build and tonal versatility. Additionally, members of Biffy Clyro, the Scottish rock band known for their dynamic soundscapes, have utilized Hayden amplifiers. This further testifies to the brand’s quality and reliability in the market.
A Rare Find in Rehearsal Spaces
You don’t usually find gear like the Ashdown/Hayden Classic Lead 80 in your average rehearsal space. However, we’ve never aimed to be average. At Mushrooms Studios, we’re building the kind of rooms we’d want to rehearse in ourselves. These are properly thought-out spaces, kitted out with serious gear.
Elevating Your Rehearsal Experience
The new Pro Room at Fenton Barns is all about raising the bar. The Classic Lead 80 is a big part of that vision. Whether you’re chasing your tone or just want to plug in and be inspired, this amp brings something extra to the session. It fosters creativity and allows musicians to explore their sound in-depth.
If you’re interested in experiencing the Classic Lead 80 first-hand, or if you wish to learn more about its features, feel free to reach out. You can also book a session in our Pro Room.
Experience the magic of the Classic Lead 80 and transform your sound today!



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