HA3500 or RB800

cakes · #1 08-18-2011, 05:34 AM

hey guys, title pretty much says it all.
I have been scouring craigslist lately for my first gigging head. I have narrowed it down to an HA3500 and an RB800.
The Hartke is listed at $250, and that is the guys bottom line, he says he already reduced it too much. Brand new condition.
The GK is listed at $300 with a TKL rack mount case. He said he would come down if sold without the case. Also in very good condition.
This being my first real setup, I was just looking for opinions between the two. I have been doing loads of research, and these both seem to be very solid amps. I like the Hartke because of the tube/solid option, but the 10 band EQ scares me a little. I have pretty much heard nothing but good things about the GK. I'm trying to not spend more than $250, but is it smarter to pay the extra for the GK with the case?
Sorry for so many questions, I have done all the research about each individual head but can't find a real comparison between the two. Any help/suggestions is really appreciated.
Last thing, whatever head you think is best, could you recommend a good cab to pair it with. Thanks alot guys. Oh, and I play punk if you care, and have an active bass.

Count Bassie · #2 08-18-2011, 06:11 AM

I busted out my old 400RB at a gig last weekend, and where the hell have I been? Nothing I've ever played responds like a GK. Sounds huge and very present. I'd get the GK over the Hartke- or maybe anything else, in a New York Minute.

Do the 800RB...

cakes · #3 08-18-2011, 03:06 PM

bump...any other opinions?
I just found a good working Hartke VX410 cab for $100. Good option the RB800?

Count Bassie · #4 08-18-2011, 03:18 PM

The 410 gets you playing, and based on the 215, I'd say for a buck do it. For $100 you can flip it and upgrade later. Definitely get the 800RB...

Muttleybass · #5 08-18-2011, 03:26 PM

I've been playing my 800rb since 1986. Never been in the shop. Versatile, solid, RELIABLE as hell. Always sounds great, but they do have their own tone. $300 in a case is a great deal.

The only experience I've had with Hartke was a speaker cab that failed. Never got a decent sound (410h Transporter) and an aluminum cone split. I've seen lots of guys use them, but it kinda left a bad taste in my mouth.

RickenBoogie · #6 08-18-2011, 03:30 PM

800RB all the way.

Count Bassie · #7 08-18-2011, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muttleybass

I've been playing my 800rb since 1986. Never been in the shop. Versatile, solid, RELIABLE as hell. Always sounds great, but they do have their own tone. $300 in a case is a great deal.

The only experience I've had with Hartke was a speaker cab that failed. Never got a decent sound (410h Transporter) and an aluminum cone split. I've seen lots of guys use them, but it kinda left a bad taste in my mouth.

These stories are all over the map- I had a very old Guild/Hartke 410 with a rumply cone, and ran it with an oldie SVT head. Like a Swiss clock, sounded clear and powerful.

What're you gonna do...

Count Bassie · #8 08-18-2011, 03:32 PM

I'm trying to score an 800 now. Got the 400RB, it's great! But... an 800... yeah.

robbotbass · #9 08-18-2011, 03:49 PM

IDK I just got a HA3500 and a new HyDrive 4x10 and it's sounding pretty Epic. I've had some bad luck in the past with GK cumstomer support so I might be Bais.

20db pad · #10 08-18-2011, 03:54 PM

Both of these are good amps, but I'd choose the 800RB - it's a classic for a reason.

jaywa · #11 08-18-2011, 03:59 PM

How important to you is a tube preamp? The Hartke has it, the GK doesn't.

I used a Hartke 3500 head for years and loved it until it became unreliable and I had to retire it. It is the loudest head for its wattage I have ever played, anywhere.

GK probably gets the nod for reliability and GK gear holds its value better than equivalent Hartke items. Best of both worlds IMO would be the GK head fronted with a SansAmp Bass Driver or other "tubifying" device.