Hartke HyDrive 112C questions......

suddenlysane · #1 10-01-2010, 04:26 PM

I just purchased the Hartke HyDrive 112C. I have been messing around with it at about half throttle and it seems to play fine. But when I crank it up to 7 or 8 (of 10) it pops and squeals a bit....a bit too much, actually. It's rated at 250 Watts but I'm sure I'm not getting that.

A couple of things about me. I am a beginner. I started 6 months ago with an Ibanez SR300/Hartke B300 combo. I just bought the new HyDrive combo amp with a Fender Geddy Lee JBass.

I wanted something with more Oomph while learning how to play (drive my wife crazy). This has more Oomph but I'm not sure now if it's the best I could have gotten for the $500 or so that I paid for it. I see that Fender has a Rumble series 350W combo amp with a pair of 10" speakers. Might that be a better combo?

I am goofing around with some blues and slap but my heart is with metal. I can take this amp back and get something different. Any suggestions that would be around the $400-$650 range?? The Fender is amazing. It really needs a good amp/cab or combo amp.

Apologies in advance for my ignorance and long windedness.......

JimmyM · #2 10-01-2010, 04:39 PM

you probably are getting as much out of it as you can reasonably expect for a very small combo, which a 112 most definitely is. don't forget that you're not only limited by available power, but you're also limited by what the speaker can do inside the box, which could also be a limiting factor in your case (never played one, don't really know what it tops out at). and while i have seen some micro combos put out some juice, let's face it...you're just not going to get svt 810 performance out of it.

Larry Hartke · #3 10-01-2010, 04:50 PM

Brother suddenlyinsane.

There is no such thing as problem...call me and I will make sure that you have what you need. I'll make you happy! 201-680-8153 Cell

Now if I could only get Jimmy M to call me...love that mystery guy!

suddenlysane · #4 10-01-2010, 04:50 PM

Reminds me of when I drove the family station wagon around like it was a Corvette.

RickenBoogie · #5 10-01-2010, 04:54 PM

Larry will hook you up, but I also agree with jimmy. Just because an amp will dial up to 10, doesn't by any means mean the speaker can handle it. I usually consider "halfway" up to be max on most any amp I've ever used. Besides, pushing any amp too hard is just not good for the poor little 12" guy.

Larry Hartke · #6 10-01-2010, 05:11 PM

Thanks RickenBoogie,

Let me say this again for the record, I don't know Jimmy M and if he likes Hartke gear or not is besides the point. Jimmy's given me some knocks and you know what I say...Jimmy is guy that you are all lucky to have on this forum. Good advice all the time with a sense of humor. This is not rocket science, it's bass, and you can all like what works for you. But, I might be up against Jimmy for this years "Talky" awards, may the best man win! This could get ugly, one nasty no holds barred fight! Already talked with suddenlysane...nice guy!

suddenlysane · #7 10-01-2010, 05:30 PM

Thanks, Larry!

I have no experience to draw from and therefore no points of reference so the input I'm getting here is priceless! (please place any needed punctuation in the preceding sentence).

I can see the point you guys make about the "numbers" on the dial. Larry had a very informative and entertaining way of explaining that to me. I've got a lot to learn......

Larry Hartke · #8 10-01-2010, 05:36 PM

Thank you suddenlyinsane,

I will make eveything right for you! I'm the mysticseer!
www.mysticseer.com

Thundar · #9 10-01-2010, 05:41 PM

I asked the Mystic Seer if my penis would ever get hard again. His response:
Definitely NO!

suddenlysane · #10 10-01-2010, 05:49 PM

Popsicle sticks and rubberbands......Whatever It Takes!

JimmyM · #11 10-01-2010, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Hartke

Thanks RickenBoogie,

Let me say this again for the record, I don't know Jimmy M and if he likes Hartke gear or not is besides the point. Jimmy's given me some knocks and you know what I say...Jimmy is guy that you are all lucky to have on this forum. Good advice all the time with a sense of humor. This is not rocket science, it's bass, and you can all like what works for you. But, I might be up against Jimmy for this years "Talky" awards, may the best man win! This could get ugly, one nasty no holds barred fight!

no way, dude...the scorched fender thread wins!

pm sent, but just for the public record, i have not played the 112c but i really like the hydrives and lh500/1000, and ever since you came on here, i'm always impressed how quick you are to help, and because of that, i've become a fan.

Larry Hartke · #12 10-01-2010, 09:59 PM

Brother Thundar,

I'm so sorry, I forgot to mention this disclaimer...please be careful what you ask!

There is probably no hope for you now my brother...my bad! I'm sorry!

As for the rest of you...

The answers to all life's questions...are here now...

But please...be careful what you ask!!!

Larry aka....
www.mysticseer.com

suddenlysane · #13 10-03-2010, 06:04 PM

Thanks, Larry, for the solution to my situation!

Thanks, JimmyM, for peaking my curiosity regarding the scorched Fender thread (just read the whole thing).

For anyone wondering whether or not to take the plunge on a Hartke product...do it, you won't be sorry. Seriously, Larry Hartke is the man.