Hartke Kick Back 15 or Carlsbro Viper 150, help!

NoiseNinja · #1 03-10-2011, 06:52 AM

Hi, I'm having the choise between bying a Hartke Kick Back 15 and a Carlsbro Viper 150. Same price used. I was wondering if anyone could help me out choosing?

NoiseNinja · #2 03-10-2011, 08:42 AM

Please... Can someone guide me to which is the better amp.

4stringsonly · #3 03-10-2011, 10:21 AM

I can't tell you anything about the Carlsboro, but I will share my experience with the kickback 15 that I've owned for 10 years. The hartke has worked out great fo Me. I played in a classic rock band ( drummer, 2 guitars, keyboards,) and I used this amp 90% of the time. NOW, most of our gigs were in small restuarant rooms, where we were packed tight on stage. Id be standing right in front of the amp using it as a monitor ( the kickback feature is great). We always had PA support. 120 watt amp into 15 inch small box speaker is never going to replace a proper bass stack, but this amp was perfect for my needs. 400 gigs in 10 years atest to its reliability. just dont push it beyond its capabilities.

bassman07718 · #4 03-10-2011, 10:33 AM

I also own/use the Kickback 15. Been using it over 7 years in a mostly Blues/Rock band. Works great in a small bar/club setting and I've even played a couple of street fair type gigs with no PA support. If needed you can use the direct out from the kickback to a PA.

joe vegas · #5 03-10-2011, 10:45 AM

second that.
if you're talking about the Hartke 100-A, the 100 watt/15" combo, it's an incredible package, and it won't dissapoint you. way, way loud enough without p.a. support in medium-size places with a good-size band. guitar-like upper-register chords, big thick blossoming lows, tight mids. the aluminum speaker produces slightly faster transients than paper, so tones sound have a more immediate, focused quality. as 4strings says, the kickback feature is the perfect way to monitor yourself while filling the house (the 45' upward angle spreads your sound perfectly)... this feature alone will grow on you immediately. i've used this combo for years- it's tough & reliable, great look, pro sound. the only microscopic caveat is, the shape and weight making solo carrying (along with a backpack and 1 or 2 basses, navigating stairs and crowds) a hair less than delightful... an inexpensive fold-up cart solves this handily.

sgtpepper · #6 03-10-2011, 10:54 AM

Hartke, definitelly.
I've never had an experience with Carlsbro but I can tell you about Hartke. I own/use a Hartke A100 combo wich is pretty much the same as the KB15. I love the amp. The tone is very good and it has a 7 band eq. Perfect for rehearsing and gigging in small venues.

Andsome · #7 03-21-2011, 08:56 AM

I'd probably go with the Hartke too, but I do have this model Viper and have to say that it's been a trooper over the years (mine's about 16 years old now).

But given the choice... Hartke.