Hartke kickback 15

basscase · #1 11-26-2011, 06:30 PM

Hello all, I use this amp primarily for rehearsal, but have played gigs with it. The only thing is,it cuts out when ever it feels like it. If you tap the shape button it comes back to life. Has anyone ever replaced the shape (filter) before or can you? Really don't need this hassle anymore. If you know what I should do to fix this, short of toss it in a dumpster,please let me know. Thanks.

robbotbass · #2 11-26-2011, 06:33 PM

I have a Hartke kickback 15 that I use at home to dink around on. This rig fell out of the back of a truck going 30 and still works fine. I've never had a problem with this little amp. I know that this amp really isn't worth alot so might not be worth to fix. Sorry i couldn't help more.

77PBass · #3 11-26-2011, 07:17 PM

I posted in another thread an issue I had with a 3500 head similar to this here:

hartke

basscase · #4 11-26-2011, 07:56 PM

WoW! 77PBASS , I was thinking about just changing out the shape switch if possible.If the pc board is cracked I'm SOL. I like the sound I get from this amp but in this area (Atlanta) it cost $ 65 USD just to walk in a repair shop. Maybe I could pull the speaker and toss the rest in the trash. Thanks.

topo morto · #5 11-26-2011, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basscase

Maybe I could pull the speaker and toss the rest in the trash. Thanks.

You can use the whole cab... just plug a different power amp into it at the back...

basscase · #6 11-26-2011, 08:16 PM

Good idea, Thank you topo morto. might could find a Fender head or so that would fit the slot. and rip that hartke logo off of it. Glad I got my old Rouge 120 as a back up.

topo morto · #7 11-26-2011, 08:59 PM

And of course once something is half broken, it instantly becomes the most reliable bit of gear in the world... it will stay working forever just so that you can't chuck it!

will33 · #8 11-26-2011, 09:48 PM

Why convince yourself to throw it in the garbage? Sounds like just a bad button/switch. Replace it, jumper around it or give it to somebody who might fix and use it. Throw an amp in the dump?.....really?

topo morto · #9 11-27-2011, 04:13 AM

Maybe if you get the head out you can offer it to whoever wants to pay postage... I'm always amazed at the broken junk people will take of your hands as long as it's free!

77PBass · #10 11-27-2011, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basscase

WoW! 77PBASS , I was thinking about just changing out the shape switch if possible.If the pc board is cracked I'm SOL. I like the sound I get from this amp but in this area (Atlanta) it cost $ 65 USD just to walk in a repair shop. Maybe I could pull the speaker and toss the rest in the trash. Thanks.

That was my experience, your issue may be different. It just something to look out for and if you are like me, you would open up the head and do a visual inspection before taking it in to be repaired.

robbotbass · #11 11-27-2011, 01:37 PM

Nuts and bolts. I've had a GK head that broke within a year of having it. Also a buddy of mine got a new Ampeg pro 3 that kept shorting out on him with in weeks! Like I said I have a hartke kickback 15 that fell off a truck going 30 that works like the day I bought it. It's all relative I can respect brand loyalty but not write off an entire brand cause of one piece of bad gear. Just my soap box speech for the day.

77PBass · #12 11-27-2011, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbotbass

Nuts and bolts. I've had a GK head that broke within a year of having it. Also a buddy of mine got a new Ampeg pro 3 that kept shorting out on him with in weeks! Like I said I have a hartke kickback 15 that fell off a truck going 30 that works like the day I bought it. It's all relative I can respect brand loyalty but not write off an entire brand cause of one piece of bad gear. Just my soap box speech for the day.

A brand really only gets one chance. If you have a bad experience, there is plenty of other brands to replace it.

I have a Dynaco Stereo 70 that is 50 years old and with minor servicing, works like the day it was manufactured.

We live in a world now that is disposable with planned obsolescence. Manufacturers meet price points rather than build great products. Thankfully, garage sales and pawn shops are chock full of the cast offs from a different era.

Thankfully there are some manufacturers making great products that last and can be repaired. Oh, and there are great individuals designing products that allow the DIY'ers to have great equipment that will last (think: BFM, GB).

basscase · #13 11-27-2011, 07:46 PM

I'll have to agree with you ROBBOTBASS. I guess I can't rule out Hartke all together just for one bad. maybe I'm getting more less tolerate in my old age. I pulled the head today and found that the shape switch is part of the board, not an easy change-out. also so is the input jack, not like the old days-positive-negative hook-up. I'll just have to be satisfied with the amp as a practice piece and move on to higher ground. Thanks for your input and to all other members too.