Hartke LH 1000 Constant Problems

[sb1000geek]

Hi all, last year I purchased the LH 1000 after years of using Mesa Boogie. The LH/Hydrive set up was on alot of backline gigs I did for a while and I immediately loved its sound and ease of use. It did not take long for me to switch over.

However .... As of the past 4-5 months the head has been a constant problem and am wondering if anyone else has had this issue.

Many of the connections inside the amp are not hard wired it. The are constantly getting loose and killing the amp ... It has gotten to the point where before almost every gig I need to open the amp up and re seat the connectors. Obviously this is getting VERY freakin annoying as the problem is spreading to more and more connectors.

I gig a large amount with plenty of travel (3-5 gigs a week with longer casino/theater runs thrown in in between) There have been increasingly more times where the amp is fine and just before the curtain opens it starts cutting out and I need to grab a screwdriver and start checking connections. It's stressful and unprofessional!!

I sent a message to Hartke, he said to contact his tech, his tech said to contact the place I bought the amp from. The place I bought the amp is not getting back to me.

I have to say I'm a bit disappointed with the way Hartke has handled the issue - basically he hasn't. And again I use the amp constantly and don't have the freedom to ship it out somewhere for 3-6 weeks, but I also don't want to void any warranty by replacing the interiors. But then again the warranty isn't doing me much good as it is so ....

I guess the question is: Anyone know how to fix this issue?? Do I need to find someone to Hard Solder the connections in?

[wagdog]

Interesting, I have not heard of that problem. I take it you place your head on your speaker and the vibrations are loosening the connectors? I guess the quick fix would be to place the head somewhere where it doesn't vibrate. Then maybe a dab of silicone on the connector to keep it from rattling loose. My LH500 has been trouble free but I don't exactly stress it either.

[sb1000geek]

The vibrations probably add to the problem ... but it seems just from travel alone the connections get loose. If it gets put in the van or bus sideways or gets bumped it will knock out the connections just enough to make the amp intermittent. But if I push them all in just before playing the amp will usually make it through a gig so it seems like vibration might not be that big of an issue.

It stays in a heavy hardshell Calzone case but it seems like even just carrying the case by the handle (sideways) is enough to get some of the connections to loosen up just enough to cause issues.

I will see about dabbing in some silicone ... I'm on the road again from Weds. to Sunday for all Theater and Casino shows and am dreading having to mess with it!

[Larry Hartke]

Hey sb1000geek,

Just give me a call or e-mail with your address, phone number, and where you bought the LH-1000. I’ll have it taken care of right away for you. This doesn’t sound like a connector problem, we’ve not had any connector issues. It sounds like something else might be loose. Have you checked to see if the tube is seated correctly or defective?

In any case, no worries just get me your info and we will get you up and running right away.

Larry Hartke 201-680-8153 lahartke@comcast.net

[wagdog]

Yes, something else is wrong. Just moving an amp (unless you drop it - and even then) should never cause it distress. These things are pretty rugged. Anyway, Larry's got you now. Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

[randysmojo]

Interested in hearing what thevissue is.

[jnumme]

Yes let us other Hartke LHers know what the problem was , cause i gig a ton with mine and want to be ahead the the game on this issue.... Thanks