Hartke LH500... just quit.

Akrenim · #1 01-10-2011, 02:13 AM

While playing in a service today, my Hartke just quit on me. Never had any issues of it doing anything such as this. I have power to the unit, all lights come on, but no sound. Any thoughts as to what this could be? I'm wondering if it could be a bad tube.

BillyIVbass · #2 01-10-2011, 02:48 AM

Do you have extra cables/cab/bass to troubleshoot it and make sure it is the amp? I used that amp for 2 years without a hitch. It generally takes 15 seconds or so to power on. When my 12AX7 went, the amp was noisy, but still had signal. The tube is easy to get to. Unscrew the top panel and the tube cover is right up front on the left.

I had to send my HA7000 out to be serviced once to Samson/Hartke Repair in NY. The process was reasonably prompt and painless.

Akrenim · #3 01-10-2011, 03:07 AM

BillyIVbass, thank you for the quick reply...

I had a small Behringer practice amp/combo there with me and was able to use the same cable to play through that unit. Also I was able to use the amp on the Behringer to power my Hartke 410 cab and the cab worked that way as well.

I've had the LH500 for maybe a year to a year and a half but it was used when I got it. Don't use it that often as most of my practices and gigs are small enough to use the behringer as a personal monitor while running through the house system.

Again thanks for your feedback! I plan on trying to replace the tube as soon as my local GC opens.

BillyIVbass · #4 01-10-2011, 03:20 AM

No sweat, good luck! The newer Groove Tubes have served me well for bass amps.

Larry Hartke · #5 01-10-2011, 06:38 AM

Hey Akrenim,

Sorry to hear your LH-500 isn't working, just call my service manager Joe Antonelli 1-800-328-2882 and tell him I sent you. Joe will get you up and running if you need further help I'm right here 201-680-8153 Cell / lahartke@comcast.net.

Thanks for playing Hartke!

RobertUI · #6 01-10-2011, 06:47 AM

Again, Larry has proven that HE is THE MAN when it comes to customer service!

45cmckay105 · #7 01-10-2011, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertUI

Again, Larry has proven that HE is THE MAN when it comes to customer service!

+1

I just gigged with my LH500 over the weekend, and I can't say enough good things about it!!

onosson · #8 01-10-2011, 06:57 AM

I have had intermittent problems with mine where it does what you describe after using it for some time, then powering down and powering back up again. I find that removing and then reconnecting the power cord solves the problem. I don't have an original cord, so it may be that mine has a bit of a bad fit.

Akrenim · #9 01-10-2011, 07:30 AM

RobertUI, I agree!!! I find it amazing that Larry makes himself available as such!

Larry you are the man & Hartke is my home! Thanks!

Bassman316 · #10 01-10-2011, 07:35 AM

Larry Hartke himself gives the guy his personal phone number. That right there is why I decided to go with my LH1000 and HyDrive 410. (And is why I'll be picking up a second Hydrive soon

)

NGJBeaner · #11 01-10-2011, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Hartke

Hey Akrenim,

Sorry to hear your LH-500 isn't working, just call my service manager Joe Antonelli 1-800-328-2882 and tell him I sent you. Joe will get you up and running if you need further help I'm right here 201-680-8153 Cell / lahartke@comcast.net.

Thanks for playing Hartke!

hey larry i have always heard great things about how personal you are with customer service! i've been using hartke for 13 years now and have never had a problem. this weekend at a gig i blew a 10" in one of my TP410 cabs. which is impressive because they have gotten abused every weekend for years! can i call this number for a replacement (1-800-328-2882)? i cannot find where to get them online? thank you and continue making awesome gear!

gjbassist · #12 01-10-2011, 09:21 AM

I have been considering picking up an LH500 for a while now. After seeing this thread with Larry's personal response on it now I'm sure I will get one! How many companies have that level of customer service?

Bassman316 · #13 01-10-2011, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gjbassist

I have been considering picking up an LH500 for a while now. After seeing this thread with Larry's personal response on it now I'm sure I will get one! How many companies have that level of customer service?

Not only are you getting top-notch customer service with Hartke, but with the LH series heads you get a lot of bang for you buck. They're awesome. My LH1000 kicks.

Akrenim · #14 01-10-2011, 03:29 PM

Just to follow up: I replaced the pre tube with a Groove Tube GT12AX7R... Solved my problem and sounds amazing!! Thanks for all the feedback and again Larry you are the best!

Jim C · #15 01-10-2011, 05:41 PM

It's like calling Batman.
You put up the trouble sign and help comes running.
4 hours and 25 minutes for the owner of the company to call; well done Mr. H.
I'm still waiting for SWR to return my calls; it's only been about 180 days.

LoveHertz · #16 01-13-2011, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassman316

Larry Hartke himself gives the guy his personal phone number. That right there is why I decided to go with my LH1000 and HyDrive 410. (And is why I'll be picking up a second Hydrive soon

)

I have been doing my homework as I am in the market for an affordable, ass-kicking power source with great tone. I am now leaning toward an LH1000.

sleepytime · #17 01-13-2011, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akrenim

Just to follow up: I replaced the pre tube with a Groove Tube GT12AX7R... Solved my problem and sounds amazing!! Thanks for all the feedback and again Larry you are the best!

Thanks for the follow up report, Akrenim.