just joined, looking for a decent bass head for under $300

[hernameisrio]

I just joined (hi!) and am looking for a good bass head for 300 or under that's versatile, not too heavy (I'm little...), and pretty loud, suitable for punk/funk and small gigs. I've found a few options on Craigslist that seem like they'd be good...namely a G.K. Backline 600 and a Hartke HA-1200. I had a chance to play through the Backline 600 at rehearsal and really liked it, but the one I'm looking at on Craigslist is $50 more than the Hartke and way the hell out in Long Island, so I'm not sure if I want to bother. So how does the HA-1200 compare to the Backline series and what else in this price range is similar, if not better? Any ideas? I'm not hugely picky right now because I feel like I've managed to play through many different amps and get a tone I'm happy with, and obviously on my budget, I'm not expecting the absolute top of the line...but at the same time, I don't want to get something that I'll be frustrated with in a few years just because I was trying to save a couple hundred bucks. My bass is an Ibanez SB900, so I've generally got kind of a more mid/treble, bright tone.

[Marton]

I would try finding other heads than a GK Backline or these older Hartke.

For under $300 you can find a GK 400RB, these are pure magic.

Also, check the classifieds here. For $300 or under, right now you can get : GK 700RB, Ampeg PF350, SWR Pro 350, etc.

[hernameisrio]

Yeah, it seems like the older GK stuff is generally better, amirite? I'll check the ads here, thanks a lot!

[Alex1984]

Well, it's not an "older is better" thing, just that the Backline series isn't the best thing that GK offers at that range. The RB is pretty much the top line for GK, though all the buzz seems to be around the lightweight MB series right now.

The head is okay, but stay away from Backline cabs though.

[metlman72]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Hartke HA series of heads. They are darn good head no matter how old they are. I would take my HA-3500 over a comparison GK anyday, but thats just me. Everyone is different. You could ask ten people what they think the best is and prob get 7 different answers. If you take the GK also would get the joy of sitting in traffic both ways on the LIE when your coming way the hell out on Long Island. I saw the GK head on CL and it is not bad, I just prefer Hartke power in my cabinet(s).

[jeff7bass]

Carvin BX250 or Ampeg PF-350 are both good choices. One fellow here has a price quote of 329.00 for an Ampeg PF-500. Now you’re in a serious class of amplifier for only 29.00 more than you wanted to spend. I would jump on that faster than Charlie Sheen on a skank.

[Marton]

Originally Posted by metlman72

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Hartke HA series of heads. They are darn good head no matter how old they are. I would take my HA-3500 over a comparison GK anyday, but thats just me. Everyone is different. You could ask ten people what they think the best is and prob get 7 different answers. If you take the GK also would get the joy of sitting in traffic both ways on the LIE when your coming way the hell out on Long Island. I saw the GK head on CL and it is not bad, I just prefer Hartke power in my cabinet(s).

I just don't like Hartke heads, and I play with GK. So my opinion was a little bit subjective .

[335guy]

Yeah, the new Ampeg PF-350 should work just fine. It's $300.00, weighs 8 lbs and is 250 watts @ 8 ohms and 300 watts @ 4 ohms. That's enough for most gigs when pared with an efficient cab.

[jumbodbassman]

were are you located. i have several heads i would be willing to sell..

[gjbassist]

Originally Posted by 335guy

Yeah, the new Ampeg PF-350 should work just fine. It's $300.00, weighs 8 lbs and is 250 watts @ 8 ohms and 300 watts @ 4 ohms. That's enough for most gigs when pared with an efficient cab.

+1 on the PF-350. Or try to find a deal on a PF-500 so you have the extra head room just in case.

[chaosMK]

Don't go Backline unless you can get it for about $50.

[335guy]

Originally Posted by gjbassist

+1 on the PF-350. Or try to find a deal on a PF-500 so you have the extra head room just in case.

Yeah, I got the PF-500 with a 15% off GC deal. I do like that it has more tone control features and variable compression. With a single 8 ohm cab, it is merely 50 watts more however, hardly noticeable. That extra headroom comes into play when using two 8 ohm cabs, then it's 500 watts.

[hernameisrio]

Thanks for the tips guys, I'm still looking. @ Jumbo: I'm in Brooklyn, PM me and maybe we can figure something out.

[BurningSkies]

An Ode to the ol' Hartke 3500

[fdeck]

I'll play devils advocate. I'm quite happy with my GK Backline 600 head. You can find them used for around $200. I've looked inside it. I've hooked it up to my test bench. It's a high quality amp, with an entry level look and price. I posted a brief review at my web page.

But I don't use mine any more because I jumped onto the lightweight bandwagon. The MB200 is also a nice head.

[pudgychef]

if you are up for Hartke you could easily get an LH500 for <$300. Good sounding, loud amp - more versatile than they look considering users range from Wooten and Nate Watts to Frank Bello and Dave Ellefson...

[Slackerprince]

Used Acoustic B600 or new Ampeg PF-500.
FTW.

S

[Caca de Kick]

Personal favorites that are also industry standards: GK400RB and the GK800RB.
Never loved or had much luck wth the old Hartke stuff.