My Hartke head started smoking...

steambolt · #1 04-10-2010, 11:11 AM

I run a Hartke HA 3500 head into a 4OHM Eden 4X10 cabinet. Ive been playing on it for a few weeks and recently it started smoking while playing (it seemed like the hartke was getting overheated). I immediatly turned it off. I use a Ibanez Prestige SDGR series and I think the pickups are active so I was running through the active input. I turned it back on running my bass through the passive input and it seemed to be running better and it much louder than when I I was running through the active input. Would it have anything to do with the fuse sled?

craig.p · #2 04-10-2010, 11:28 AM

This is an easy one. Smoke means you have had AN EVENT. Get it into the shop at once. Simply as a matter of interest you can check the fuse for proper value, but don't plug the amp in again.

BassmanPaul · #3 04-10-2010, 11:28 AM

If the amp starts smoking it's too hot or has a problem. Obvious things to check are your speaker cables and cabinet. The amp will be louder with the passive input as the active one cuts the signal down. Fuse sled???????

Were you using effects??

Paul

SurferJoe46 · #4 04-10-2010, 11:31 AM

All I know for sure is that most active jacks are just the same as the passive, but they toss a resistor into the circuit to attenuate the higher signal to the pre-amp.

You are still using all the same components I believe unless Hartke has a separate pre-amp for that active v passive input - doubtful in these days and with the corporate bean counters demanding to make things cheaper.

Smoke is never a good sign, however and I bet it returns unless you were cooking a burrito on the power supply and you've now removed and eaten it. Don't do that again even if it smells good.

johnk_10 · #5 04-10-2010, 11:32 AM

i think that you should get your Hartke to a tech asap.

and if it still does it after that, get it some nicorette gum..........

GreggBummer · #6 04-10-2010, 11:34 AM

If your amp is smoking, IT IS A FIRE HAZARD. Unplug it and take it to a qualified professional to be checked out.

harmendebresser · #7 04-10-2010, 11:36 AM

Does the fan work (at all)?
It should be operational at ALL times...
I've had no troubles with either input (passives into the active & vice versa).

**B-string** · #8 04-10-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnk_10

i think that you should get your Hartke to a tech asap.

and if it still does it after that, get it some nicorette gum..........

I was going to say to check for a fake ID, shouldn't be old enough to buy smoking materials?

username1 · #9 04-10-2010, 12:15 PM

I would also take your speaker cable with you when you get your head checked out and let them check that while your at it. If it has a short it will just fry your amp again after you get it fixed.

KarateKid25 · #10 04-10-2010, 12:18 PM

Letting the magic smoke out is not cool... You need to get a tech to check it over and re-fill it with smoke if necessary.

Quote:

Originally Posted by steambolt

I turned it back on running my bass through the passive input and it seemed to be running better and it much louder than when I I was running through the active input.

The active input is a pad. I always run active basses through the passive input unless I get unwanted clipping from hotter pickups.

Jeff Scott · #11 04-10-2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

My Hartke head started smoking...

Peer pressure?

dbase · #12 04-10-2010, 12:42 PM

I heard Hartke is coming out with a new Amp/Smoke Generator for on stage effects... could you have one of those?

timmerz · #13 04-10-2010, 02:28 PM

I use an HA3500 as my back-up head, and right beside the output plugs it has 8ohm stamped, one 8ohm stamp for each plug. I have always assumed that this meant that the unit would not like a 4-ohm cabinet, and the one time I ran a 2x10 4ohm cab and turned it up at practice it timed-out due to heat...I have no idea why yours wouldn't shut down before it would start smoking...

svtscruggs · #14 04-10-2010, 03:10 PM

shoulda just let it burn....

Larry Hartke · #15 04-13-2010, 09:32 AM

Hey Steambolt,

Just give me a call and I'll help you out. 201-680-8153 Cell

bassplayer7770 · #16 04-13-2010, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Hartke

Hey Steambolt,

Just give me a call and I'll help you out. 201-680-8153 Cell

Very cool.

Steambolt, be sure to report back here with updates.

Jim C · #17 04-13-2010, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnk_10

i think that you should get your Hartke to a tech asap.

and if it still does it after that, get it some nicorette gum..........

Awe, I wanted to post that; quit smoking 16 years ago and still chew the gum; what a great addiction

What's with this Larry Hartke guy; doesn't he know that big time music biz stars don't have time to read stupid, boring internet boards about something as lame as playing bass?

(Note to self: Remember Hartke along with the other stand up manufacturers that read this board and get involved with sorting out problems)

UncleFluffy · #18 04-13-2010, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim C

(Note to self: Remember Hartke along with the other stand up manufacturers that read this board and get involved with sorting out problems)

+1, impressed. Well done, Sir.

genstormbringer · #19 04-13-2010, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Hartke

Hey Steambolt,

Just give me a call and I'll help you out. 201-680-8153 Cell

Pretty cool Larry as a Hartke user I appreciate it. I do have one complaint I had to make my own 210 setup. It really kills w the 115 and I also have an LH1000 love em all.

GreggBummer · #20 04-13-2010, 10:03 AM

Love your speakers Larry. Keep up the good work.