The Official Hartke Club Part 2

[Newbie-Doo]

Originally Posted by Vince Klortho

They are essentially the same except for power : 350 vs 500W at 4 ohms. All controls are identical.

I have had an HA3500 for over 10 years and I really like it. It sounds great and hasn't given me a lick of trouble. I find the compressor to be a nice feature. I turn it up just a little for slapping stuff and it rounds things off nicely - just a bit, not too extreme. There is an indicator light for it and I turn it up so it flickers only a little.

I have found 350W to be about right for me and the bands I've been in. None have been very loud and my ears are usually not ringing after a gig, which is nice. If I were in a really loud band I would be inclined to get the 5500.

Jack Bruce seems to prefer the 3500 so I was wondering if there was any noticeable tonal difference.

[Vince Klortho]

I would be surprised if there is a noticeable tonal difference.

One thing I have noticed is that amps tend to sound somewhat different as you turn them up. With lower power you have to turn an amp up farther to get the same volume as a higher powered amp. This might explain why JB uses the 3500 - he can turn it up louder. This is just a guess though. As I mentioned, their controls are the same so I would guess they have the same pre-amp section but different power amps and power supplies.

[ERIC31]

Got my 210XL this afternoon! Only had time to play with it a few minutes before going to work. Tomorrow I will get in some quality time. Already I can't wait to get another one just like it for a vertical 4x10. After that a micro head (leaning toward a Promethean 300 watt)that will fit right on top as my GK hangs over the sides when it's stacked upright.



Can I have my number please?

[Newbie-Doo]

Originally Posted by Vince Klortho

I would be surprised if there is a noticeable tonal difference.

One thing I have noticed is that amps tend to sound somewhat different as you turn them up. With lower power you have to turn an amp up farther to get the same volume as a higher powered amp. This might explain why JB uses the 3500 - he can turn it up louder...

I had the same thought and was considering the 3500 for that reason. But in the end I decided the 5500 would be able to handle any playing situation and I really wanted the 350 watts to pump into a 8Ohm 4x10.

[Vince Klortho]

That should sound pretty good.

[Billy K]

Victor Wooten coming to my local music store this Tuesday to do a Bass clinic.The store sells Hartke that's where I got my Hydrive 15.Anybody ever attended one of these clinics? I do have that afternoon off I may go. The only bummer with my combo is I can not add extra speakers.To do that I have to unplug the 15 on board.It was my first amp 5 years ago and I knew nothing at the time I just started playing so I thought wow 15 inches cool in hind site 2 tens would have been a better choice for me. I got the LH 5000 later and run 2X10 cab or cabs I have 2.Larry helped me out with a problem on my Hydrive and I must say his company is outstanding.

[sgtpepper]

Originally Posted by ERIC31

Got my 210XL this afternoon! Only had time to play with it a few minutes before going to work. Tomorrow I will get in some quality time. Already I can't wait to get another one just like it for a vertical 4x10. After that a micro head (leaning toward a Promethean 300 watt)that will fit right on top as my GK hangs over the sides when it's stacked upright.



Can I have my number please?

That's it!

Congratulations!!! You're member #332

Welcome to the Hartke Club.

[Newbie-Doo]

Originally Posted by Billy K

Victor Wooten coming to my local music store this Tuesday to do a Bass clinic.The store sells Hartke that's where I got my Hydrive 15.Anybody ever attended one of these clinics? I do have that afternoon off I may go. The only bummer with my combo is I can not add extra speakers.To do that I have to unplug the 15 on board.It was my first amp 5 years ago and I knew nothing at the time I just started playing so I thought wow 15 inches cool in hind site 2 tens would have been a better choice for me. I got the LH 5000 later and run 2X10 cab or cabs I have 2.Larry helped me out with a problem on my Hydrive and I must say his company is outstanding.

If you have an extension cab with 2 1/4" jacks you can send to the extension cab first, then daisy chain back to the built-in speaker.

[60bass]

Originally Posted by Newbie-Doo

If you have an extension cab with 2 1/4" jacks you can send to the extension cab first, then daisy chain back to the built-in speaker.

+1 just make sure your total ohm load isn't lower than the amps rating. Usually when a combo amp doesn't have an extension speaker out, or the internal speaker is hardwired to the head, there's a reason. That almost always means the amp is already at it's rated ohm load with the internal speakers.

[BillyB_from_LZ]

Originally Posted by Billy K

Victor Wooten coming to my local music store this Tuesday to do a Bass clinic.....Anybody ever attended one of these clinics? I do have that afternoon off I may go. ...

I missed the Vic clinic at my local Sam Ash store. I just happened to stop in after work (arriving at 4 pm) and saw a sign on the door that Vic was going to be there earlier. I figured I'd go back the Pro Audio dept. where the clinic was held to see if it was still going. Vic was done and was trying to get out the door (he had a show in the area that night0 but was gracious enough to say hi and sign an autograph for me. Vic is a really nice guy!!!

I've attended a number of clinics over the years and they're always a good time...

My recommendation - GO, don't hesitate...it'll be fun, entertaining and humbling, but go, you'll never regret it!

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by Billy K

Victor Wooten coming to my local music store this Tuesday to do a Bass clinic.The store sells Hartke that's where I got my Hydrive 15.Anybody ever attended one of these clinics? I do have that afternoon off I may go. The only bummer with my combo is I can not add extra speakers.To do that I have to unplug the 15 on board.It was my first amp 5 years ago and I knew nothing at the time I just started playing so I thought wow 15 inches cool in hind site 2 tens would have been a better choice for me. I got the LH 5000 later and run 2X10 cab or cabs I have 2.Larry helped me out with a problem on my Hydrive and I must say his company is outstanding.

I went to a couple of clinics with Jeff Berlin. Go! It's a lot of fun. And I got to meet Jeff and Tal Wilkenfeld!

[jbrooks]

I would like a number please.

[Newbie-Doo]

Originally Posted by jbrooks

Attachment 318341

I would like a number please.

Hey JB! How are you liking that combo? I was considering picking one up.

[Billy K]

Thanks Billy B I will go And I think the Hydrive is not hardwired because the jack comes out the amp in the speaker box. I have played the 2x10 before but never thought of daisy chain. I better see if someone knows for sure that's ok.It maybe too much of a drain. I really don't know.

[JohnnyLiBass]

I am totally in love with this cab. I'm really looking seriously at getting a 112 hydrive. In the meantime here's my 4.5xl in all its glory!



I'd love a number!

[Snakeman1066]

I have a number already...lol, but look to the left!

[jbrooks]

Originally Posted by Newbie-Doo

Hey JB! How are you liking that combo? I was considering picking one up.

I'm pretty much just a hobbyist but I really like the combo. A lot of bang for the buck.

[Newbie-Doo]

Originally Posted by jbrooks

I'm pretty much just a hobbyist but I really like the combo. A lot of bang for the buck.

The reviews on it are good, but the folks who use it for their gigging rig say it weighs a ton. Trying to pull that thing in and out of the trunk of my Camry didn't sound like fun, so I'll be going with the HA5500 Head and separate VX410 or Hydrive 410 cabs.

[jbrooks]

Originally Posted by Newbie-Doo

The reviews on it are good, but the folks who use it for their gigging rig say it weighs a ton. Trying to pull that thing in and out of the trunk of my Camry didn't sound like fun, so I'll be going with the HA5500 Head and separate VX410 or Hydrive 410 cabs.

Yep. It's heavy. I think the shipping weight was 100 lbs. It would be a chore to get it in and out of a trunk; especially a Camry. I've always had a truck or a SUV.

[BillyB_from_LZ]

Originally Posted by Newbie-Doo

... so I'll be going with the HA5500 Head and separate VX410 or Hydrive 410 cabs.

Don't forget the ATK410... Or the Hydrive 1x12s if 12s are an option. They're small, light, have a 4 ohm/8 ohm switch and sound great!