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Ampeg PF500 vs Hartke LH500
- Thread starter Piranha_shreds_4strings
- Start date
I have the AH2500 and must say the limited EQ on the LH500 is a worry, but everyone has pedals for all their tone now. Just buy a DI with tone options or a ten band EQ pedal like the MXR. Have you tried MarkBass heads? lotsa great tone IMHO, I have Hartke and MarkBass and love both. The MB for it's tiny size and weight for the same bang.
I've had the big brother of both of these amps, the pf800 and the lh1000. Still have the lh1000, so that speaks for itself.
However, as mentioned above, I get a lot of my tone from pedals, so I wanted a clean amp with plenty of headroom. The lh heads are perfect for that. And the simple eq is a plus, I set it flat and do my eq'ing elsewhere.
In honesty, if I was plugging straight into an amp with no effects, I would probably choose the ampeg just for the greater amount of tones on tap. Fwiw, I never used the "ultra" switches, didn't care for what they did. It really is a great amp though, just a matter of your needs.
However, as mentioned above, I get a lot of my tone from pedals, so I wanted a clean amp with plenty of headroom. The lh heads are perfect for that. And the simple eq is a plus, I set it flat and do my eq'ing elsewhere.
In honesty, if I was plugging straight into an amp with no effects, I would probably choose the ampeg just for the greater amount of tones on tap. Fwiw, I never used the "ultra" switches, didn't care for what they did. It really is a great amp though, just a matter of your needs.
i would get a markbass but theyre pretty pricey from what ive seen but i play on them every time i go to guitar center and theyre literally the best amp ive ever played on
My MB LM250 is from their BlackLine model range which is much more affordable, assembled in Indonesia, but then again all their gear is now. I really love mine, great punch and clarity. Can go dirty when I want it to, switch on a fuzz pedal lol
I love my LH500, but I'm a big fan of the simplicity and tone of the Fender tonestack.
+1.....
I had "two" Ampeg PF-500's and a Hartke LH1000.
Both PF-500's burnt out, the Hartke is going strong.....
My vote for the LH500. I've not owned a PF500 though. The LH500 will give you clean clear wattage, is loud and built very sturdy. I use a DI with tone controls and the LH500 tone controls set flat (2~10~2) and it sounds good to my preferences. Unfortunately, everyone here will have their own opinion. You should try out both at a local store and figure out which you prefer. I don't think you can really go wrong with either one.
I've had a pf500 for a little over a month and I like it a lot. It sounds great with my jazz bass. I'd recommend trying out both if you can or haven't already.
