Giving combos another try with Hartke Kickback KB12

[scottfeldstein]

I have a prejudice against combo amps. At least I always used to. Why did I just buy a used Hartke Kickback KB12 for $340? Am I nuts?

Maybe not. Here's a couple of scenarios.

First, a real life one. In March I have a weird gig. I have to play a set at a local art museum. Right after that I have to take the stage at a nearby theater venue. Right away I'm thinking I need two rigs. Who wants to move and re-set up all that stuff? So I'll use my small rig at the museum, throw it in the car when I'm done, and have the big rig already set up on the theater stage. In this case my small rig will now be the Hartke. I think it would make things better, it being just one grab, one handle, done.

Another scenario. I'm playing at a local eatery. Even if it's outside and people are dining al fresco, they want to be able to hear each other talk. I think the Hartke may be the way to go here.

A friend wants to play bass at the local open mic. I lend her a bass, but she needs an amp, too... Hartke all day long.

In any case we'll see if I regret this or not. I'm optimistic. Anyone else have experience with the Kickback KB12? What am I going to like about it?

 

[Polish Thunder]

I have a prejudice against combo amps. At least I always used to. Why did I just buy a used Hartke Kickback KB12 for $340? Am I nuts?

Maybe not. Here's a couple of scenarios.

First, a real life one. In March I have a weird gig. I have to play a set at a local art museum. Right after that I have to take the stage at a nearby theater venue. Right away I'm thinking I need two rigs. Who wants to move and re-set up all that stuff? So I'll use my small rig at the museum, throw it in the car when I'm done, and have the big rig already set up on the theater stage. In this case my small rig will now be the Hartke. I think it would make things better, it being just one grab, one handle, done.

Another scenario. I'm playing at a local eatery. Even if it's outside and people are dining al fresco, they want to be able to hear each other talk. I think the Hartke may be the way to go here.

A friend wants to play bass at the local open mic. I lend her a bass, but she needs an amp, too... Hartke all day long.

In any case we'll see if I regret this or not. I'm optimistic. Anyone else have experience with the Kickback KB12? What am I going to like about it?

I know of a music store owner in Northern Michigan that plays bass in a local Blues Band. That is the amp of choice for him. He had good things to say about it talking to him.

 

[scottfeldstein]

I know of a music store owner in Northern Michigan that plays bass in a local Blues Band. That is the amp of choice for him. He had good things to say about it talking to him.

Good to know! I'm expecting it'll be kind of modern sounding and that it'll get just loud enough (with enough bottom end) to play those outdoor patios. Which should be perfect.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Scott you’re a wild and crazy guy!!

 

[scottfeldstein]

Scott you’re a wild and crazy guy!!

That's what the say about me! No, it isn't. But I do change my mind on occasion!

 

[scottfeldstein]

So I haven't had a chance to gig this little guy until now. (Global pandemic, yadda, yadda.) I did an outside gig this morning (June 27, 2020), but without a drummer. I had the Hartke "kicked back" and kind of aimed between myself and the singer. I had the EQ flat except a slight roll off of the highs. The volume was maybe 10 o'clock. You can actually seem me nudging it up a couple of times in this video, though. I was doing that because I could hear myself clearly, but I worried that nobody else could. I was also worried that there wasn't enough bottom end. I was playing through a Tech 21 YYZ pedal with some serious Geddy sounds dialed in. To me it sounded a little thin and kind of zingy.

And yet this is what it sounded like out front. (Headphones obvs)

 

[iagtrplyr]

I know of a music store owner in Northern Michigan that plays bass in a local Blues Band. That is the amp of choice for him. He had good things to say about it talking to him.

Nice one, PT. Scott, after you score your combo, please drop by the Combo Club with a pic and request a number of which I will proudly hand one out. I know, you're probably thinking you'd never join a club that loves combos, but these days anything can happen. I hope you enjoy the Hartke!

 

[scottfeldstein]

Another vid. Put your headphones on. That little Hartke is killing it. And outside!

 

[OLD-PLAYER]

Another vid. Put your headphones on. That little Hartke is killing it. And outside!

I just bought one of these today, thanks in part to you! I needed a small (but punchy) presence that would be light and easy to carry (I'm 66) and that wouldn't take a lot of space on a small stage. After watching your video, I know I made a good decision! By the way, your doing a great job with your band! (I used to have a Jackson with a floyd like your guitarist. Reminds me of my club gigs back in the 90's).

 

[iagtrplyr]

Scott, just curious, are you still rocking the Hartke? This is almost two years ago and I believe the typical shelf life for a combo is like nine months! Update, please. Thanks!

 

[Phlipper]

I love my KB12 and gig small rooms twice a month with it. It has surprised me with how loud it can get while staying clear. I haven't had to take my big rig yet. The little KB has carried just fine. The 15 would fill even more. I love that I can get that clear, punchy Hartke clank and just roll off the basses treble for my country gigs.

 

[OLD-PLAYER]

I love my KB12 and gig small rooms twice a month with it. It has surprised me with how loud it can get while staying clear. I haven't had to take my big rig yet. The little KB has carried just fine. The 15 would fill even more. I love that I can get that clear, punchy Hartke clank and just roll off the basses treble for my country gigs.

Mine hasn't arrived yet. Do you think there is enough room to mount a small 1" set of casters on the bottom,
and be able to tilt it without the casters getting in the way of the tilt? I can't tell from the pictures I've seen.

 

[Phlipper]

It only weighs about 26lbs or sump'n. One hand carry. The single 4 ohm speaker is a Neo. Amazingly light.

 

[OLD-PLAYER]

It only weighs about 26lbs or sump'n. One hand carry. The single 4 ohm speaker is a Neo. Amazingly light.

I know it's amazingly light! But, I'm amazingly old, and have a really bad back.
Besides, I already have casters on my GTX100 Modeler, which is lighter than the Hartke KB12.

I've learned to LOVE casters, at this point in my life. After 40 years of hauling around
a Sunn Model T Stack, a Marshall 1/2 Stack, a Pro 100, a Mesa Combo, a Kitty Hawk Combo,
2 MusicMan combos (for 8 years), and a Marshall combo (for 10 years) these days
I fully appreciate the advantages of Digital Modeling Technology at 1/4th the weight.
(I'm primarily a guitarist, who doubles on bass when needed)

 

[Hammertime3]

Unless I missed someting, I didn't hear you say whether it was an older 120 watt KB12 or one of the new ones. I've had a KB 10, 120 watt, which surprised the heck out of me. I then had a chance to buy a KB 12, same amp, for $100 so I jumped on it. First thing I saw was how loud both were for 120 watts. Best buy in an amp I 've ever made, but I can't comment on the newer, higher wattage ones. I do believe Hartke makes good stuff, though, and you won't be disappointed. The older ones were a bit heavy though.

 

[Hammertime3]

Didn't read enough of this I guess..I see you're talking about the lighter version, so it must be the new model. My bad..

 

[OLD-PLAYER]

Unless I missed someting, I didn't hear you say whether it was an older 120 watt KB12 or one of the new ones. I've had a KB 10, 120 watt, which surprised the heck out of me. I then had a chance to buy a KB 12, same amp, for $100 so I jumped on it. First thing I saw was how loud both were for 120 watts. Best buy in an amp I 've ever made, but I can't comment on the newer, higher wattage ones. I do believe Hartke makes good stuff, though, and you won't be disappointed. The older ones were a bit heavy though.

My new 2021 KB12 Kickback is listed at 500 watts (250 rms) with a class D power supply. I don't know how that "translates" to tube watts, but it should fit my needs (plus there's a DO on the front panel for our sound board). The manual says it's 26lbs. It will be here this week.

 

[biobass]

Scott, just curious, are you still rocking the Hartke? This is almost two years ago and I believe the typical shelf life for a combo is like nine months! Update, please. Thanks!

I see your smiley face, so I don’t think you are being serious, but my older model Hartke KB12 (120W version) is still going strong after at least 20 years. My Ampeg SB12 from 1967 still works fine, as does my B15S from about 1973.

 

[Phlipper]

I know it's amazingly light! But, I'm amazingly old, and have a really bad back.
Besides, I already have casters on my GTX100 Modeler, which is lighter than the Hartke KB12.

I've learned to LOVE casters, at this point in my life. After 40 years of hauling around
a Sunn Model T Stack, a Marshall 1/2 Stack, a Pro 100, a Mesa Combo, a Kitty Hawk Combo,
2 MusicMan combos (for 8 years), and a Marshall combo (for 10 years) these days
I fully appreciate the advantages of Digital Modeling Technology at 1/4th the weight.
(I'm primarily a guitarist, who doubles on bass when needed)

Unfortunately, as you'll see when it arrives, due to the kickback style it won't balance on casters. I think it's probably too small of an area and would easily tip over.

The HD series combos are more square and are a cube, which would lend itself to being more stable. My wife has an HD50 and it sounds just like my KB, and is also amazingly loud while staying clear. So one of the higher wattage HD combos might work better for you?

 

[OLD-PLAYER]

Unfortunately, as you'll see when it arrives, due to the kickback style it won't balance on casters. I think it's probably too small of an area and would easily tip over.

The HD series combos are more square and are a cube, which would lend itself to being more stable. My wife has an HD50 and it sounds just like my KB, and is also amazingly loud while staying clear. So one of the higher wattage HD combos might work better for you?

Darn...
I'll have to figure something else out. No problem...
Thanks for responding!