Hartke amps

[6stringninja]

I was wondering if the Hartke Amps and cabs any good. Last night I was at my church and the bass player there had a Hartke head on a 4 x 10 combo and it sounded pretty cool. He was running a Line 6 pod. Just a question are they good amps?

Also, I managed to talk my friend into taking some cash and we took him to walmart and got him some groceries. (thats from a previous post)

 

[NoGraveConcern]

Yes they are...Hartke is a reputable brand that's been around quite a while. Though the VX and Transporter series are questionable, the XL stuff get's good reviews. I haven't tried any of the cabs, but I'm happy with my HA2500.

 

[RayO5421]

I think they sound really cool, mostly the hybrid heads. I've heard they have issues though. I'd buy one if I had heard better things about them.

 

[Revvv]

I have a Hartke B900 Combo, an HA3500 head, and a VX 8X10 cab. I haven't had any issues ever out of a Hartke product.

 

[jsingles]

I have a 5500 head, and it works fine for me, and I am VERY happy with its performance having only spent 300 dollars on it (used)

I am not a fan of hartke cabs, the speakers are very distinct, and youll either love them or hate them. regardless, they generally arent very efficient/loud IME...

 

[playibanez]

Used to own a 410VX. I think the rig you are talking about is the head on top of a 410VX. I didn't like the cab. I found it to be very thin sounding, and it didn't handle bass as well as i would have liked. Again it didn't have that deep bass that you would want out of a good cab.

I would say look elsewere. Avatar is supposed to be great stuff.

 

[jsingles]

speaking of avatar... i sold my hartke 2.5 XL 210 cab, and replaced it with an avatar b210 neo..

no contest... go with avatar

I still use the hartke HA 5500 head though.

 

[TMacATK]

I have a 140 watt Hartke 12" combo and it really puts out. I powered my stack with it and I was actually afraid for my cabinets' lives! It's freakishly loud for a 140 watt amp.

 

[Bassbasixx]

I have the HA 5500 as well, gobs of power, ss preamp and a tube preamp, graphic EQ + a compressor , and I am happy with it. Decent tone even better with a Sans Amp in front of it IMO.

As for there cabs not a big fan.

 

[JimmyM]

Used their amps a few times. Not bad at all for the money. A lot of people love the cabs but I'm not one of them.

 

[BassyBill]

I've owned and used a fair bit of Hartke gear - generally very pleased. I think the amps are great bang for the buck, as our American friends say. I also like the XL cabs - but they do have their own quite distinctive sound and aren't for everybody. The VX and Transporter range aren't in the same league according to most people and this would be backed up by my limited experience with these in rehearsal rooms (but then, cabs do get a real rough time in those conditions).

My own Hartke gear...

5000 head - excellent (providing you have two cabs to use both channels).
3000 head - also excellent (for smaller gigs).
2.5xl cab - one of the best 210s I've ever tried, but see comments above about the sound. Also, it's HEAVY!
115xl - similar comments to the 2.5xl.
210xl - okay as an extension cab, no use on it's own, no low end.

 

[Indigo_blues]

We had a Hartke bass amp in church for quite a few years and the only problem after about 5 years of usage was a broken input jack. Normal wear and tear I guess. The amp was good.

 

[GeoffByrne]

You could research the Hartkes that Jack Bruce used in the Cream ReUnion. If it's good enough for Jack Bruce.........................................

 

[dbase]

Haven't played bass for 45 years, back then I used a Sunn 200watt. w/ 215 jbl's.. Getting back into it, Ive bought a Hartke HA2000, and then a Hartke LH500, with a 210XL and a VX115,
Nice punch and deep bass tone.... The amps are brand new, so no problems yet... The prices were reasonable.

 

[porkchop[]

I have 2 3500's, one is 12 yrs old and never skipped a beat. Had to replace the input jacks (stepped on cord to many times). 115XL & 410XL. Often get compliments on my tone by other bassist I've done shows with (Who almost always use Ampeg)

Jack Bruce Uses a 7000 (basically 2 3500's) and 2 115 XLs and 2 410 XLs