My Hartke 5000 was inexpensive (used) and it is loud but a tad heavy. I like it's biamp configuration as it is easy to use with my 2x10 and 1x15 setup.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Hartke Appreciation Thread
- Thread starter DbNBassist
- Start date
Never owned any Hartke gear myself, but since 85% of the rehearsal studios in NYC and 90% of the stage backline gear I encounter is Hartke, I've played through a ton of it.
I love the XL410B. Give me one of those & I've got no worries. Give me two of those and I'm thrilled. Give me two of those with an original Ampeg SVT head and I'm in hog heaven.
Conversely, I hate the 410TP. Whatever they took out of the XL series to make it a Transporter, they foolishly also removed all the mojo.
I can tolerate their heads. Don't love 'em, don't hate 'em, I can get what I need out of 'em. I'd say I'm indifferent to using Hartke heads (...versus, say, being resigned to using G-K heads)
I love the XL410B. Give me one of those & I've got no worries. Give me two of those and I'm thrilled. Give me two of those with an original Ampeg SVT head and I'm in hog heaven.
Conversely, I hate the 410TP. Whatever they took out of the XL series to make it a Transporter, they foolishly also removed all the mojo.
I can tolerate their heads. Don't love 'em, don't hate 'em, I can get what I need out of 'em. I'd say I'm indifferent to using Hartke heads (...versus, say, being resigned to using G-K heads)
I've just rediscovered Hartke. My first head waaay back in the day was a 3500 series and now I've got the 3500 with a 410XL.
All I can say is that after playing though almost every conceivable amp config. by almost every manufacturer out there... when I plugged into the 3500 and turned it up I just went "oh... so that's the sound I've been trying to get back to"
I absolutely love my PJB gear and it is without a doubt the Jaguar of amps BUT the tone that I get out of the Hartke **REGARDLESS OF PRICE/COST/WHATEVER** is what floats my boat.
and I tell ya, there's something about that 'old school' technology of efficient cabs that can roar with only 200 and some watts going into them....
All I can say is that after playing though almost every conceivable amp config. by almost every manufacturer out there... when I plugged into the 3500 and turned it up I just went "oh... so that's the sound I've been trying to get back to"
I absolutely love my PJB gear and it is without a doubt the Jaguar of amps BUT the tone that I get out of the Hartke **REGARDLESS OF PRICE/COST/WHATEVER** is what floats my boat.
and I tell ya, there's something about that 'old school' technology of efficient cabs that can roar with only 200 and some watts going into them....
no pics of mine, but I've had a 410xl for about ten years, and it still works like a champ. That's the aluminum cone one. I sold a 115xl a few years back, but it was only because I wasn't in a band, and needed some quick cash.
I even have a couple of stories... well, when it first showed up, the box it arrived in had a hole in it. I opened it up, and it had a dent in the grill! I was pissed as this thing was brand new. it was more of a hassle to try to return it or get credit from UPS, so I just left it. (BTW, it was a family member who received it from UPS)
Always meant to take the grill off, and bang it back into place with a rubber hammer, or something - but never got around to it. It's still that way.
Then, in 2000, before I had installed casters on it, some friends were helping me load it into a club in Sacramento, CA. I used to use a dolly for both of my cabs - a 15 and the 410. The 410 is 20 lbs heavier than the 15. Anyway, they had put the cabs on the dolly, but not on equal sides. The 410 was off a bit, barely sitting on the dolly - so when they took the 15 off, the 410 came crashing down on top of my foot. I may have broken some bones, and I really thought at that time (besides being in intense pain) that I was going to have to play the gig sitting down.
what was I gonna do?
So, I went off to sit in the van by myself for a bit - mainly to get away from noise in the club - and any friends who kept asking if they could do anything for me. I just focussed on my foot, and called upon the "healing powers of the universe". well, whether it was that, or help from god, or my higher being - or whatever... it felt better after a bit, and I played the gig - as usual.
come to think of it, I should really get it checked out... I never actually went to the doctor for it. heh
I even have a couple of stories... well, when it first showed up, the box it arrived in had a hole in it. I opened it up, and it had a dent in the grill! I was pissed as this thing was brand new. it was more of a hassle to try to return it or get credit from UPS, so I just left it. (BTW, it was a family member who received it from UPS)
Always meant to take the grill off, and bang it back into place with a rubber hammer, or something - but never got around to it. It's still that way.
Then, in 2000, before I had installed casters on it, some friends were helping me load it into a club in Sacramento, CA. I used to use a dolly for both of my cabs - a 15 and the 410. The 410 is 20 lbs heavier than the 15. Anyway, they had put the cabs on the dolly, but not on equal sides. The 410 was off a bit, barely sitting on the dolly - so when they took the 15 off, the 410 came crashing down on top of my foot. I may have broken some bones, and I really thought at that time (besides being in intense pain) that I was going to have to play the gig sitting down.
what was I gonna do?
So, I went off to sit in the van by myself for a bit - mainly to get away from noise in the club - and any friends who kept asking if they could do anything for me. I just focussed on my foot, and called upon the "healing powers of the universe". well, whether it was that, or help from god, or my higher being - or whatever... it felt better after a bit, and I played the gig - as usual.
come to think of it, I should really get it checked out... I never actually went to the doctor for it. heh
I've owned a 7000 MOSFET, which I sold a few years ago. Was my first high-powered head, and it was quite capable. Bought it used, but it needed a repair to fix some bad solder joints. Used it with Peavey 210TX an 115BXBX cabs (all 4 ohm) and it was awesome, especially at the time when I needed loud. Only thing it didn't do that I wanted was bridge mono, but what the heck.
Currently own an 1155 combo (a 1x15"/1x5" speaker set with the 3500 head) and a Kickback 12. That 1155 is also awesome, as you can use this for quite sizeable gigs. I still use it a lot as my smaller but not too much smaller gigging amp. I'm still learning how to EQ it to not sound so boomy under certain conditions (by rolling off the lows), but it does sound good. Heavy (around 81 lbs.), but I've got casters on it, and I think I'll keep it a while longer. Plus it looks good. The tweeter adds just the right amount of highs, and this amp sounds good for rock, funk, blues, just about everything.
The KB12 I use for certain small gigs, and what it does, it does well. I use it almost always kicked back, as changing to the upright position requires radical EQ changes, but I got it for those gigs where I'm right on top of it, so no problem.
I've got GK and Eden heads too, as well as Bag End cabs, but there's definitely a place for my Hartke stuff, and I seem to use it more these days than ever. How's that for love?
Currently own an 1155 combo (a 1x15"/1x5" speaker set with the 3500 head) and a Kickback 12. That 1155 is also awesome, as you can use this for quite sizeable gigs. I still use it a lot as my smaller but not too much smaller gigging amp. I'm still learning how to EQ it to not sound so boomy under certain conditions (by rolling off the lows), but it does sound good. Heavy (around 81 lbs.), but I've got casters on it, and I think I'll keep it a while longer. Plus it looks good. The tweeter adds just the right amount of highs, and this amp sounds good for rock, funk, blues, just about everything.
The KB12 I use for certain small gigs, and what it does, it does well. I use it almost always kicked back, as changing to the upright position requires radical EQ changes, but I got it for those gigs where I'm right on top of it, so no problem.
I've got GK and Eden heads too, as well as Bag End cabs, but there's definitely a place for my Hartke stuff, and I seem to use it more these days than ever. How's that for love?
I've always liked hartke stuff...My first rig was a second hand 2500 head with a 210XL. It always sounded great, but, it was stolen from a storage building. I've played through plenty house setups that consisted of hartke heads and cabs. My main practice amp is a little hartke 35A and i swear by this little combo. I currently have a 3500 on the way, as well as a 2200 pro cabinet. I've played through some really great gear... Eden, Ampeg, Trace, Peavy,GK.... and always liked Hartke stuff the most.
I ain't a hartke hater.... got my 2.5xl today.. adds a very punchy crisp sound to my setup...
. My head is a 5500
My experiences match several others posting here.
I have a 3000 head that I've used with a 2.5xl, and a 5000 head that I've used with 115xl, 210xl and 2.5xl cabs.
Versatile gear, good tone, no issues with reliability in my own experience. I often got compliments on my sound from other band members, FOH guys and even a few punters! My Markbass stuff sounds better to me, but it's a hell of a lot more expensive. The only real issues I would have with using Hartke now would be the weight - it's heavy stuff. And yes, the fan on the 5000 is noisy, but it's not a problem on a gig.
I have a 3000 head that I've used with a 2.5xl, and a 5000 head that I've used with 115xl, 210xl and 2.5xl cabs.
Versatile gear, good tone, no issues with reliability in my own experience. I often got compliments on my sound from other band members, FOH guys and even a few punters! My Markbass stuff sounds better to me, but it's a hell of a lot more expensive. The only real issues I would have with using Hartke now would be the weight - it's heavy stuff. And yes, the fan on the 5000 is noisy, but it's not a problem on a gig.
i had a go on a 3500a in the local shop a few days ago, rather nice IMO. i dont think i like it that much to get in my G.A.S list but, it's getting there.
new poster....
i use a ha5000 head,8x10xl cab & 1x15xl.
The head i brought 2nd hand off a tourin muso,its been very consistant,loud as hell & very punchy.
Ive used peavey,ashdown,ampeg, all stacks, & nothin comes close to the tone & punch of this rig.
One thing worth mentioning,a while back it started to make a tinkling sound behind the note,1 pre amp tube change later & its back to how it was.
the 8x10s the dogs doodahs too,just so heavy!!
I play rock ,blues,alsorts realy & my hartke rig does it all with ease.
hartke haters you dont know what your missin!
i use a ha5000 head,8x10xl cab & 1x15xl.
The head i brought 2nd hand off a tourin muso,its been very consistant,loud as hell & very punchy.
Ive used peavey,ashdown,ampeg, all stacks, & nothin comes close to the tone & punch of this rig.
One thing worth mentioning,a while back it started to make a tinkling sound behind the note,1 pre amp tube change later & its back to how it was.
the 8x10s the dogs doodahs too,just so heavy!!
I play rock ,blues,alsorts realy & my hartke rig does it all with ease.
hartke haters you dont know what your missin!
Can anyone describe the tone differences b/w the 210xl and the 2.5xl?
(I tend to turn off the tweeters)
(I tend to turn off the tweeters)
There's a hell of a difference! The 2.5xl has a 5" driver (rather than a conventional tweeter) and the highs from this are really nice, very present without being over harsh. BTW, you can't turn this driver off on this cab. The 210 xl doesn't have this or a conventional tweeter, and whilst the 10" drivers have plenty of highs they're somewhat harsher to my ears than is the case with the 2.5xl.
But the bigger difference is the low end. The 2.5xl is a much bigger cab physically and is ported. I've done small and medium sized gigs using it as a standalone cab and always felt like I could be heard loud enough. The 210xl just doesn't have anywhere near the guts for this and is really best used as an extension cab, especially in a bi-amped setup where you can roll the lowest frequencies off for this cab and use it for more mid-range volume. In hindsight the 210xl wasn't a good choice for me, I would have been better off getting the 2.5xl instead and that's why I eventually ended up with one.
I hope that answers your question.
I used to use the 3500 head, and it was actually pretty good IMO. It was my first amp, but the sound was nice and clean, very articulate. I liked the crisp treble; it helped me cut through especially when using distortion. It also had decent power for its rating. It blew up on me this summer, and I opted for an Eden replacement. The Eden is "fatter" and warmer, but the Eden "color" isn't as bright as the Hartke (which I miss sometimes).
I just got back from a trip to the city. I picked up a 2.5XL off the St.Louis craigslist, and I am just highly impressed. I had this image in my head of a tin can sounding piece of doo doo, but I needed some tin can to add to my 6x10 (a bit on the bottom heavy side). I just played with it for about and hour, and it sounds fantastic alone. I'm sure it'll sound different in the basement (where we have band practice), and I'll actually need the boomy 6x10. But for this moment, I am genuinely happy with the sound.
i just got my 2.5xl the other day (as pictured above)
It really does have fantastic punch and adds a crisp tight high to my sound that doesnt overwhlem me. The porting is fantastic too.
I really like the more vintage sound I get out of my 5500. I was originally looking for a GK 700rb, cuz it was a quality amp that I could afford... But i had really wanted an amp that wasnt quite as sterile sounding as the GK. I accidently stumbled upon the hartke and I instantly felt is was more the sound i wanted.
guess im new to hartke
It really does have fantastic punch and adds a crisp tight high to my sound that doesnt overwhlem me. The porting is fantastic too.
I really like the more vintage sound I get out of my 5500. I was originally looking for a GK 700rb, cuz it was a quality amp that I could afford... But i had really wanted an amp that wasnt quite as sterile sounding as the GK. I accidently stumbled upon the hartke and I instantly felt is was more the sound i wanted.
guess im new to hartke
If you like it and it works for you, that's what really matters. Screw what people say... unless they're hring you
I was planning on doing that actually, but I decided I did not like the sound of an aluminum 15 so i went with the GK 15 instead.
