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Hartke Kickback 12 vs. Ampeg BA115!!!

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by Z_Bass, Jul 26, 2003.

  1. Jul 26, 2003 #1
    Z_Bass

    Z_Bass

    May 9, 2003
    This is one of the biggest dilemmas I have ever had. Normally I would go straight for the Ampeg, and I am guessing most of you out there will too. But this time weight has come to being one of the top priorities, and 65 lbs is heavy for its size. I desperately need a portable amp with about 100 watts within the prace range of around 400~500 bucks. The Hartke Kickback 12 is starting to become very tempting, weighing only 42 lbs. What would all of you out there do? If the Ampeg really sounds that good that its worth hauling around with my bare hands, then I will have to go for it. Otherwise I will go for the Hartke or seriously consider any suggestions you have.

    P.S. Sorry but I cannot compromise the price range. It must be within 400~500 so please dont entice me into getting anything more expensive :D
     
  2. Jul 26, 2003 #2
    Ívar Þórólfsson

    Ívar Þórólfsson Mmmmmm...

    Apr 9, 2001
    Kopavogur, Iceland
    Get the one which sounds better to you!
     
  3. Jul 26, 2003 #3
    DWBass

    DWBass The Funkfather

    Jan 24, 2003
    Newport News, VA via NYC
    Check out the SWR LA Series Combos
     
  4. Jul 26, 2003 #4
    Lockout

    Lockout

    Dec 24, 2002
    Illinois
    Well, if I was in your position, I'd probably get the Ampeg.

    I own a Hartke Kickback 12, and I really don't like the way it sounds. The midrange sounds very cold, almost metallic, and the speaker in mine tends to fart out if I push the volume past around 11 o'clock. I wouldn't recommend it if you plan on playing with anyone.
     
  5. Jul 26, 2003 #5
    ESP-LTD

    ESP-LTD

    Sep 9, 2001
    Idaho
    Because ...

    They are both decent amps and there are other decent amps in the same price range. To get serious advice you need to provide:

    1. Where will you be using it.
    2. What kind of music you will be playing.
    3. What kind of bass you play and how.
    4. How many others will be playing with you.

    They are both nice sounding amps, but in general the Hartke won't make nearly as much low end or volume. That may not be a concern in a folk/jazz situation, but in a rock/punk situation the Hartke would get lost in the mix.
     
  6. Jul 26, 2003 #6
    bryan bailey

    bryan bailey

    Feb 15, 2003
    North Kingstown, Rhode Island
    AMPEG!!!
     
  7. Jul 26, 2003 #7
    FretNoMore

    FretNoMore * Cooking with GAS *

    Jan 25, 2002
    The frozen north
    I have not tried the Ampeg, but a guitar friend of mine tested the Hartke as a monitor amp and I took the chance to try it out for bass as well. Like Lockout I also found it farted out quite early on both the E string and particularily the B string, it could not handle even moderate volume. I would say you should try the Ampeg (seems to be getting good reviews from TBers) and crank it a bit to see if it would work better in a band setting.
     
  8. Jul 26, 2003 #8
    Z_Bass

    Z_Bass

    May 9, 2003
    I response to ESP-LTD:
    1. Mostly practicing and smaller sized indoor gigs (500 people at most).
    2. We play alt. rock but none of the heavy or loud stuff.
    3. I'm using an MIJ Fender J-Bass. Most of the time it's fingerstyle and occasionally i'll use a pick if the song needs it.
    4. I'll have to be heard over one guitar, one drummer, and a singer.

    I think versatility (and weight :bawl: ) is very important right now. But the most important issue, as always is, is sound. I need room filling sound, and Ampeg seems to have the edge right now. I'm starting to get turned off by the fact that the Harkte isn't loud enough. If you were me which amp would you use?
     
  9. Jul 26, 2003 #9
    Z_Bass

    Z_Bass

    May 9, 2003
    Say, guys...
    How's the Ashdown 12-150 anyway? :bassist:
     
  10. Jul 27, 2003 #10
    ESP-LTD

    ESP-LTD

    Sep 9, 2001
    Idaho
    I tend to lean towards the Ampeg just for volume.
     
  11. Jul 27, 2003 #11
    Aristotle

    Aristotle

    May 12, 2002
    Easton, MD
    As much as I usually love SWR products, I'll have to counteract the previous endorsement of the LA-15 combo. With my current effects and bass it just sounds like poop. It can go loud, but thats about it. And i'm fairly sure its not my electronics in my bass or anything because I'm running Duncans wired by a pro and all of my pedals have sounded fine with every other bass player whos played them (Dano Fish and Chips EQ, Boss Limiter, Ibanez PD-7 Dist., Digitech Synth Wah). Anywho, dont get the LA one. Yeah.
     
  12. Jul 27, 2003 #12
    Captain Awesome

    Captain Awesome

    Apr 2, 2001
    PDX
    I have a Hartke Kickback 12. It does best for low volume jamming or coffee houses-- it can sound nice in those situations if you EQ it right. But if you want any volume (big rooms, rock bands, etc.) you have to EQ out the bass -- resulting in crappy sound -- to keep it from farting out.
     
  13. Jul 27, 2003 #13
    Z_Bass

    Z_Bass

    May 9, 2003
    Ok... I'm starting to lean towards the Ampeg. Any of you know how Ashdowns (specifically EB 12-150) sound? They're British so I'm not familiar with their products :D
     
  14. Jul 27, 2003 #14
    inazone

    inazone

    Apr 20, 2003
    Colorado
    Like the others I would say the ampeg except I made a discovery a few weeks ago. I have two tobias's, mia fender jazz, warwick, pedulla and two modulus's. The modulus with emg pu and pre with the kickback 12 rocks like you wouldnt believe! With the other basses I would go with the ampeg. Its unreal how good the emg modulus and kickback sounds with volume and tone. Try your bass with the amps cos it does make a difference!
     
  15. Jul 28, 2003 #15
    erikwhitton

    erikwhitton Guest

    Sep 20, 2002
    Portland, ME USA
    I used to on the ampeg ba110 and i really liked it for home jamming.

    then i sold it and bought the Ashdown EB 12. I have to say that I am impressed with this everytime i plug into it. it's hard to describe but it just adds a character to the tone that i haven't heard from anything else.

    i usually leave it in our practice spot however we had a gig saturday night so i brought it home with me and found myself playing it all day yesterday.

    it's warm, loud, versatile, easy to get your sound, and even my upright sounds good through it.

    i'd say Ashdown. -Erik