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My Hartke amp sometimes malfunctions..

M

Mattheus

Jul 4, 2009
5
0
The Netherlands
www.melrose.nl
#1
Hello,
has anyone here had this problem:
My Hartke LH500 amp sometimes doesn't work for a few seconds. Then it turns back on again. The amp is still under power, the cables are all fine... he just misses a few few seconds and then he's back again. No cracks or scratchy noises... But VERY irritating!!
I love this amp for all it's simplicity and power.... But I know from experience that looking for the reason for this malfunction can be a big problem. (In a workshop all amps work fine...)

What I've checked so far:
- powercable + fuse
- signal cable
- speakecable
- new tube

Nothing works.... HELP...
 
#4
Could be a bad solder joint. Poke around in there with a chopstick (or something else insulated) while the amp is on and see if you can trigger the problem. Also check all detachable internal cables; wouldn't hurt to disconnect/reconnect them a few times to wipe off any corrosion, especially if you live in a high-humidity area, even more so if your location routinely experiences salt corrosion.
 
#5
Hey Mattheus,

Try cleaning your effects loop jacks with some contact cleaner. If that doesn't work just call my service manager Frank Cardello at 1-800-328-2882 (New York) and he will get you fixed up.

I wouldn't go poking around inside the amplifier because you might damage something. Don't worry it's just a bass amplifier it's not a Mars lander, we can and will find the problem and fix it.

If you need further help you can contact me 201-680-8153 or [email protected].

Thanks for playing Hartke!
 
#9
I haven't but the LH1000 does have the Fender tone stack like the Alembic. And apparently so does the Kilo (tried it out last week and sure sounds like a Fender tone stack to me).
 
#11
Well, here's an update about my situation:

Because of a busy agenda (which is something to be proud of these days...) I didn't have the chance to bring my amp to the distributor in The Netherlands.
So I had to endure the occasional drop-outs during the gigs......
But I also followed the advices given to me by some fellowbassplayers on this forum (tnx for that!!!!) and I also cleaned the tiny air-hole in the front for a better airflow... and guess what; the drop-outs still occur but not as often as it used to...
This brings me to the idea that it might be a case of overheating???
In a few weeks from now I will have the chance to take my rig out of the tour-van and pull the amp out of its case to bring it to the distributor...
for the meantime; thanks everybody for the great help, and Larry, thanks for the address and most of all thanks for making great gear!
 
#14
If the amp is overheating, a temporary fix (until you can bring the amp to the Hartke distributor) could be to purchase a small, external fan and set it up to blow air onto your amp. I've seen this temporary fix used with computers, to help them stay cool. It might help you until you see the repairman.

Good luck from the U.S.A., Joel
 

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