Need help choosing my next combo amp (Hartke, GK, Ashdown)?

[Cyborg]

Hey folks!

I'm getting ready to buy a new combo amp. I want a modern-clean tone that can handle medium sized rooms with a moderately loud drummer and a guitarist. It needs to be able to feed the FOH if needed. I'm thinking of the combos that are 350-500 watts will do the trick. Also, I tend to favor 10's but I will not rule out 12's or even 15's.

I have a small Rumble 40 for my spare room practicing but I wouldn't call it a modern-clean tone. Since it's the "40" model it might not exactly represent the tone of larger siblings.

I'm into active basses. I play a Lakland 55-02 and will most likely be buying at least one Stingray special as well this week. I play a variety from Classic Rock to Modern Country, some metal and heavier alternative tunes. Also, I like to attempt to slap.

It would be great if the amp had a built compressor or limiter but it's not a deal breaker, as I can use my EBS if needed. I don't care about overdrive (hope I didn't offend too many folks). I don't need 50 amp models, 50 effects, etc.

In the past I've use Eden Metro and an Eden Nemesis and really liked the tone but that was years ago. I used to like SWR stuff a lot too.

I have it narrowed to:

Ashdown Rootmaster (like the features)
Hartke HD500 (like the simplicity)
Blackstar U500
Gallien-Krueger MB210 (Never used GK and I have none locally to try)
Gallien-Krueger MB212 (pushing my budget limit)
Fender Rumble 500 (may want to pass as to get something different)

Anything I miss?

Thanks!

 

[Stumbo]

What's your max budget?

 

[Cyborg]

What's your max budget?

Most likely $750 but $1000 tops. I would need some convincing to spend the extra dough beyond $750 (MB212).

 

[Cyborg]

Oh yeah, less weight is good. I'm not interested in reliving my Eden Metro days.

 

[Cyborg]

Hmm, not a lot of feedback so far.

I'm leaning towards the Hartke at the moment.

At the moment, I don't think I feel comfortable enough with Ashdown and Blackstar (new to bass amps). Also, I'm having trouble convincing myself to pony up the money for the GK.

I may change my mind in a couple of hours.

 

[wave rider]

@rag (the G in GK) reported in another thread that his new combos with Legacy amp will be shipping first week of September. Although I have not seen the specs, feedback on the Legacy standalone heads has been glowing so far. Bet it could cop a modern tone too.

Personally, I’d wait to check them out, but I wouldn’t blame a TBer with a bad case of GAS and fundage burning pockets from jumping on something now.

Edit> New GK 800 Legacy!

 

[Cyborg]

@rag (the G in GK) reported in another thread that his new combos with Legacy amp will be shipping first week of September. Although I have not seen the specs, feedback on the Legacy standalone heads has been glowing so far. Bet it could cop a modern tone too.

Personally, I’d wait to check them out, but I wouldn’t blame a TBer with a bad case of GAS and fundage burning pockets from jumping on something now.

Edit> New GK 800 Legacy!

Intriguing but dang they are going to be out of my price range.

 

[Cyborg]

I just spoke to my Sweetwater contact and he thinks the Hartke or GK amps will better match what I'm looking to get out of an amp.

 

[LoveJackBruce]

I just spoke to my Sweetwater contact and he thinks the Hartke or GK amps will better match what I'm looking to get out of an amp.

I loved my Rumble 500 and getting another. The price point is good for what you get. I've thought about the GK 2-10 but costs a bit more and short warranty. PS: My Sweetwater guys want me to go GK also, but I know what I'm getting with the R500. I also have the Rumble 100 and it's no comparison at all to the R500. I don't even like the R100. Also, I temporarily added a 1-15 Rumble cab to the R500 last year and it was like an earthquake. Had to sell it all.

 

[srayb]

I’d recommend the Genzler Magellan 350 Combo. It’s at the upper end of your budget. The 350W head can detach for when you want it to power a different cab or cabs.

 

[CoR Bass]

Between that specific Hartke and the GK, I would go GK. It doesn't look like the Hartke has an out for another cab, the GK does in case you want to do that. I'm an Ashdown guy, so overall, i would suggest The Ashdown RM EVO 210 combo. I'm not a fan of the older RM stuff, not sure it you were considering the new or the old model.
This one is great and it gets loud. Also has a speaker out for a second cab. I really like the tone options I get on Ashdown. I feel like I can get similar tones to other amps with my Ashdown, but i can't get other amps to sound like Ashdown. Ashdown always seems to be brighter and punchier to me and that's what I prefer.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...er-rm500c210-evo-ii-500w-2x10-inch-bass-combo

 

[Cyborg]

Between that specific Hartke and the GK, I would go GK. It doesn't look like the Hartke has an out for another cab, the GK does in case you want to do that. I'm an Ashdown guy, so overall, i would suggest The Ashdown RM EVO 210 combo. I'm not a fan of the older RM stuff, not sure it you were considering the new or the old model.
This one is great and it gets loud. Also has a speaker out for a second cab. I really like the tone options I get on Ashdown. I feel like I can get similar tones to other amps with my Ashdown, but i can't get other amps to sound like Ashdown. Ashdown always seems to be brighter and punchier to me and that's what I prefer.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...er-rm500c210-evo-ii-500w-2x10-inch-bass-combo

That was the exact Ashdown I was considering!

I like the features listed but I know nothing of the Ashdown tone. I want clean and clear and I definitely don't want a darker tone by default. Also, it seems they had issues with their earlier models.

 

[CoR Bass]

That was the exact Ashdown I was considering!

I like the features listed but I know nothing of the Ashdown tone. I want clean and clear and I definitely don't want a darker tone by default. Also, it seems they had issues with their earlier models.

I haven't had any issues with my Ashdown stuff. I have the RM EVO 500 head and EVO cabs. I had the combo for a bit, but decided to go separate head and cabs. I have also had an ABM EVO II head for the last 12 years with no issues.

Here's some vid of me playing through my ABM head and EVO cabs (same speakers as would be in the combo). The RM EVO sounds very similar to the ABM.

Active bass with Bartolinis and a little flange. Tone is all bass and amp.


Passive bass with Lundgren pickups.

 

[Warpeg]

I seriously cannot think of a better amp for your needs than an MB212. Period.

If cost is an issue, then consider used. You will love this amp.

 

[LoveJackBruce]

Between that specific Hartke and the GK, I would go GK. It doesn't look like the Hartke has an out for another cab, the GK does in case you want to do that. I'm an Ashdown guy, so overall, i would suggest The Ashdown RM EVO 210 combo. I'm not a fan of the older RM stuff, not sure it you were considering the new or the old model.
This one is great and it gets loud. Also has a speaker out for a second cab. I really like the tone options I get on Ashdown. I feel like I can get similar tones to other amps with my Ashdown, but i can't get other amps to sound like Ashdown. Ashdown always seems to be brighter and punchier to me and that's what I prefer.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...er-rm500c210-evo-ii-500w-2x10-inch-bass-combo

I just tried out the Ashdown Studio15 for home use at 300W RMS it still wasn't enough for me. Distorts on the low A at 40% and the middle A, playing on the D string, was way over powering. Going back. On a budget so I'm probably, 90%, going back to the Rumble 500v3. Your thoughts..

 

[LoveJackBruce]

Hmm, not a lot of feedback so far.

I'm leaning towards the Hartke at the moment.

At the moment, I don't think I feel comfortable enough with Ashdown and Blackstar (new to bass amps). Also, I'm having trouble convincing myself to pony up the money for the GK.

I may change my mind in a couple of hours.

I tried the Harke Kickback 12 and really hated it. Was mono tone to me. Going back to a Rumble 500.

 

[LoveJackBruce]

Between that specific Hartke and the GK, I would go GK. It doesn't look like the Hartke has an out for another cab, the GK does in case you want to do that. I'm an Ashdown guy, so overall, i would suggest The Ashdown RM EVO 210 combo. I'm not a fan of the older RM stuff, not sure it you were considering the new or the old model.
This one is great and it gets loud. Also has a speaker out for a second cab. I really like the tone options I get on Ashdown. I feel like I can get similar tones to other amps with my Ashdown, but i can't get other amps to sound like Ashdown. Ashdown always seems to be brighter and punchier to me and that's what I prefer.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...er-rm500c210-evo-ii-500w-2x10-inch-bass-combo

I love what I saw on RM500C210v2. Have you tried it? What does it weigh? Not listed. I just may have to order one and check it out. PS. I'm 3 hours from a dealer.

 

[Cyborg]

I just tried out the Ashdown Studio15 for home use at 300W RMS it still wasn't enough for me. Distorts on the low A at 40% and the middle A, playing on the D string, was way over powering. Going back. On a budget so I'm probably, 90%, going back to the Rumble 500v3. Your thoughts..

That's very disappointing to hear. I figured a single 15" with 300W RMS would be pretty nice.

I tried the Harke Kickback 12 and really hated it. Was mono tone to me. Going back to a Rumble 500.

Interesting on the Hartke. I have a small Rumble right now. The tone is fine but I don't think it's a modern, clean and clear tone, which is what I'm looking for at this time. Although, I realize the voicing on the 500 may be different with the different 10's and horn/tweeter.

I love what I saw on RM500C210v2. Have you tried it? What does it weigh? Not listed. I just may have to order one and check it out. PS. I'm 3 hours from a dealer.

From MF on the RM500C210v2 - Weight: 39.68 lb. (18kg)

Weight is very important to me. I want to be able to carry my bass in with one hand and the amp with the other if needed.

 

[Mythoughts]

I personally use a fender rumble, but have you considered the Peavey Max series? Their new models of the max series are quite versatile. Maybe you should check one out.

 

[basss]

I like the HD500. Sweet sound, loud enough for me and a bit more portable than others in it's class.