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Replacement Hartke speaker recommendations?

Worldeeeter

Worldeeeter

Inactive
Mar 29, 2010
2,964
1,906
Asheville, NC
#1
I have a Hartke Kickback 12" combo, and after 14 years of use, the speaker finally blew yesterday.
Hartke wants $150 for a new 12" driver...I say no, thanks.
Any recommendations for a good-sounding 12" speaker that I can replace it with at a reasonable price? The amp is 120W, so it needs to be rated for at least 100W (at 8 ohms).
I'm open to speaker brands, vendors, or even someone who buys broken amps.

UPDATE: No input yet, so I'll ask one specific question: What is the general opinion on Eminence bass speakers for replacements in a bass amp? I'm looking at the Delta 12LFA or the Basslite S2012.
 
#9
Happy ending update: I spoke with Larry H. this morning, and he is sending me a replacement 12" driver at NO CHARGE, as a result of this post and my long-time usage of their product.
I am absolutely speechless. In one day, I saw thread replies by Mr. Hartke and Mr. Gallien. These guys are reading posts from bass players and gathering info. and opinions at street level. My hat is off to the decision-makers at sound equipment and instrument manufacturers like these who truly take the word of their consumers seriously.
I've never owned an amp this long, and would have gladly paid for a speaker, as I believe that 14 years is pretty darn good for speaker life. I just didn't want to pay $150 for a replacement driver when the amp was $350 new (14 years ago).
Again, I am so appreciative of Mr. Hartke's attention in this matter, there is no doubt that I will spread the good word of Hartke to all those within earshot...and keystroke!
 
#10
between this, the hydrive cabs, and larry giving his phone number out like he does, i have to say i'm really impressed with hartke lately when i never have been before. del shannon said it first, but hats off to larry!
 
#11
Hartke had one of the smallest (tiltback) combo bass amps when the Kickback series came out; I was looking for a small, yet full-sounding practice amp when I bought mine. You can see they keep their finger on the pulse of the consumer's needs and desires...
The only other option at that time was a GK 2x5" combo that was about the size of a toaster. Unfortunately, there were a lot of "component issues" with their amps back then (blown output capacitors, etc.). I'm glad I chose the Hartke!
 
#13
Wow, very cool. I love my LH500 head. Might need to try some Hartke Hydrive 15's at some point in the future to go with it. This level of CS seems to be a rarified realm occupied only by Larry and the Genz guys right now.

Cheers,
Liam
 
#20
I have the exact same issue and have been unable to locate replacement drivers online. This is my 3rd Kickback 12 and I love them. I keep each in three different practice areas to make life easier.

Last night one of the drivers puked in a practice session with our drummer. This was not a high volume situation - no ear plugs for me on that one.

I'm so thankful for this forum. Nowhere else is the info so readily at hand. I hope Larry is able to direct me appropriately and I don't mind paying for repairs that likely are not due to product defects. This one cab was my newest, however. My older ones seem more bulletproof.
 

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