SeriesHartke HA

It's a hybrid amp. Solid-state and tube peamp, solid-state power amp 2 pots for the preamp (tube and solid-state) 1 compressor pot 1 10-band EQ with On/Off switch 2 Contour pots (Low and High Pass) 1 Master/Volume pot 1 effects loop. 1 DI output with Pre/Post amplification switch 2 speaker outputs on 1/4" Jacks UTILIZATION There's a manual included, but the controls are simple and intuitive. In the manual you can find setup examples, which is practical to start and find the right sound, because you can then fiddle with them a bit and find the desired sound. The 10-band EQ is not very easy to understand in the beginning (I'm used to 3 bands only) and the bands are very sensitive, but you'll get used to it. So you can easily find the sound you are looking for! SOUNDS It's great for all styles of music. I play mainly rock/punk. With a Fender Precision the sound is very twangy, it's exactly what I was looking for. This amp has been used by other bassists playing different styles of music during gigs and they have all been very satisfied. This amp adapts perfectly, regardless of the music genre! I was disappointed by something: The built-in compressor is not on par with the rest of the amp. Up to 2/3, there's almost no effect and if you go beyond 3, almost no sound comes out of the amp. It's a mere accessory (not necessarily indispensable), but given its quality, it's better not to use it. I actually opted to buy a compressor pedal. OVERALL OPINION It must be 8 months since I use this amp and I am not disappointed, on the contrary. It's great for small and big stages. For the time being, I haven't been able to crank the volume knob beyond 2 during gigs (otherwise it gets picked up by the PA). Tested at higher volumes at home, I was able to notice some noise with the volume set to 5/6 but up to now I have never had the need to play that loud! Before buying this amp, I had the opportunity to test other brands, like Ashdown, Ampeg and MarkBass, as well as other Hartke models. I chose this one because, in my opinion, it's the most versatile at this price point. It's the best value for money, even if you don't quite have the same sound as with an all-tube Ampeg. Now that I'm used to playing with it, I would buy it again without hesitation. It's powerful and with a relatively decent price, you can go for it with your eyes closed!

I bought both the amp and 2 speaker cabinets from Mars Music in Bloomington, Minnesota. They had a going out of business sale in November, 2002. The amp head was $150. Both speaker cabs for $400. The total price was about 55% off the retail tag price. This unit has exceptionally clear sound and very nice control panel. The ten band EQ, tube and solid state pre-amp controls, and both high and low contour pass controls (which provide up to 18 dB boost ) let me go from nice to nasty and vice-versa with no added effect gear. Also, the compression control allows for smooth sound in any instrument including my Shcecter Diamond Series accoustic guitar and AXL accoustic bass. With only 200 watts of power this unit still kicks major butt. The bass sound of the Hartke is so clear that any miscues or sloppy playing is laid open loud and clear. It forces me to play with extreme precision. I may not like having to work so hard at perfection but at the same time it makes me a better bassist. Good compression does help. Also, carrying three pieces to every gig, along with axes and related gear gets tiring, more so than a combo, but the sound is sooo great... besides, it gives my kids something to carry at all ages shows. The Amp is fairly small, 18"x14"x4", set in an 18 guage steel casing with solid plastic corner guards, and weighs only about 6 lbs. Solid State circuitry with simulated tube pre-amp is like the best of both worlds. the speaker cabs are felt covered 3/4 inch pressboard with solid plastic corner guards, inset carrying handles and sure grip bottom pads. This amp also comes with mounting brackets making it rack ready. I can change my sound to fit whatever style of music the band is playing and it's always crisp and clear. Of course, with contour knobs set at maximum, the distortion is just right for some of the heavier stuff. The Line out jack for recording or running a line to the main PA has zero noise and really helps our sound man get the levels mixed. I love this Amp and now that I have had time to explore what it can do, it loves me back. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got this unit from a friend who was getting out of playing bass. He sold it to me with the head, and two cabs, for 500 bucks... sweet deal, eh? I love the shapeability of the sound. There is a knob on here that you can fiddle with called Dbass. It's for "dynamic bass" and if you have a 15"+ speaker, you can really shake the walls. Absolutly nothing. It's perfect in every way. this is constructed very well. after 2 years of giging with it's former owner, it's still in perfect working order. Very Very good. I love it. Haven't had to push it past 5 in any sort of gig situation. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com