NBAD Hartke HD500

[zulu]

I didn't want to need a bass amp. I had a nice little Ashdown combo that served me well for years. I 'loaned' it to an old friend and realized about a year ago that I'll not get it back. So I've had no bass amp for too long. My local pawn shop gave me a good deal on this used Hartke HD500 for $280. Its really nice for the price, sounds good, will keep up with a drummer volume-wise, and it weighs only 35 Pounds! The best inexpensive bass amp I have owned.

I know I'm saving for another guitar, but I couldn't go another day without playing my Starfire bass! The bass may get some needed work in another thread.

 

[GGJaguar]

Nice score, congrats!

 

[zulu]

Thanks!

 

[GGJaguar]

When I started to play bass in the '80s I lusted for a Guild/Hartke rig. Never got one.

 

[zulu]

I think the former Guild/Hartke connection was a selling point for some reason. And I have always liked 10 inch speakers for bass- from the days of hauling the SVT and 8x10 coffin. No substitute for that sound.

 

[jp]

I was never a big fan of Hartke's aluminum cone speakers because they always sounded a bit harsh to my ears, however, I've always loved their bass amps. The last one I had was the little Kickback 10, which was perfect for my needs.

Does yours have the newer neodymium Hydrive speakers? Nice to lose all that weight! I've never heard them, but I think they're a crazy composite of paper, aluminum, and kevlar. Do you like how they sound?

 

[zulu]

Does yours have the newer neodymium Hydrive speakers? Nice to lose all that weight! I've never heard them, but I think they're a crazy composite of paper, aluminum, and kevlar. Do you like how they sound?

Yes, the Hydrive speakers, and I do like the sound. With a little eq tweaking I was able to quickly dial in a punchy, focused sound (the reason I always liked 10's in a bass amp). Not overly brittle or harsh to my ear. and enough bottom end. The tone is good overall, the tone is great if you take into consideration the weight and price. Has a balanced xlr out for the mains if needed.

Here's a video where Victor Wooten proclaims the HD500 will provide the sound you are looking for.

 

[jp]

Yes, the Hydrive speakers, and I do like the sound. With a little eq tweaking I was able to quickly dial in a punchy, focused sound (the reason I always liked 10's in a bass amp). Not overly brittle or harsh to my ear. and enough bottom end. The tone is good overall, the tone is great if you take into consideration the weight and price. Has a balanced xlr out for the mains if needed.

Here's a video where Victor Wooten proclaims the HD500 will provide the sound you are looking for.

Nice! Through my headphones, they sound much better than the previous generation. Cool!