New Bass Cab

[aceonbass]

I think it was. My first GK was a 400B I think. It had the aluminum heatsink sides/handles and was 250 watts.

[jps]

I think the newer models are a different design with a turn on delay relay and better protection circuitry.

[henry5]

I had a Hartke 3500 and really didn't think it worked with the Rics; I second a lot of what Jeff said (especially the bit about the tube side and compressor). It worked pretty well with the more modern active basses I had though; in fact I've tried Alembics through Hartke heads and they've sounded fabulous, better than through some supposedly much better heads.

[deblase4001]

The hartke 3500 has worked pretty good for me. I put a new preamp tube in it. I use the graphic eq to boost the mids and I get a very punchy sound with my 4001. I agree the built-in compressor is **** - I just keep it turned off. It sounds really good with my ampeg svt210he cab for smaller gigs. I bought it when my budget was pretty tight (paid $230 used) and just kept on using it. I plan on getting something else, I just don't know what yet. I also have a peavey alphabass that sounds good too! See photos:

[jakeox]

I play through a GK 1001RB (not the newer RBII). It's 450 or 500 watts -- something like that. Plenty loud enough through my Avatar 2x12 (great inexpensive cabs), and I love the tone I get from it with my Ricks. I got my whole rig for $500 (used) and I'd put it up against most $1000-$1200 rigs in terms of power and sound. I feel like you can get serious value when you go with brands that aren't thought of as must-haves (says the guy who keeps buying Ricks).

[rickaddict]

And how do ya like that Peavey Alphabass, Greg? I've never seen one of those.

I'm guessing its lighter than an SVT CL!

[deblase4001]

It's about 40 pounds - kinda heavy. It's 160W at 4 or 2ohms. It sounds good - has that compressed tube sound.

[ricnbacker]

I had a GK 700RB II that just didnt work for me. Seemed a little to heavy in the bottom end, and lacked highs.

I played a 700RBII through a GK 8x10 Cab the other day at GC and was blown away by the sound. Tremendous lows and the most awesome punch you could ever ask for. I would have loved to hear my Ric through it.

Then again glad I didnt because I do not play out anymore and I would have had a hard time explaining that amp....lol

[ricnbacker]

nice cab, but you need to do something about that awful head.

sorry, i am a hartke hater.

+1000!

I use either a Markbass LM II (500 watts rms @ 4Ω) or a Walter Woods Super (650 watts rms @ 4Ω).

+1 to not liking Hartke. I played a few of them in the stores and the sound gives me a pain in the Brain!

You really like the Markbass amps?

I tried one, a combo, and it sure was loud and the lightweight package was appealing but it seemed to lack soul......There was something "digital" about it to me

[jps]

Nothing digital at all. Try a head through your favorite cabinet.

Speaking of Hartke, I saw SMV tonight (Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten), I was very surprised to see Victor using the new Hy-drive Hartke gear, two 4-10/1-15 stacks and two heads. I guess he dumped Ampeg when they went overseas; good move!

[aceonbass]

The Hartke 3500 I had several years ago was assembled in Korea. I wouldn't doubt that the whole thing is made and assembled there now. I could be wrong though, but if that's the case, why dump Ampeg? You can still find NOS Ampeg gear made here. I did.

[jps]

I don't understand Victor's motives, perhaps he was under the influence of Stu Hamm.

[aceonbass]

Better than being under the influence of ham stew.

[jps]

[ryan.jones]

ampeg still taking credit

http://www.ampeg.com/artists/artist.php?artistID=138