Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Posted: **Sat Aug 09, 2008 8:20 pm**

The Ampeg 410 I had weighed in at 92lbs.

I've heard wonderful things about the Schroeder cabs. Not just the sound and construction, but several instances of excellent personal service from the maker.

Posted: **Sat Aug 09, 2008 8:29 pm**

I too, have read about Jorg's excellent service.

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 4:46 am**

I have two Ampeg SVT 410HLF's. They are heavy, but unlike the 90lb Ampeg 410 cab, they are ported and tuned to 28 cycles. I loaded one of my HLF410's with 4 of the Aurasound Neodymiums from a couple Ampeg PB210 cabs I have. This lightened them up quite a bit, dropped their impedence to 2 ohms, and raised the power handling to 800 watts program and 1200 watts peak. Most amps won't run a 2 ohm load, but my Ampeg SVP1600 will in stereo. Incidently, I put the stock 10's from the HLF into the PB210's which are now for sale if anyone's interested. Each cab is now rated at 250 watts program, 500 peak at 8 ohms and still have the stock horns.

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:17 am**

jps wrote:
phlemmy wrote: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).

Guys, tell me why Hartke amps don't do it for you, I'm curious.....

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 11:54 am**

I bought and tried to like a 3500 back in the late '90s. Here is my assessment:

The fan was way too loud and ran at full tilt all the time.

The tube channel was pre equalized to give a "tube'' tone that in reality was rather weak and thin sounding with harsh treble.

I learned that I am not a fan of graphic EQs for tone shaping of instruments, it is way too fiddly and is much harder to get a good tone with than your typical 3 or 4 band rotary EQ controls. I found the same when I briefly tried an Ashdown Labs MK500.

The compressor was way too squishy too soon, it really was better sounding without the compressor in.

Too heavy for it's power rating! Keep in mind that I was used to nice, light Walter Woods amps already at that time.

I prefer amps made in the USA.

The controls felt a bit cheesy to me.

The internal construction was mid-grade, at best, with things such as phenolic circuit boards, cheap potentiometers, etc.

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 2:04 pm**

I had a Harke 3500 too Jeff, and couldn't agree with you more!

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 2:15 pm**

The few times I've used a Hartke amp, I didn't like them either.

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 5:08 pm**

Man. This is a tough room.

I almost hate to mention it,.. but I just picked up a demo GK 400RB IV for cheap at GC. It dosent have the bone crushing headroom that Im used to, but for what it is, its tough to beat.

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 5:58 pm**

How do you pronounce Hartke? Is it heart key?

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:02 pm**

Thats how I pronounce it so it must be so.

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:15 pm**

I've had two GK amps. The first was their first bass amp from the 70's and the second a 400RB. Both very good amps, but I hated the pop you'd hear when I turned on the later model, so I sold it.

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:47 pm**

I had a GK 700RB II that just didnt work for me. Seemed a little to heavy in the bottom end, and lacked highs. This 400RB IV is a completely different animal though. Very simple to dial in a good tone for my Ricks, Carvins and Jazz bass. But... is only a 280 watt amp @ 4 ohms. Sounds good and loud through my Carvin RL210 though. I'm thinking of looking for a "Boutique" 210 cab to pair it up with. I'd be a top notch small gig rig in my book.

I havent noticed any "Pop" though Dane. Was it coming through the PA? or was it a solo thing with the amp?

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:49 pm**

I used to have two 700RBs, not the newer version but the first type. Both were excellent with only the tiniest bit of turn on transients; they were great sounding amps, just a little dry on the top end, otherwise nice full tone. At that time I was only using my two Zons, no Ricks during that period. I did not use the bi-amp feature as I was running through EV B-210 cabinets.

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 9:23 pm**

My 400RB would pop through anything it was plugged into when I turned it on. I'm coming to believe it may have been deffective though. It was always very easy to get great tome from and you could completely overdrive the master volume with the pre-gain and boost knob for the perfect Geddy Lee tone from Moving Pictures.

Posted: **Sun Aug 10, 2008 9:44 pm**

Was your 400RB the earlier style without the heat vent on the front panel?

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