Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

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

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.

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:

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).

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!

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

cheyenne wrote: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

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).

+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

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!

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

ampeg still taking credit

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