2 x Hartke 4.5XL cabs, amp recommendations?

[Fred Leicester]

Hiya

So, after a couple of years break from playing, I'm now buying new gear to replace some of the stuff I sold a while back. I still have 2 Hartke 4.5XL cabinets, and just bought a new Musicman Stingray 4, and now looking for a new amp.

I was previously using an Ashdown ABM500 EVOIII which I liked, previously had a Trace Elliot V6 which broke lots, Hartke 3500 which I found a bit dull, and looking for something with a bit of character. I'll be playing soul/jazz/funk and possibly some pop/rock on occasion, so want something which is versatile, but most importantly can provide a fair bit of grunt at volume whilst remaining composed.

I've been out of the market for a while, so whilst I'm drawn to the Ashdown again to better the devil I know, I'm wondering if there are any new exciting products out there I might have missed? My budget is up to around £600ish, but could be tempted into a bit more if there is something outstanding for a bit more cash....

Any recommendations folks??

[Lozz196]

For versatile, take a look at TC Electronics - you can go from super-clean compressed slap-tones to overdriven Lemmy filth in seconds (especialy on the RH which allows 3 preset tones). Plus has an on-board tuner. Whether or not it has character, well that`s down to the individual but for me TC gear is the most versatile I`ve used, and the set-up I would get if I were a session musician.

[Fred Leicester]

Thanks Lozz196. Just having a look at those now - very interesting. Going to see if I can find a local (ish) dealer to have a proper listen....

[xgsjx]

There's a lot of choice out there. Try as many out as you can.
As well as the TC that Lozz suggests, try Markbass & Genz Benz (GB are going cheap just now) & as many others that you can.

[Lozz196]

Yes, I didn`t mention Markbass as, although my personal fave, I find TC more versatile. But they are def my fave, sit sooooo right in the mix.

[Conan]

How about staying with the brand and trying a Hartke LH amp? 500 or 1000 depending on how much you want to bring down aircraft...

Beautifully clear and powerful, and made to go with your speaker cabs. Cheap too! Can't go wrong IMO.

They often come up used on here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/218899-fs-hartke-lh500-in-gator-hardcase-l210/page__p__2278571__hl__lh500__fromsearch__1#entry2278571"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/218899-fs-hartke-lh500-in-gator-hardcase-l210/page__p__2278571__hl__lh500__fromsearch__1#entry2278571[/url] and [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/221662-flight-cased-hartke-lh500/page__p__2270989__hl__lh500__fromsearch__1#entry2270989"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/221662-flight-cased-hartke-lh500/page__p__2270989__hl__lh500__fromsearch__1#entry2270989[/url]

Edited November 17, 2013 by Conan

[Fred Leicester]

There's a local shop which stocks Markbass stuff so I'll go and give them a whirl. Haven't looked at the Hartke LH models, but if it can bring down aircraft then that sounds quite promising too

[Conan]

[quote name='Fred Leicester' timestamp='1384774316' post='2280457']
Haven't looked at the Hartke LH models, but if it can bring down aircraft then that sounds quite promising too
[/quote]

Nobody would ever describe the LH500 as being weedy or underpowered, believe me! And the LH1000 is just insane! Lots of bang for your buck - especially when buying a used one. But if you prefer new, bear in mind that they come "naked" as it were, and you will need a rackcase or bag in which to mount it.

[Dood]

... and of course, if you are looking for a BEAST to go on top of those lovely 4.5XL cabinets, then look no further than the Hartke Kilo (2x500W /1000W) . I can confirm that This amplifier as well as the LH series heads (and the HA series for that matter) are superb amps with tons of girth on tap

[badboy1984]

Depend on your budget actually ....... I favourite the Markbass and TC.