Hot Tub Posted December 6, 2016 Share Posted December 6, 2016 Now my third Hartke LH1000 (2nd warranty replacement) has finally died I've decided to chuck it. I have never been so disappointed with a product. When it worked it sounded amazing, but I have found them to be unreliable to the point of being useless. Amp #1 - the B channel died. Returned to Thomann, no fault found, replaced under warranty. Amp #2 - exactly the same. Amp #3 (this one) - the B channel died and I took it to an amp tech. He couldn't find any fault either. Now the A channel has died and I've had enough. I'm done with Hartke amps. A lot of good things have been written and said about Hartke's customer service in the US - Larry even publishes his phone number - and I have chatted with him on Facebook messenger, but I've found nothing in the UK. They're just not interested. So, in the next few days a TC Electronic BH550 will arrive. I've heard a lot of good stuff about these, so fingers crossed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted December 8, 2016 Share Posted December 8, 2016 That's odd. The LH series are usually noted for their simplicity, loudness and trouble-freeness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doomed Posted December 8, 2016 Share Posted December 8, 2016 I bought a Kilo when they first came out, it died after less than 8hrs use. 3 months of false promises from various sources before DV247 did the right thing and made things right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewisK1975 Posted December 8, 2016 Share Posted December 8, 2016 I have the BH250, I use it with a Barefaced 210 on gigs where we can't fit the full PA in so just go vocals only PA + backline. The BH amps are excellent value and plenty loud enough. Toneprint feature is excellent, I just have it set on the regular spectracomp and dial it up to between 11 and 1 depending on which Bass I'm using. Great stuff! The baked in tone of the BH is spot on for my money - only ever adjust the knobs between 11 and 1 on those too. Good purchase! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hot Tub Posted December 9, 2016 Author Share Posted December 9, 2016 Looking forward to getting the BH - hopefully early next week. I hate waiting for new gear! Trying to get Thomann to deal with the LH-1000 under the terms of their 3 year warranty, but so far no joy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hot Tub Posted December 9, 2016 Author Share Posted December 9, 2016 [quote name='Conan' timestamp='1481206752' post='3190545'] That's odd. The LH series are usually noted for their simplicity, loudness and trouble-freeness. [/quote] That's one of the primary reasons I bought it in the first place. I'm gigging regularly around the Midlands, and a couple of times a year I play with another band in Europe, so reliability is important. The LH just continually let me down. I'll never touch another Hartke amp. But when it worked it was awesome, I loved it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 [quote name='Hot Tub' timestamp='1481313178' post='3191500'] Looking forward to getting the BH - hopefully early next week. I hate waiting for new gear! [b][u]Trying to get Thomann to deal with the LH-1000 under the terms of their 3 year warranty, but so far no joy.[/u][/b] [/quote] That's very disappointing. Their 3 year warranty is the main reason I bought my last amp from them. (EBS Reidmar 750. Thankfully it has been 100% reliable so far) Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hot Tub Posted December 9, 2016 Author Share Posted December 9, 2016 I'll keep you posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hot Tub Posted December 15, 2016 Author Share Posted December 15, 2016 The BH550 has arrived and it sounds phenomenal! I loved the Hartke (when it worked!), but this is in a different league! After 5 emails with no response, a couple of Facebook posts on Thomann's page got an answer. The LH1000 is now en-route back to Germany. It seems like Thomann really don't want to honour their 3-year warranty (there's a surprise), but as I have no interest or desire to get the LH1000 either repaired or replaced, I'm quite prepared for the long haul. Let's see what they say when they get it back to their "techs"..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopthebass Posted December 15, 2016 Share Posted December 15, 2016 TC are probably the only make I haven't tried. I bought an old LH500 for 50 quid and left at rehearsal room. Its been fine. Glad you are sorted.! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisheth Posted December 16, 2016 Share Posted December 16, 2016 Use a BH550 at rehearsals. Very nice, not what I'd usually use, but they're nice for a SS amp. I like my valves! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leemarseillebass Posted December 18, 2016 Share Posted December 18, 2016 I have to say, I had a spell with the Hartke 210 Hy-Drive combo, and it kept failing to the point I started to cringe when my 'spot' was coming up. Took it to more than one guy and no fault found, it's kinda annoyingly mental. I began thinking it was being spiteful. I'll stick with Ampeg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hot Tub Posted December 19, 2016 Author Share Posted December 19, 2016 Well, Thomann now have the LH1000 back, and as expected, their "techs" can't find any fault. They have offered me a store credit, which is no use as I have already bought a replacement amp from them. I'm hoping I can persuade them that I am not required to accept a credit, and a refund is allowed. This could go on for a while.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuzzie Posted December 19, 2016 Share Posted December 19, 2016 Hope you get it resolved buddy My LH1000 served me OK, but I am now moving it on. You would hope customers get a decent shout even in this day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtcat Posted December 19, 2016 Share Posted December 19, 2016 Hartke are a disgrace in my opinion. I had so much trouble with a Kilo that I ended up £800 out of pocket when they refused to admit that it was a flawed product. I had it repaired by the UK distributor and a guy called Gareth from hartke even got involved on here. He made big public gestures saying he'd help if I ever had another problem. Funnily enough when it broke again just two hours after I got it back (complete with a damaged front panel caused by their tech) he washed his hands of all involvement and I ended up taking it to the tip. After that I would never trust hartke and their crap service ever again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leemarseillebass Posted December 19, 2016 Share Posted December 19, 2016 Bloody hell that's horrendous.. I have to say, the fault on mine wasn't 'traceable' and I just gave up. When it worked it was really impressive, and in retrospect the guy I bought it off (used) gave a brief, full tilt demo - then turned it off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hot Tub Posted December 21, 2016 Author Share Posted December 21, 2016 Thomann have finally agreed to a refund, albeit partial (around 65% of the purchase price), but it's all I'm going to get so I'll take it. I just want this to be over. Besides, I'll make a few % on the exchange rate! Needless to say, I'll never touch Hartke amps again. If you have one of the LH amps and it works, you lucky lucky lucky lucky barsteward! I loved it when it worked, but it just wasn't reliable. If you're thinking of buying one, my advice is don't. You might get a good one, but if not you can forget about Hartke customer service. Despite all the good things they say, it's non-existent outside of the US, and their UK people are absolutely not interested unless you're a "name". Lesson learned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doomed Posted December 21, 2016 Share Posted December 21, 2016 [quote name='Hot Tub' timestamp='1482321092' post='3199499'] but if not you can forget about Hartke customer service. Despite all the good things they say, it's non-existent outside of the US, and their UK people are absolutely not interested unless you're a "name". Lesson learned. [/quote] My 'Kilo' experience exactly, as I said before I was lucky DV247 stepped up and did the right thing for me, because I was fed nothing but a web of lies by the UK end of Hartke, which was confirmed when I emailed the USA end for clarification of something. Never again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrumpymike Posted December 24, 2016 Share Posted December 24, 2016 What a timely post is this - I'm looking for a new amp and the LH500 and TX600 were on the shortlist (although the sixer reportedly punch well below its weight). Interestingly, if you Google Hartke you'll find the manufacturer's own website is notable by its absence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doomed Posted December 24, 2016 Share Posted December 24, 2016 (edited) I found my experience all the more disappointing when you take into account who the Hartke UK distributor is. Edited December 24, 2016 by doomed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrumpymike Posted December 24, 2016 Share Posted December 24, 2016 Just had a read of the BH550 review on Guitar Interactive Mag - very impressed!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzodog Posted December 25, 2016 Share Posted December 25, 2016 I must be in a minority then but ive had an LH500 for 3 years and use it weekly for gigs and rehearsals. Never let me down once. I recently bought an MB500 for back issues but between the two I pefer the sound of the Hartke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 I'm same here as i bought Kilo when they came out around 2012 i think and it didn't work straight out the box. Full refund by Thomann no quibble at all. Had no response from Hartke at all. No response from Larry H either when i contacted him by email provided by Talkbass Forum guys. Would never buy anything from Hartke. Have to say that i played thru a Hartke LH500 & 2 off 1x15 XL cabs at a gig few weeks ago and it was an impressive sound with my Fender PJ Deluxe but i still wouldn't buy a Hartke because of the reliabilty and lack of customer service. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 I've had boththe LH500 and LH1000 and been really impressed by their sound. Never had any reliability issues either. Seems I was one of the lucky ones. Twice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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