Overall User Ratings

"Pair this with the right cab and you've got all you'll ever need for small-medium gigs. Love it!"

Feature:
The graphic equalizer is a marvelous tool that noticeably alters your sound without smothering or overdriving it. Very smooth. The compressor function is great for the slap-happy types; it really minimizes the dynamic leap you typically get when switching from finger-picking to slapping. The contour shaping knobs are great if you don't feel like screwing with the (bypassable) equalizer. Even different input jacks for passive or active basses! Sweet!

Quality:
Actually not a huge fan of the overall presentation - functionally, it's great (which is what really matters anyway, right?). Something about the colors and font used just screams mid-80's to me...but that's just personal opinion...I bought it used, and all the knobs are tight and solid, no loose connections...seems pretty well made.

Value:
For $299 used, it beat the snot out of everything in its price range, used or new. Power, functionality, everything. Where else can you get 350W with tube preamps for that price? With these capabilities?

Desirability:
I guess my earlier comments belonged here...again, not the sexiest piece of gear out there, but get past that and play the damned thing - you'll be hooked like I was. All that I need and more.

Sound:
I just upgraded to the Hartke HA3500 after a GK amp I had recently bought broke down on me...and it turned out to be the best thing in the long run. I have been playing with the same bass for over seven years, and this is the first amp that really, REALLY grants me the tones I need to play effectively when hopping genres (must be the tube preamp!!). I run it through a 4x10 cab, and it provides massive flexibility, bright highs and deep, not overly punchy bass. Couldn't be happier. Tons of tone and power to spare.

Ease of Use:
The manuals for this product couldn't be more clear about the functionality of the various tools at your disposal. Everything you need to play is right there for you, and all your direct-out stuff is located on the back of the unit, so you don't have to deal with it on the face if you're not using it (take note, GK!).

Support:
Haven't needed it yet, but again, the manual is a great thing, using easy-to-read language. So if you're like me and not really an audiophile, you'll still figure out what the hell it is they're talking about.

Overall:
This cab driving my 4x10 should give me all the power, tone, and flexibility I need for years to come. I plan on beating this thing into the ground and getting another when it finally does expire. I can actually play with my band and not only be heard without cranking the hell out of my amp, but be heard cleanly and distinctly. Ahh....

"Road tested tuff!"

This reviewer purchased this item from Same Day Music.

Feature:
GIves you all you need to gig just about anywhere. DI works great!

Quality:
It has been living in my SKB case for about 8 years, sliding in the bed of my truck, surviving icey cold rain and blistering Texas heat and it still works great gig after gig. Still using the original fuse!!

Value:
Paid for itself a dozen times over by now. SOLID!

Desirability:
Chrome knobs rather than plastic would be awesome but the eq all lit looks great on a dark stage. The design gives you everything to get the job done night after night.

Sound:
You can get any sound you need out of this head. From faithfully reproducing the pure bass sound to giving it the bite, snap, or thump.

Ease of Use:
Contour and Graphic EQ. If this is too hard for you to figure out you need to stick to drums.

Support:
Never have had to use it.

Overall:
If Hartke still makes them like this old dog it is an excellent buy! DO IT!