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Any bass players out there using a Hartke LH500 head?
I've got a new one & it's a bit 'hissy'
  • Wilco's Avatar
  • Wilco
  • Location: Swindon
  • Posts: 53
Thu 28 Oct 2010 18:59
Trying to work out if that's just the way they are or if mine has a problem.

The treble control doesn't make much of a difference, but the volume control does. Turning down the gain in my active basses made a difference, but it is still noticeable with a passive bass. All cables etc are good quality. Could be an issue with the pre-amp section or a dodgy (or low quality) valve?

Noticeable when the volume is on 2-3, very noticeable on 5 & a wall of hiss on 7 to 11 (sorry 10!).

Any words of wisdom from someone who has got one of these would be much appreciated.

Ta in advance.
Thu 28 Oct 2010 20:48
Does it still hiss with nothing plugged into input? If so then it'll likely be something in the circuit. If not, could be to do with other gear - pedals, cabling, shielding in pickups etc.
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Fri 29 Oct 2010 09:26
If you've tried every variable of bass/cable etc then I'd get in touch with the company you bought it from and ask for a replacement. It maybe worth asking the same question on www.basschat.co.uk too.

I used to have a Hartke HA4000 many moons ago and I recall it being a bit 'sizzley' in the top end. I always struggled cutting through the mix with it, seemed a bit shy in the mids no matter how I eq'd it. Those LH amps are getting great reviews though.