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The Roger Nichols Gear Collection

Hartke 5500C

Item ID: 5500
Based on 1 review

500W Bass Amp Head - Tube and Solid State

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From Our Research Team:

Super-Charged Hartke Amp!

There was only one way to improve upon the design of the legendary Hartke 3500 bass amp: Supercharge it! Hartke took all the features of the classic 3500 then added a 500 Watt power plant and built it into a new vintage-style cabinet. The Hartke 5500C, the best of the best just got better.


Hartke 5500C Features:
  • 500 Watts of power at 4 ohms
  • Tube and solid state preamp sections
  • Passive and active input sections
  • Bass, treble, and contour controls
  • 10-band graphic EQ
  • Variable compression
  • XLR direct out
  • Effects loop
Specification Detail
Type Hybrid
Number of Channels 2
Power 500W
Effects Yes
Compression Yes
EQ 10-band Graphic
Amp Modeling No Amp Modeling
Number of Models 0
Number of Tubes 0
Preamp Tubes 0
Power Tubes 0
Inputs 2 x Instrument (Passive, Active)
Outputs 2 x Speaker (1/4")
Footswitch I/O No Footswitch I/O
Effects Loop Yes
Manufacturer Part Number HA5500C

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Reviews

based on 1 review

Hartke 5500C

by Dustin Teel from Byron, GA
 June 30, 2011
 Music Background: Gigging musician
I bought this head after not being overly satisfied with the GK-MB210 combo (which has the MB-500 head in it). I really look for that lower mid "growl" as part of my signature sound and, despite the r... read more [+]eputation, the GK just didn't deliver. So I took a chance with the Hartke 5500C.

And am I ever glad I did. This head is outstanding.

I played the 3500 version of this head at a local music store and liked the tone, but 350 watts just wasn't enough for some of the medium to larger sized bars my band plays, so I went with the 5500. The head has a great array of features without being over-complicated. To me, the best features are 1) The tube and solid state preamp 2) the 10-band EQ and 3) built in compressor. The preamps really allow you to shape your tone. The tube section has a warm, crunch type feel and the solid-state section has a deep, smooth tone. The EQ allows you to dial in any sound imaginable from motown soul type bass to the hard grinding tones of heavy metal. The amp really shines in the "growl" department I previously mentioned - crank the tube preamp section and the low mids and you have a simply outstanding rock tone. The compressor is a must - this amp is very powerful. It simultaneously prevents speaker damage, clipping, and volume peaks while adding that much needed "punch" to your tone that really allows you to cut through the mix. For those of you that are looking for the low frequencies that rumble the audience's guts, the amp has a low pass contour that really brings out the notes that are more "felt" than heard - if you crank the low pass, this bad boy thunders.

The only drawback is the highs. At louder volumes, they can be a tad harsh, but the high pass contour switch allows you to fix that. You can completely remove all treble from the mix, if you so desire.

Overall, this is undoubtedly the best bass amp I have ever owned. The head has so much natural tone, it can make even a crappy instrument sound great. I plugged in an old starter Yamaha bass with dead strings that was lying around and this head made the thing sound like a Warwick!

If you are looking for an amp that can provide loads of power and a multitude of different tones, the Hartke 5500c is hands-down the best choice in this price point. This bad boy blows some $1000 heads I've played out of the water. Go for it! You won't regret it. close [-]
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See Also: Bass Amp Heads , Hartke , Hartke Bass Guitar Amp Heads

Hartke 5500C

Today's Payment: $226.33
Includes $10 processing fee
Payment 2: $216.33
In approx. 30 days
Payment 3: $216.33
In approx. 60 days

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