I usually play guitar but fill in when our bass player is out (contemporary Christian music). My old amp died on me (second time: no replacement parts) and I checked out this and it's bigger brother KB-15. I like the light weight, and it's a very tight low end but can warm nicely too: quite versatile. I use the other bassists' 70's Ampeg SVT 8-10 beast (!!!) when I fill in so I'm a bit spoiled. I'm going to side by side them some time and look forward to comparing them. I would much rather transport this loud little guy than and SVT.

JOHN

Undisclosed

At 500 wats, this is a solid practice amp as well as for smaller gigs. I tried the twin 10 of the same model as prefer this one for a few reasons. I love the punchiness of the half aluminum speakers. Being that it's only half aluminum, the paper portion gives you a nice rounded tone that isn't too thin. This amp is ported so it can handle the low tones a 5 string for the most part. It loses a little punch at The very bottom end, but still handles it really well. all in all, this is a great amp for the money and at under 30lbs, is much easier than hauling around your heavy full rig to every band rehearsal and smaller gigs.

JOHN

Undisclosed

Excellent combo bass amp. 500 watts (285 at 8 ohms); perfect for practice or medium sized gigs. For larger ones you can always go directly into the PA. Great sound and very light for this older musician LOL

JOE

Undisclosed

I bought this to replace a GK combo amp that I love. The GK is losing its volume for some reason. I'd listened to Hartke amps when I bought the GK and wasn't that impressed back then. This one has changed my mind. I use my amp as a stage monitor in front and aimed at me so I can hear it. This keeps stage volume lower. I'm always puzzled by folks that aim their speakers at their knees from behind and expect to be able to hear them. I'm glad that a company finally built a product that does exactly what I want from it. The "shape" control quickly allows you to dial in a sound you like. Other reviewers have complained that the Direct Out is pre-tone settings. I like this. I sometimes have to adjust my on-stage tone a little on the thin side to allow it to cut through the mix so I can hear it. I trust the sound engineer to mix my tone and level out front. This thing has an amazing punch. The volume is loud enough for almost any size club.

Trace

San Antonio, TX

Outstanding features include: tilt back option, direct out, headphone jack, and a small footprint on stage. It has a high power output and minimal weight and this amp has a great bass amp tone. What's not to love?

Tom

Seabrook Texas

I keep it close and love it the most!

Debbie Do it All

Tahlequah OK

My "big rig" that I use for large indoor and outside venues is a Trace Elliot 300 watt head (57 lbs.) and a Hartke 410 XL bass cabinet (86 lbs). The Hartke KB 12 has great tonal quality and percussive punch that sounds really close to my "big rig" and it only weighs 28 lbs!! Granted that at some point the Hartke reaches it's one 12'' speaker limit, but I was surprised just how loud this little monster can get without losing its exceptional tonal quality. From now on, this is my amp of choice on gigs. With a little PA system support, I can do just about any gig with the KB 12 without carrying the 143 lb back-breaker "big rig." Get smart and go light. I highly recommend the Hartke KB 12!

Rob

Totowa New Jerset

Love this amp. Great sound, plenty of power, very lightweight. Used it at an outside gig last Saturday night and it sounded amazing. Highly Recommended!!!

Mike-In-MO

The Ozarks

Practice or a gig, great powerful compact amp.

KA1MLA

Riverside, RI

This amp sounds great. Light weight but big sound. Only negative is that there is no aux in jack.

Richie C.

Suffolk County NY