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Rating And Reviews: Hartke Kickback 12 Amp

120 watts at 8 ohms. 3-band EQ. 1x12 in. aluminum driver.

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"Great sounding bass amp, well made, easy to move around, priced right, and great factory support if you need it. At least that's" submitted February 18, 2005

By a customer from aol.com
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Musical Background: Active Musician
Music Style: Rock, Blues, and Folk player
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Sound: Very puchy and clear sound when you want it, and yet by adjusting the tone controls on the amp you can creat the older types of bass sounds such as you might get from an old Fender Bassman amp, or say an old Ampeg amp. You can easily get a wide range of tones. Its amazing how much sound comes from only one 12 inch speaker! Feature: Features are quite good. I wish though that they would have included an extra speaker jack on the rear of the amp for adding another speaker cabinet if you wanted. Quality: Mine came perfect right out of the factory carton. Solid and built like a rock, yet very light weight, (about 42 lb). No problems here. Value: Seemed like a good value to me after comparing other brands and prices. There are cheaper amps out there-but you get what you pay for I guess... Manufacturer Support: I wrote to Hartke about a minor problem with an exsisting speaker cabinet that I perviously bought and got a personal letter from the president of Hartke who dealt with my problem in a very fast and profesional way. The support was great! He couldn't of been nicer and interested in pleasing me as a customer, and then even sent me a Hartke T shirt and free bass strings. I was blown away by their efforts! The Wow Factor: Looks good to me -basic black. I'm not a real fan of colored vinyl amps that are done in colors like maroon or purple and what not. I want an amp to look like an amp- not like vinyl seats in a 50's Cadilac. Overall: I did a lot of homework when looking for another amp for smaller venues and I feel right now Hartke was the best and most sensible choice to make. Some of my decision making was based on these kind of reviews from actual customers. Most of them were very pleased with their Hartke purchases. When picking a new amp, price wasn't that much of an issue for me. I could of gotten the larger Hartke model with a 15 inch speaker -but most people seemed to think that it was neccessary to- so I got the 12 inch speaker model and it still sounds great. A little bit lighter to carry too which is nice than the larger model. Fits in the backseat of a car and you don't need a van to move your equipment around which is neat. The 12 inch sidekick amp has plaenty of balls and the titlt back design is something new to me which is a great idea! You'll like this amp a lot.
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"I played Peavey for years until..." submitted February 1, 2007

By a customer from aol.com
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Musical Background: hobbyist
Music Style: Christian/Country
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Sound: Sound quality is excellent, even when using my 5-string. The 12-in cone has plenty of bottom and doesn't lose anything when playing the low B Feature: This amp is easy to equalize. Can't say anything negative about it. Ease of Use: Like the features, this unit is a breeze to equalize. Finding a suitable tone is simple, and the variety of sounds is also a real plus. Quality: You can tell right away that this thing is built like a tank. There's nothing "cheap" about it. And the wedge design can't be beat. Value: I've had mine for 4 years and it still kicks like it was brand new. Considering I play several times a week, I can definitely say I've already gotten more than my money's worth out of it. Manufacturer Support: Actually, I haven't had to call on them for anything...the unit has been flawless. The Wow Factor: The shape, design, and that signature aluminum cone makes it distinquishable from a distance. Artists know what you are playing with just a glance. And of course, they can also tell by that sound. Overall: I intend to play this little baby until she won't play any more...and when that day comes, I'll replace her with another Hartke.
19 of 19 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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"Kickback Really Kicksb***!" submitted May 18, 2011

By a customer from netmaille.com
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Musical Background: Active Musician
Music Style: Rock/Blues/Alternative/Jazz
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Sound: Great little combo that has a very full frequency response. I play 4 string bass and it all comes through with no booming or absent frequencies. At VERY high volumes, the mids get a bit punchy, but it always keeps up and cuts through the mix. Feature: Simple intuitive controls and reliable components. Ease of Use: The shape control offers a wealth of options for tone control but you may need a bit of experience to use it to your advantage. Quality: I have been kicking around a few of these kickbacks for 20 years with no reliability issues. One is constantly rolling around in the trunk of my car and I depend upon it to perform every time I plug it in. Value: Pay little, play a lot and just enjoy. It's a no brainer and using this amp simplifies many situations. Go into the board or just practice with it in your studio. Use it as a monitor on stage. Manufacturer Support: Pick up the phone and call. You may be surprised to find Larry Hartke himself answering your call. He is quite the gentleman and very knowledgeable in the design and use of bass amplifiers. His personal support and courtesy know no bounds. The Wow Factor: It's just a really smart design. Overall: I've been trying to replace it at any cost and can't. Now if I need more volume for a large gig I just daisy chain a couple together.
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"If you like the sound of Harke, you won't regret buying this combo. It makes me smile every time I play on it." submitted January 11, 2012

By a customer from yahoo.com
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Sound: I absolutely love the sound of this unit. I'm playing a inexpensive Yamaha 4 string with passive P pickups and Ernie Ball Slinky strings. My bass guitar sounded very sub par out of the box on an old Peavey system and with the factory strings, but with the Harke combo and Slilnky strings it sounds excellent. Both the strings and the combo contributed significantly to the improvement. Feature: Well built. The only improvement that I can think of is that it would be nice if Harke modified the ventilation in the top of the unit so a drink couldn't accidentally get spilled into it. This hasn't happened on mine, but I could see it possibly happening at a party. Ease of Use: I like how simple the controls are. Hit a few notes, tweek a few knobs and your ready to jam. Quality: I've had mine for 2 years with no problems. Value: If you like the sound of Harke's 4x10 cabinet, but you want something a little less expensive and more portable, you can't beat this combo. Manufacturer Support: Never had to call them. The Wow Factor: I wish I had the money to buy one of these when I was college. Overall: The only thing I can imagine instead of this product is a nice head with a Hartke 2x10 or 4x10 cabinet, but at this time I don't really need anything that powerfull.
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"Hartke Kickback 12 Bass Combo Amplifier " submitted April 2, 2012

By Chris Woodall in White Hall, MD
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Musical Background: Church Musician for 6 years and have played drums and guitar for over 12 years
Music Style: Christian
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Overall: I bought this amp for the bass player in our praise and worship team at church as a surprise gift. He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw it in church. The amp has a great look to it and really sounds great with a lot of punch for a 12" speaker. He really likes the tilt back design and that it isn't too heavy. We used it in a small restaurant this past weekend with our group and it sounded great there too. Would buy another for sure.
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"Keyboard players Try this, you'll like it." submitted March 5, 2004

By a customer from juno.com
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Music Style: Pop-Jazz, classic Rock
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Sound: Clean and punchy. The notch filter lets you put the sound right where it fits...and this changes room to room. Feature: It could offer a second input. Quality: Runs cool and clear. Manufacturer Support: N/A The Wow Factor: I was drawn to it by the wedge/monitor design. I use it as an onstage monitor for my keyboard. It has plenty of punch. Gives me a level playing field with the guitars and drums. Overall: I do not expect to need anything else. Can run this alone without going thru the main pa.
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"Tub Thumper" submitted July 23, 2009

By a customer from charter.net
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Musical Background: active musician
Music Style: blues, folk, rock
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Sound: Great sound from a small, fairly light amp. Feature: Had everything I needed Value: Great sound for the price. Manufacturer Support: Not needing any support is a good thing in my book. The Wow Factor: I wanted it so much I got it! Overall: I use this amp for small venues and it really provides a full, deep sound.
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"Reliable but mediocre in sound" submitted December 15, 2007

By a customer from yahoo.com
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Musical Background: Semi-Professional / Gigging Band
Music Style: Hard Rock
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Sound: The sound on this won't break up until it's at its limit, and it delivers some low bass. But the sound is tinny and artificial. The sound really stunted me as a bass player. It just can't be compared to something like ampeg, or anything with paper cones and/or tweeter. Feature: You can change and scoop the mids well on this thing, but there's no quality to the high end really. Quality: Lasted a while...then the rubber handle got cut through to reveal a very sharp Value: For an average sounding combo amp I think there are cheaper The Wow Factor: Looks cool... Overall: OK for self-use or with a guitarist, can't compete with a drum kit. Not the best tone. Solid product otherwise, definitely reliable. Maybe a 1x15" or 2x10", 2x12" is just a better idea
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Hartke Kickback 12 Amp Customer Review submitted March 22, 2004

By a customer from yahoo.com
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Music Style: jazz
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Sound: Sounds is great. For the size and mobility this little amp packs a punch. I use to have the other Hartke Combo amps that weighed a ton and didn't need that much power to begin with. I play Jazz and this amp is perfect for small clubs and bars. If the venue is that big...they have a sound system...it is nice that it has an XLR our for that purpose..although post would have been nice. Feature: Fine. I like the XLR output for DI box or sounds system. The phase thing is just weird...I never use it. Tilt back feature is great in the small setting to the sound goes up instead of straight across the floor...My drummer like it b/c then he can here me when we play...usually that area is small I am in front of him so he gets the bounced back sound. Quality: this is my second Hartke amp, although is has less features, I can really on it every time. Although the air vent is weird in the top since I am usually lugging it around NYC...Rain/water can get in there easily. Value: yept... Manufacturer Support: N/A The Wow Factor: basic look minus the tilt back feature. gotta love the aluminum cone Overall: until it dies.
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"Versatile" submitted May 10, 2003

By a customer from attbi.com
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Music Style: Christian, Folk, Rock
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Sound: Perfect sound for use in multiple types of venue (small to medium sized). Great projection and balance.
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"Seems like you should get more outa it" submitted January 15, 2006

By a customer from aol.com
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Musical Background: musician
Music Style: progressive/ hard rock
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Sound: It gives you great support, except when you want to play louder. If your guitars in your band or loud, then this amp isnt for you, but other than that its a real nice thing to have in your basement. Feature: I really like the shape option. I wish it had extra speaker jack though to get more outa it. Quality: Very sturdy...havent had problems Value: depends if your a band who wants to go somewhere or you juss wanna play in your basement. The Wow Factor: It looks real sweet with the whole kickback thing...love it Overall: If you want a nice medium song without buzzin the cones..this is for you, if you want loud, get something for powerful, but still get Hartke b/c i love this brand.
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"an OK amp but i want a new one" submitted April 28, 2008

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Sound: It's small and has a small sound but gets the job done so long as you have realistic expectations for it. definitely very versatile in terms of tones you can get Feature: easy to use and very intuitive Ease of Use: only a few knobs to play with Quality: i busted the input jack on mine and had to fix it. i've also managed to break the knob on my mid eq knob but i'm sure that was my fault. Value: i think there are better out there for that much The Wow Factor: i want to replace it because i need more volume and power
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"Great things come in small packages!" submitted July 7, 2009

By a customer from gmail.com
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Musical Background: Pro for 30plus tears
Music Style: jazz,rockabilly,country and classic rock
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Sound: WOW!!!!!! This little guy is incredible! In three decades of pro bass work I have owned Acoustic, Peavey and Fender amps tube and solid state. The transistor amps sounded dead! My Fender Bassman tube amps sounded great though. This little Hartke is alive and open just like a tube amp! It blows away most bigger amps with 15s in every category! Thanks to Larry Hartke!! Any bass-anytime!! Feature: Build quality is excellent-like a Swiss watch! It is elegantly simple to use but what a sound! From jazz to rock and country-it's all there.Compact and light-42 pounds-sounds like a hundred! The aluminum driver is fantastic-from tube warmth to a Jaco growl. I had a musical orgasm after trying it out. Thank you ZZOUNDS for selling Hartke-the Marshall of bass amps! Ease of Use: The cabinet and driver design are awesome-any bass style is easy to dial up. Straight ahead and strive for tone! Quality: Top shelf build quality and great looking as well. Value: This amp is worth way more than 349-I guarantee! Manufacturer Support: Mine arrived with one cracked corner protector. Called them and they shipped me a new one today-good service.By the way, UPS gets a little rough so it was due to them not Hartke I would guess. The Wow Factor: I have had three big spine surgeries since 97. I never believed a little solid state amp could sound this great. Obviously, I cannot lift refrigerator sized bass gear any more. Don't need to anymore.As far as sex appeal goes the chicks will be amazed at the monster sound from such a small package-HA HA! Overall: This is a KEEPER! I would buy another Hartke if I lost this one.
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