Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $252
Budget/Beginner
$300
$701+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Hartke HD50". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Hartke HD 50 is a powerhouse in a compact package, offering bassists an exceptional balance between portability and performance. With Hartke's patented HyDrive speaker technology, this combo amp delivers a unique blend of warmth and punch by combining paper and aluminum in its 10" speaker. This results in a sound that's both rich and articulate, catering to bass players across various genres and styles. Whether you're practicing in your bedroom or performing at a small venue, the HD 50 ensures your bass tones are always on point.
Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the HD 50 features top-mounted controls for volume, bass, mid, and treble, allowing for quick adjustments on the fly. The inclusion of a 1/8" stereo aux input means you can easily jam along with your favorite tracks, while the 1/4" headphone output offers the option for silent practice. Built to withstand the rigors of gigging, its durable enclosure and sleek metal grill add a touch of style to its robust design.
For bassists seeking a reliable amp that doesn't skimp on sound quality, the Hartke HD 50 is a fantastic choice. It packs a punch, providing serious tone and flexibility in a highly portable format.
Key Features:
- 50 watts of power
- 10" HyDrive-design hybrid speaker
- Volume, bass, mid, and treble controls
- 1/8" stereo aux input and 1/4" headphone output
- Built-in limiter for controlled volume
- Durable construction with a perforated metal grill and molded carry handle
Product specs
| Type | Solid State |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Total Power | 50W |
| Speakers | 1 x 10" |
| EQ | Yes |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (aux) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 20.5" |
| Width | 19.5" |
| Depth | 15.5" |
| Weight | 38 lbs. |
FAQs
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What kind of speaker does the Hartke HD50 use?
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The Hartke HD50 features a 10-inch HyDrive speaker, known for its ability to deliver a warm and punchy bass tone with clarity and definition.
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Is the Hartke HD50 suitable for home practice?
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Yes, the Hartke HD50's 50-watt power and compact size make it ideal for home practice, providing sufficient volume and tone control without overwhelming your space.
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Does the Hartke HD50 have an auxiliary input?
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Yes, the Hartke HD50 includes a 1/8-inch auxiliary input, allowing you to connect external devices like smartphones or MP3 players for practice along with your favorite tracks.
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Can I use headphones with the Hartke HD50?
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Absolutely, the Hartke HD50 is equipped with a 1/4-inch headphone output, enabling silent practice sessions without disturbing others.
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How portable is the Hartke HD50 for gigs?
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Weighing 38 lbs and with dimensions of 20.5" x 19.5" x 15.5", the Hartke HD50 is relatively portable for small gigs and rehearsals, though it may require some effort to transport.
Videos
Zomac School of Music
Hartke Bass Amp Review by Noah - HD15 - HD25 - HD50 - HD75 - HD150 -HD500 - Zomac School of Music
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers deep, rich sound, enhancing proficiency
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Auxiliary plug for easy backing track integration
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Exceptional value for under $200
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Compact and easy to move around
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Headphone jack for quiet practice
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Clear and smooth sound across volumes
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High volume capability for jamming or small stages
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Efficient 10" HyDrive Paper/Aluminum speaker for clarity
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Simple, effective EQ controls for easy tone shaping
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Solid build quality with protective features
CONS
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Lacks a line out for use as a monitor or for direct recording
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Volume knob may produce buzzing sounds when adjusted
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No DI out, limiting gig use
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hartke HD50.
Comparisons
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Users prefer Markbass over Hartke HD50 due to a less "tinny" sound from Markbass speakers.
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Hartke Kickback KB12 is recommended over HD50 for better performance in band settings, despite its 500 watt label actually being closer to 250 watts.
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Some owners suggest that the Orange Crush 50 offers better modulation options than the Hartke HD50 for the same price, though it may not enhance tone variety without a processing unit.
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Ampeg Rocket combos are highlighted for their SGT circuit and eminence speakers, offering an alternative to both Hartke and Fender models for users seeking different tonal qualities.
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The Hartke HD50's 10" speaker is favored over the Rumble 25's 8" speaker for better sound projection.
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Users recommend considering the Rumble 40 over the Rumble 25 for better practice amp features, including a gain knob.
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Use cases and applications
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Suitable for house practice and coffee shop gigs; insufficient for small bar gigs or rock ensembles with acoustic drums.
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Users find the Hartke HD50 insufficient for live settings without additional equipment like a ZOOM b1x for clearer sound.
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For band settings, users recommend opting for amplifiers with at least 100 watts and larger speaker configurations, such as 1x15 or 2x10, for adequate volume and presence.
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The Rumble 25's lower wattage and smaller speaker size make it less suitable for users seeking more robust sound output.
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Features and functionality
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Aluminum cones in Hartke speakers may contribute to a "tinny" sound, as reported by some users.
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The Hartke HD50's aluminum cone speakers may not provide the tonal versatility needed for varied musical styles, leading users to seek alternatives with traditional paper cones like the Fender Rumble series.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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