Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (54)
$599.99
Amazon
4.6 (107)
Used
Reverb
4.0 (11)
$599.99 New
$465.07 Used
zZounds
5.0 (8)
$599.99

Average Price: $573

Standard/Professional

$200

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Hartke KB12 Kickback 500W 1x12" Bass Combo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Hartke KB12 Kickback 500W 1x12" Bass Combo is your ultimate companion, whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or laying it down hard on stage. This amp revitalizes the classic Hartke Kickback with a potent 500-watt Class D power amp and a pioneering 12" HyDrive speaker, blending paper and aluminum for a sonic punch that’s both warm and precise. Its design is intentionally compact for easy transport, yet robust enough to deliver the legendary Hartke tone that professionals crave.

The KB12's innovative "kickback" feature lets you tilt the amp back 45 degrees, so you can hear your tone as the audience does, ensuring your midrange and high-end frequencies are spot-on. The HyDrive speaker's patented cone technology further enhances your sound with a distinctive blend of warmth and attack, while its lightweight neodymium magnets keep your rig portable without sacrificing sound quality.

Tone shaping is effortlessly versatile with the KB12’s 3-band EQ and exclusive variable "Shape" circuit, providing a broad range of tonal possibilities at your fingertips. Whether you need a bass boost or a midrange clarity for a specific gig, the Shape control has got you covered. Plus, practice sessions are a breeze with the silent headphone output, and live performances are a cinch with the balanced XLR direct output.

Key Features:

  • 500-watt Class D power amplifier (250W RMS)
  • 12" HyDrive speaker with paper/aluminum hybrid cone
  • Two-way cabinet design for upright or 45-degree tilt-back positioning
  • 3-band EQ with variable Shape control (100Hz-900Hz)
  • Lightweight design with neodymium magnets
  • Balanced XLR output for direct connection to mixers
  • 1/4" headphone output for silent practice
  • Molded strap carry handle for easy portability

Product specs

Type Solid State
Number of Channels 1
Output Power 250W RMS, 500W Peak
Speakers 1 x 12"
EQ 3-band EQ
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4" (internal speaker), 1 x XLR (direct out)
Headphones 1 x 1/4"
Cooling System Internal Fan, Rear Air Vent
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable
Height 18.14"
Width 14.75"
Depth 15.7"
Weight 28.2 lbs.

FAQs

How much power does the Hartke KB12 Kickback Bass Combo produce?

The Hartke KB12 Kickback Bass Combo delivers 250 watts RMS and can peak at 500 watts, providing ample power for rehearsals and small to medium-sized gigs.

What type of speaker does the Hartke KB12 Kickback use?

This combo amp features a 12-inch HyDrive speaker, which combines paper and aluminum for a balanced and articulate bass response.

Does the Hartke KB12 Kickback have a direct output for recording or PA systems?

Yes, the Hartke KB12 Kickback includes an XLR direct output, allowing you to easily connect to recording devices or PA systems for direct sound capture.

Is the Hartke KB12 Kickback suitable for practicing with headphones?

Absolutely, it has a 1/4" headphone output, enabling silent practice sessions without disturbing others.

What are the main tone-shaping controls on the Hartke KB12 Kickback?

The amp includes a 3-band EQ and a shape control, allowing you to dial in a wide range of bass tones to suit your style.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Hartke KB12 Kickback 1x12" Bass Combo Demo with Victor Wooten

Video thumbnail for Hartke KB12 Kickback 1x12" Bass Combo Demo with Victor Wooten by Sweetwater

Hartke KB12 Kickback 1x12" Bass Combo Demo with Victor Wooten

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Victor Wooten Introducing the New Hartke Kickback KB12 | Quicklook by Sam Ash Music

Victor Wooten Introducing the New Hartke Kickback KB12 | Quicklook

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Video thumbnail for Hartke KB12 Review (Fan Noise) by Precise Audio Blog

Hartke KB12 Review (Fan Noise)

Precise Audio Blog

Precise Audio Blog

Video thumbnail for JD DeServio Jams Through the Hartke Kickback KB12 Bass Combo by Hartke

JD DeServio Jams Through the Hartke Kickback KB12 Bass Combo

Hartke

Hartke

Video thumbnail for KickBack KB12 and Victor Wooten by Hartke

KickBack KB12 and Victor Wooten

Hartke

Hartke

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight and portable, ideal for small gigs and practice

  • Kickback design improves stage monitoring

  • Wide range of tones with simple controls

  • Surprisingly loud for its size, suitable for small to medium venues

  • Durable construction with road-worthy features

  • Built-in DI for easy connection to PA systems

  • Responsive and punchy 12" speaker, handles low B on 5-string basses well

  • Parametric EQ feature for shaping midrange tone

  • Easy to use, even for those not tech-savvy

CONS

  • Advertised wattage may be misleading; actual output perceived as lower

  • Loud fan noise can be annoying in quiet settings

  • Lacks built-in distortion, limiting some playing styles

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hartke KB12 Kickback 500W 1x12" Bass Combo.

Features and functionality

  • The enclosure reportedly has more internal volume than it appears, contributing to a surprisingly full sound despite its compact size.

    Source
  • The wedge-shaped enclosure of the Hartke KB12 allows it to be pointed up at the player, enhancing stage monitoring.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Suitable for low-volume gigs, but not recommended for metal bands due to insufficient speaker area; a larger cab with multiple drivers is advised.

    Source
  • The Hartke KB12 works well in smaller venues with a quieter band setup, making it suitable for intimate gigs and small bar performances.

    Source
  • For gigging in small bars with a "hot" pickup output like quarter pounders or Stingray humbuckers, the Hartke KB12 is a viable choice.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Suggested alternatives include the TC BG-250 for gigs up to 200 people and the GK MB212 for its dual 12" speakers.

    Source
  • The Ampeg BA210 offers good volume and can take an extension cab, suitable for everyday use in various settings.

    Source
  • The Hartke KB12 is recommended for quieter settings, while the Ampeg RB-210 is better suited for louder gigs with its 500 watts and 2x10" configuration.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that while marketed at 500 watts, the actual RMS power is likely closer to 300 watts, affecting perceived loudness.

    Source
  • The Hartke KB12 Kickback is praised for its hi-fi sound and loudness, making it suitable for gigs without acoustic drums.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Though priced at $500, stretching the budget slightly could yield more suitable options like the Fender Rumble 500 for hard rock and metal.

    Source
  • A used Phil Jones Cub 100, with its 2x5" speakers, is highlighted as a practical, lightweight alternative for small rehearsals.

    Source
  • Within a $400 budget, the Hartke KB12 and Fender Rumble 100 are highlighted as good starting points for small venue performances.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners appreciate the sturdiness of the TC Electronics BG250's cabinet, though it is considered a bit heavy.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Hartke Kickback KB12 review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Hartke KB12 Kickback delivers exceptional power and punch in a compact and lightweight package, making it a fantastic option for both beginners and seasoned players alike. Its robust construction and effective EQ settings allow for a well-rounded sound, ideal for various playing styles. However, the absence of an auxiliary input jack is a notable drawback, limiting practice options. While it excels in performance, some may find the angled design slightly compromises low-end response. Overall, the KB12 is a formidable combo amp that balances affordability with quality, perfect for gigs and practice alike.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how TOKIE uses Hartke KB12 Kickback 500W 1x12" Bass Combo

TOKIE

Bassist

RIZE

...
Verified via YouTube

Bassist TOKIE is shown using the Hartke KB12 Kickback 500W 1x12" Bass Combo in a 2019 video by KAMINARI GUITARS on YouTube titled "TOKIE x KAMINARI x D-SOUND GEAR Proto Type Bass & Curl cable."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Hartke Bass Combo Amplifiers

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    T
    tody83

    Gear IQ 49