Hartke LH500 500-watt Bass Head main image

Hartke LH500 500-watt Bass Head

$418.00 to $599.99 Price Tier: Standard

All time low price

1 wishlisted

1 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (29)

$599.99 $539.95 $60.04 · All time low

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3.9 (44)

$539.95 New

$444.00 Used (Very Good)

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5.0 (5)

$507.87 13 available New

$209.14 9 available Used

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4.5 (28)

$599.99

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4.5 (158)

$418.00

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Average Price: $469

Standard/Professional

$200

$801+

Price Tier

In the Bass Amplifier Heads category, Hartke LH500 500-watt Bass Head is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Hartke LH500 500-watt Bass Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Hartke LH500 500-watt Bass Head is a powerhouse of versatility and tone, designed to cater to the modern bassist's needs. With its classic 12AX7 Class-A tube preamp, this amp head marries the warmth and richness of tube sound with the reliability of a solid-state output. Whether you're on the road or in the studio, the LH500 delivers consistent performance with a rugged, road-ready build that can handle the rigors of touring.

Equipped with treble and bass shelving, along with a mid-peak EQ control, this bass head allows you to shape your sound with precision. The selectable bright switch enhances high-frequency response, adding clarity and definition to your tone, while the limiter switch provides added protection against distortion. It's not just about power; it's about control and flexibility.

The LH500's intuitive front panel includes a balanced XLR direct output, making it easy to connect to a mixing board for live or studio use. Plus, the rear-panel effects loop and 1/4" output connectors ensure seamless integration with your existing gear. Compact yet robust, the LH500 fits snugly into a two-rackspace metal chassis, complete with a steel faceplate and handles for effortless transport.

Key Features:

500 watts of power at 4 ohms
Classic 12AX7 Class-A tube preamp circuit
Bass and treble shelving with mid-peak EQ controls
Selectable bright switch for enhanced high frequencies
Selectable limiter switch with LED indicator
Front panel XLR balanced direct output
Rear panel 1/4-inch effects loop
1/4" output connectors
2-rackspace metal chassis with steel faceplate and handles

Owner's manual

Hartke LH500 500-watt Bass Head User Manual

Product specs

Type	Hybrid
Number of Channels	1
Output Power	500W
Compression	Yes
EQ	3-band
Preamp Tubes	1 x 12AX7
Inputs	2 x 1/4" (Passive, Active)
Outputs	2 x 1/4" (speaker), 1 x XLR (direct)
Effects Loop	Yes
Cooling System	Internal Fan, Rear Air Vent
Power Source	Standard IEC AC cable
Height	3.25"
Width	19"
Depth	14.5"
Weight	23.1 lbs.

FAQs

What type of preamp does the Hartke LH500 use?: The Hartke LH500 features a classic 12AX7 High Voltage Class-A tube preamp circuit, offering a warm and rich tone characteristic of tube amplifiers.
Is the Hartke LH500 loud enough for live performances?: Yes, with 500 watts of power, the Hartke LH500 is suitable for gigging and can provide ample volume for live performances, especially when paired with a compatible speaker cabinet.
Does the Hartke LH500 have an effects loop?: Yes, the Hartke LH500 includes a rear panel 1/4-inch effects loop, allowing you to integrate external effects processors into your signal chain.
What are the main connectivity options on the Hartke LH500?: The Hartke LH500 offers 2 x 1/4" speaker outputs, 1 x XLR direct output, and an effects loop, providing versatile connectivity for various performance and recording setups.
How does the EQ system work on the Hartke LH500?: The Hartke LH500 features a 3-band EQ with bass and treble shelving, along with mid-peak controls, allowing you to shape your tone to suit different musical styles and environments.

Videos

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session

HARTKE LH-500 + MAG-410 T Deep - SESSION SET -

session

Huge Tube Warmth with Solid State Clarity // Hartke LH500

The Bass Channel

Testing Hartke LH 500 head and HD410 Hy Drive cabinet

Stefano Scola

Hartke LH500 500 Watts Bass Amplifier on GovLiquidation.com

Government Liquidation

Reviews

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PROS

Incredible sound quality, warm with crisp tube tone
Bright Switch enhances modern mode and mids clarity
Transparent limiter allows max volume without speaker damage
Lightweight and built with military-grade materials
Versatile use across genres from church to metal
Simple three-dial EQ for easy sound customization
Passive and active inputs cater to different basses
Excellent volume capacity, rarely needs to go above half
Straightforward operation, plug and play simplicity
Great value for its price, comparable to higher-priced units

CONS

Lacks SpeakON connections
No separate gain control for cleaner sound preferences
No built-in tuner or tuner output patch
Some users found the knobs feel less solid
Can be heavy, making transportation challenging for some
Higher frequencies not as pronounced without additional gear

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hartke LH500 500-watt Bass Head.

Features and functionality

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The LH500 uses a Fender tone stack EQ with settings: Bass 2-4, Mid 8-10, Treble 2-4, which limits shaping compared to more standard EQs.
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Carvin BX500 offers a more comprehensive EQ, built-in compressor, and a bypassable 12AX7 tube in the pre-amp, making it a versatile alternative to the Tone Hammer.
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The LH500 employs a boost-only EQ with a mid-scoop, requiring a setting of Bass-1-2, Mid-8-10, Treble-1-2 for a flat response.
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Use cases and applications

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Praised for its loud and clear output, especially effective in metal bands with multiple guitarists and a drummer.
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Carvin BX500's -10dB pad is appreciated for active basses, making it a suitable choice for those using basses with higher output levels.
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LH500 is noted for its growl, making it suitable for bass players seeking a warm, driven tube tone.
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Build quality

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Manufactured in China, some owners report issues with internal build quality, including glue problems.
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Concerns over reliability are noted with Hartke LH500 due to issues like popping and crackling after warranty repairs, impacting long-term satisfaction.
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User experience

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Known for its clean-only tube sound, providing a super clean and warm tone.
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Despite its low cost, it offers significant power, making it a popular first choice for serious bass players.
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The Hartke LH500's weight of over 20 pounds is noted as a drawback, especially when compared to more portable options like the GK MB500.
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Some owners find the LH500's EQ setup confusing and are considering alternatives like Aguilar for more traditional EQ options.
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Comparisons

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The Markbass Big Bang is highlighted for its aggressive tone and VPF filter, providing a quick route to a growly sound, unlike the poofier low end of the GK MB500.
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The Ampeg PF500 is praised for its portability and ease of travel, weighing around 10 pounds and equipped with convenient storage features.
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Value and pricing

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Carvin heads are noted for their affordability due to direct sales, offering features like XLR DI out with level control at a lower price point.
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A used LH1000 head was purchased for $200, highlighting potential great deals in the second-hand market for Hartke gear.
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