Hartke 4.5XL blown tweeter...do I really need it?

alfoders

alfoders

Nov 14, 2012
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4,571
Orlando, FL
#1
I "stole" a used Hartke 4.5XL (4-10" w/ 5" HF driver) for $150. The seller had disconnected the HF driver because it was "buzzing". I have quotes from Hartke for a replacement driver for $120 and from Full Compass for $50.

I'm debating about making this beast "whole" again. It sounds terrific as is. I don't use a pick or do slap, so I really don't know what those highs are going to do for me. That, and I don't know if the problem is the driver or could the crossover be the culprit?

Can anyone offer me some insight? Thanks, folks!
 
#3
yodedude2 said:
pretty sure one can find used drivers for these too. i would not need a tweeter in a cab, and you think it sounds terrific, so i suggest you not mess with it. only mod i would consider is bypassing the crossover assembly entirely. but again, if you like it as is, don't bother with mods.
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That's what I am thinking as well. ($50 ain't bad for a new replacement driver).

I'd like to get some other opinions.

Thanks for your insight, bro!
 
#4
alfoders said:
I "stole" a used Hartke 4.5XL (4-10" w/ 5" HF driver) for $150. The seller had disconnected the HF driver because it was "buzzing". I have quotes from Hartke for a replacement driver for $120 and from Full Compass for $50.

I'm debating about making this beast "whole" again. It sounds terrific as is. I don't use a pick or do slap, so I really don't know what those highs are going to do for me. That, and I don't know if the problem is the driver or could the crossover be the culprit?

Can anyone offer me some insight? Thanks, folks!
Click to expand...
If that's a pic of you in your avatar, then you don't need it. ;)
I look a lot like that. (Maybe older.)
I couldn't hear the tweeter on a used combo I bought when playing through it.
Switched it off, switched it on. No difference to me.
I had to use a tone generator app on my iPad to see if it was even working.
It was.

Probably won't matter even if you're playing out.
They'll plug you into the sound system at Carnegie.
 
#6
Old Garage-Bander said:
If that's a pic of you in your avatar, then you don't need it. ;)
I look a lot like that. (Maybe older.)
I couldn't hear the tweeter on a used combo I bought when playing through it.
Switched it off, switched it on. No difference to me.
I had to use a tone generator app on my iPad to see if it was even working.
It was.

Probably won't matter even if you're playing out.
They'll plug you into the sound system at Carnegie.
Click to expand...
Yup...that old fart is ME! I do realize that high frequency response drops off as we age. We played a festival a couple of weeks ago and the pro-sound techs took my signal straight from my GK 1001RB II head. My on-stage rig ended up being just a monitor for me and my bandmates.
 
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#8
alfoders said:
Yup...that old fart is ME! I do realize that high frequency response drops off as we age. We played a festival a couple of weeks ago and the pro-sound techs took my signal straight from my GK 1001RB II head. My on-stage rig ended up being just a monitor for me and my bandmates.
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If I could find a replacement for 20 clams, it would be a no-brainer!
 
#10
Old Garage-Bander said:
Is that $50 one OEM, or some off brand?
$50 sounds good for original.
For off brand... not so much.
Maybe you can scrounge something up for a couple of $10s if you shop around used.
It's not like you really need it right now.
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Yeah...$50 for a new, Hartke-branded replacement from www.fullcompass.com. There is a 2 week lead time from date of order, which is not a big deal. I SURE won't go with the $120 one from Hartke.
 
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#11
Yep. Totally up to you if you need/want it or not. If you don't use it (does it have an attenuator or on off switch for the high frequency driver? ) or can't tell the difference if it's on or off. ... I can. ..in my cabs. But I USUALLY have em off, or on just a tad. But. ..they're nice to have IF. ..I decide I'm after a real clean tone with toppy tops in. Rare. ..but on occasion, I do do this.
 
#12
rodl2005 said:
Yep. Totally up to you if you need/want it or not. If you don't use it (does it have an attenuator or on off switch for the high frequency driver? ) or can't tell the difference if it's on or off. ... I can. ..in my cabs. But I USUALLY have em off, or on just a tad. But. ..they're nice to have IF. ..I decide I'm after a real clean tone with toppy tops in. Rare. ..but on occasion, I do do this.
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Nope...no switch, no pot, no nothin' to adjust the level or crossover point. The cab has no bi-amp input, just 2 1/4" phone jacks for input and output. I kinda wonder if disconnecting the tweeter affects the impedance seen by the amp. Hartke specs it at 8 ohms/400 watts???
 
#13
the question would rest on whether the two tens were still getting a full range signal with that tweeter just adding sizzle on top (like most bass cabs), or whether there was a real 2-way crossover that took the highs out of the tens and fed them strictly to the tweeter.
 
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#15
rodl2005 said:
Plug a speaker lead in and a multi-meter set to ohms and see if it's wonky maybe.
They usually read low anyway. ..like- an 8 ohm cab will read about 6 ohm. 4 ohm cab will read 3 or there abouts. .. so. .hmmm dunno if this'll help.
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I've got a Hartke 210XL cab rated at 8 ohms/200 watts. They both should read about the same to an impedance meter. Thanks for that!
 
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#20
If your not a "Slapper" then it probably is no big deal having it work. I am a "Slapper" and prefer one to work on all my cabs. However, my Church rig is now a 37 year old Peavey TNT 1x15 100 watt combo with nothing but a 15" speaker that I use a direct box with. My 1975 Fender Precision fretless sounds great through it.
 
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