Hartke gear on the Anagram

Hartke is an American bass amp brand named after Larry Hartke. It made its name with aluminium-cone bass speakers, which give a bright, fast and punchy attack. In the 1990s its heads and 4x10 cabs were everywhere, from small clubs to large rock stages.

Nembrini Audio says Bass 3500 is modelled on the HA3500 head. That is confirmed by the developer.

The HA3500 is a hybrid amp with two preamps, one valve and one solid-state, that you can blend with a pair of knobs. The valve side is warmer and rounder. The solid-state side is cleaner and brighter. Mixing them lets you set how much warmth and how much snap you want.

It also has a built-in compressor and a ten-band graphic EQ, so you can shape a lot without any pedals. The Anagram block keeps those features, plus the punch of the aluminium cones.

The Hartke sound is bright and percussive, with a clear, cutting attack. That made it popular with rock and punk bassists who play with a pick, and with players who want every note heard in a loud band. It is less suited to a soft, vintage tone, though the valve side helps there.

Be careful with the graphic EQ. It is easy to boost too many bands and end up harsh or boomy. Small cuts usually work better than large boosts.

Try Bass 3500 with both preamps around half, the compressor gentle and the EQ flat. Then adjust the blend between valve and solid state until the attack and warmth feel right.