SOLD Hughes & Kettner BK200 Bass Combo £125
£150

discreet · December 7, 2018

*SOLD* Hughes & Kettner BK200 Bass Combo £125

From H&K's BassKick series. This particular example is in near-mint condition and has seen very little use. The pics show how clean it is. The 15" Eminence driver hasn't even been played-in yet. The input stage features H&K's 'Tube Touch' circuit and also their 'Dyna Clip' power stage, which go some way towards emulating the warmth of a valve amp. Most manufacturer's attempts to do this involve fitting a 12AX7 valve at the input stage - which usually achieves little except to create a marketing opportunity - but in this case the technology does indeed result in some harmonically-rich and articulate tones, but without the token valve.

The EQ is wired parallel, which is unusual. This has the effect of separating the frequencies somewhat and results in a much cleaner, more lucid sound. The 'Punch' button is in essence a very mild mid-scoop, but it doesn't result in loss of audibility in the mix like some 'contour' -type buttons, and is actually useful. There is also a really sweet-sounding Leson HF horn (switchable) which adds air and a nice glassy presence, but is never harsh or strident. The single-knob compressor is a real beauty - you can get a tight, controlled bottom end and smooth, even levels across the strings without any squashy artefacts or pumping. It sounds natural and very transparent. The controls have a nice weight to them, are positive in use and the Compressor and Master controls are reassuringly large, with a pleasing retro look.

The combo is built to a high standard (made in Germany) and would easily handle a punishing tour... or twenty tours, come to that. You get a full 200W into 4ohms, but this doesn't mean you can't add an extension cab (or cabs), as another unusual feature is how the amp deals with impedance - on a 'normal' 500W amp you'd get around 300W at 8ohms, add another 8ohm cab and get 500W at 4ohms. But with this amp the impedance is additive - so if you plug in an 8ohm cab the amp runs at 12ohms, if you add a 4ohm cab it will run at 8ohms. Brilliant if you think about it, as this feature protects the amp - it will never run at an impedance lower than it can comfortably handle, yet you get all the power of the amp into the 4ohm driver when it's used as a stand-alone combo. Very clever.

It may be 'only' 200 watts but it's a loud combo and can provide good heft and authority without distortion. It will easily keep up with drums and guitar and is very suitable for use in small to medium rooms - and stages of any size with PA support. It's a really good thing, has some truly innovative features and is offered at a price which wouldn't even buy you a 15" Eminence driver. So get in and get yourself a high-quality, great sounding combo at a bargain price. Cash on collection only please. I'm in SE London close to the A205 South Circular. Will consider delivery for fuel costs if you're within striking distance.