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Kustom is one of the most
unique amp designs ever built, with tuck-n-roll vinyl in an
array of colors, these amps stood out among the rest. They
were made in Chanute, Kansas by Bud Ross, starting in 65',
although there popularity hit in the late 60's. "Credence
Clearwater Revival" was one of the first major acts to use
these. These amps were transistor, making them less
desirable for guitar players but were loud and fairly
dependable. Ross used the highest quality parts which is why
they still work today. They are hard to find today because
most people found them gaudy and the amps ended up in the
dumpster. Today groups like "Smash Mouth", "Bare Naked
Ladies", and "Sugar Ray" use them in videos, because of
there colorful and unique design. You can still find black
vinyl amps but the colors are increasingly hard to
find.
This is my collection of
Kustom shot outside on a beautiful fall day. I have
6
"200"
amp heads, 4 are P.A., one guitar, and one bass. I have 3
"200"
cabinets, black,
blue, and cascade. I have a blue
"150"
combo. I have 2
"100"
amps, the red and the charcoal piggybacks and a blue
cabinet. The small black combo amp is a
"25".
My latest addition is the blue
"200"
P.A. with two 4-12" speaker columns. The actual power of
these amps is half the model number. At the time, companies
used to list power at peak levels, not R.M.S. The most rare
is the cascade
"200".
It is an unusual speaker configuration with 4-10" JBL
speakers. I can not find this design in my 69'
catalog.
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