vintage kustom cab overpriced?

[Devo-lution]

So, I walked in a local music store that I know to be reasonably in it's pricing and in plain sight there's an old Kustom 2x15 cab.

They couldn't give me the exact year it was produced, but they estimated it to be a +/- 200 watt cab (also, not sure)... Seems not much for a 2x15, but well... Still somewhat curious though. Any ideas what this cab might be?

I also took a look at the price tag. 580 dollars. Is it just me, or is this a lot, since peavey black widow 2x15 cabs go around for half this price.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by Devo-lution

They couldn't give me the exact year it was produced, but they estimated it to be a +/- 200 watt cab (also, not sure)...

I also took a look at the price tag. 580 dollars. .

If they don't know what it is how are they arriving at a price?
In any event no original Kustom (1960s-70s) 2x15 is worth that price. Maybe half that, and then to a collector, unless JBL loaded.

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

no original Kustom (1960s-70s) 2x15 is worth that price... unless JBL loaded.

As usual, Bill speaks the truth, and it's worth quoting. If it's a JBL cab, and the speakers are in good shape, they could be worth close to that price. Otherwise, no.

[Madcity Fats]

Yeah, for that price, you should be able to get the cab and a K200B head to match (which would be a pretty sweet setup, IMO).

I had one of these as my first bass cab. The stock KEI speakers (if that's what this is loaded with) are actually really nice, but 200w is probably about right.

[Oren Hudson]

A Kustom fan here. I agree with most everyone. Here's my take. The early Naugahyde covered ones had CTS as the standard speaker with Altec Lansing 421As and JBL D140Fs as optional. Nearly all of the early ones had the speaker brand shown on the diamond shaped speaker jack. Some CTS equipped ones had nothing. If it has the Altecs or the JBLs that's still on the high side. If it had the matching K200B or K250B head, that would be a little more reasonable. FYI - if the naugahyde cover is in bad shape, it's very difficult and/or expensive to repair. Side carry handles are usually broken and they are a little difficult to find. Altecs and JBLs are in the $150 range to get rebuilt. Good luck.

[Edward G.]

Just think of how much better you could spend that much money on a used cabinet. The seller is out to lunch, probably seduced more by its appearance than its intrinsic value. It might be a consignment piece, too.

[Devo-lution]

Thanks for the replies. It's all more of a curiosity thing, unless it turns out to be an uber cab... I am looking for a bigger cab to pair with my 100 watt valver, but there's no rush and there's a lot going around second hand.

It didn't look that "special". No funky tuck 'n roll covering like some other Kustom cabs seem to sport. Just straight black appearance. Think this one didn't see much use during it's lifespan, as it seemed to be in almost mint condition.

It was quite broad (wide) and bulkily built and there were squarish (higher than they are wide) ports (?) on each side of the lower speaker.

[BurningSkies]

Is that price for 3 of them? I mean, usually when you bundle, you can get a better price, but really...

[Calaverasgrande]

If its not the tuck-n-roll version that is an an insane price.
I remember when Kustom was considered absolute junk. Nobody woudl be caught dead with a Kustom! Now they are taking on some kind of vintage appeal. Which I suppose is inevitable. But seriously, not everything old merits a vintage price tag!

[Konigstiger22]

I found a Kustom 2-15B I believe it is an early 80's model for $100. It works and sounds great. Is a little beat up thou some tears in the tolex etc. I don't think I would pay 500 for it thou unless it was in pristine shape.

[JMac4strngr]

Every time I hear about/see an over-priced piece of "vintage" gear, I wanna walk into the place that is attempting to sell it wearing a shirt that says this.