• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Kustom KXB500 Comes Through Again

S

Selehpotsihpem

Aug 16, 2017
26
23
#1
I just started playing some HEAVY music with some awesome, awesome dudes. Very happy to be finally playing the stuff I’ve heard in my head for the past decade (give or take).

The rig WAS a P-Bass w/ Basslines > Darkglass B3K / Alpha Omega > Sunn 1200s (Fender-reissue 1200W hybrid head) > Barefaced Six10 cabinet. Loads of gain, big chords in Drop-C including some power chords, add-2, etc.

The Sunn needed a new power button (wouldn’t turn off) so I took it in. I fired up the KXB500 in its stead and we were all blown away by the improvement in tone. More clarity, more low end, just all around better tone.

Pretty funny considering I have about $800 into the Sunn and got the Kustom on a whim for $100 at a used store as a backup.

Such a good amp...

The Sunn is now up for sale. I’m sold on the Kustom head.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jwindham, Session1969, Relsom and 3 others
#2
Yeah, this kind of situation keeps coming up.

I think some people judge by cost or brand name and and so, expect to hear a more "quality" sound from a more expensive amp or bass and so,...... "they do".

I guess it is a confirmation bias of sorts.

The sound may be different, but not necessarily better or more quality.

Generally speaking you do get a better product the more you spend but only to a certain point.

The good news is that nowadays if you are creative and have something to say musically you don't need to spend big $$$$$ to get a great sounding and perfectly pro rig or bass.

It is indeed a great time to be a bass player!
 
  • Like
Reactions: bassfran and Sanchan
#8
Unfortunate update: The Kustom started cutting out during last practice. Once I moved it off the cab it was fine, but now I’m extremely concerned about reliability.

I did have it serviced recently for this issue and thought it was resolved. The tech couldn’t find anything wrong with it but went ahead and resoldered everything to make sure there were no loose connections.

Any advice?
 
#9
Selehpotsihpem said:
Unfortunate update: The Kustom started cutting out during last practice. Once I moved it off the cab it was fine, but now I’m extremely concerned about reliability.

I did have it serviced recently for this issue and thought it was resolved. The tech couldn’t find anything wrong with it but went ahead and resoldered everything to make sure there were no loose connections.

Any advice?
Click to expand...

Maybe the speaker cable try with a different one is the easiest first step I would guess.
 
#10
Selehpotsihpem said:
Unfortunate update: The Kustom started cutting out during last practice. Once I moved it off the cab it was fine, but now I’m extremely concerned about reliability.

I did have it serviced recently for this issue and thought it was resolved. The tech couldn’t find anything wrong with it but went ahead and resoldered everything to make sure there were no loose connections.

Any advice?
Click to expand...

It's probably the ribbon cable, common problem. Just remove the top cover, disconnect it, and then reconnect making sure it's on firmly.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sanchan

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back