Hi all. I'm looking for a little advice. I currently have a Peavey Mark III XP head and am looking to upgrade to something a little more powerful for not a ton of money. I'm currently looking at a Peavey Firebass 700 for $255 or a Kustom KXB500 for $340. I've read threads specifically talking about the virtues of both of those heads, but keep wondering of the extra money is worth it for the difference in weight. (Peavey Firebass is 50lbs vs. 5 lbs for the Kustom.) I do like the tonal qualities of my current Peavey and it's been a real tank and extremely dependable... Anyway, if someone could help me add any color and to choosing between these two (or would recommend something else in that price range) it would be greatly appreciated.
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Peavey Firebass 700 vs. Kustom kxb500?
- Thread starter Munkspot
- Start date
The Firebass definitely belongs to the same "tone family" as the old Mark 3, Mark 4, etc. Main thing is it has a TON more power and maybe just a tad more clarity. Not to mention, it will pull a 2 ohm load. 700w rating is at 2 ohms, and around 500 ish watts at 4 ohms.
Plus, the Firebass has a proven track record. Tough as a bowling ball, you can have them repaired if needed. Peavey has good support.
Stick_Player
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- Nov 13, 2009
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Well, if that is what you are thinking, you need to create a list of pros and cons on each amp and make a decision based on that and your gut feeling.
People post on this forum all the times asking for opinions of various heads/cabs and other equipment. It basically boils down to three or four things:
1. Budget.
2. Weight (portability).
3. Tone (& volume).
4. The cool factor (no really).
When I look at a piece of equipment, reliability is first, weight is second, tone next. Budget is not a huge consideration at my age. I do want it to look a certain way. I like a functional clean look.
I had and gigged a Firebass for years. Stone solid and reliable, plus I have a Peavey repair technician near where I live. You have got to narrow your choice based on something. Write 'em down and pick.
Good luck!
- Sep 3, 2006
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Only you can decide if the weight difference is worth it to you. Peavey has a good rep for repair. But I have spoken with guys at the distributor for Kustom and they do have a tech on hand.
Personally I am going lightweight as much as possible BUT if I don't get the tone I like I will carry something. Example for me is I have purchased lightweight amps (1.5 lbs and 4 lbs) but am still stuck on 15's. So I use lighter 15" cabs but still they are heavier than a comparable 12" setup.
I have one of the Kustom's on order but still have not yet heard it.
Personally I am going lightweight as much as possible BUT if I don't get the tone I like I will carry something. Example for me is I have purchased lightweight amps (1.5 lbs and 4 lbs) but am still stuck on 15's. So I use lighter 15" cabs but still they are heavier than a comparable 12" setup.
I have one of the Kustom's on order but still have not yet heard it.
Yeah... in this case neither of these are in my area so I can't get my hands on them and cannot compare tone head to head so I'm relying a bit more on user reviews than I normally would. Both of these seem to be loved by those who ise them. I'm leaning towards the Peavey due to my history with them, but the Kustom's seem to be getting rave reviews. I know that in the end it's personal preference but was just looking for a little outside input.
Been hauling around SVT and V4B for years but decided to go lightweight now. You can't imagine the feeling of having your amp in your messenger bag and getting told you're too damn loud later at the gig. 5 lb. / 500 loud watts - KXB 500 
You should give it at least a try. Order both amps and return the one you don't like.
You should give it at least a try. Order both amps and return the one you don't like.
Kustom:
~$376
5 pounds
500 watts @ 4 ohms
Warranty
Peavey:
~$275-350
50 pounds
475 watts @ 4 ohms
No warranty
The Peavey is built like a tank! Dealer network is huge. Repair facility is good. Peavey support is good. I honestly don't know anything about the Kustom dealers, support and/or repair ability. Maybe someone else can chime in on that. Both heads should sound good. Boutique? No, but a good solid tone with plenty of power.
Price is going to be pretty close. power is pretty close (although Peavey can do 2 ohms). Weight is a huge difference. Peavey will have no warranty the new Kustom will have a warranty. I would dare say you have a lot more people gigging the Peavey as opposed to the Kustom. I would base that on the fact that the Peavey has been out for a long time and tons of people use Peavey equipment because it is good, inexpensive equipment and you can find it anywhere. I've seen a couple of post here on TB about the Kustom.
My heavy heads are ~20 pounds. My Monique rack system is ~40 pounds. Not bad. But I also have a Aguilar Tone Hammer that I use for ALL rehearsals. It's sure nice having a small, portable head to put in the gig back for a one trip load in. That said, my main gigging head is the Monique or the Thunderfunks. I would gig the Aguilar BUT I always have a backup no matter what. These are just things to think about.
So, which options do you want?
- Sep 3, 2006
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- Authorized dealer for Dingwall, Genzler, Phil Jones Bass, Cort, Traynor, Yorkville Sound
