Kustom K50

Solid state circuitry, but with features similar to a mid-60s Fender Deluxe. One channel, hi and lo inputs, volume, bass, treble, reverb and tremolo speed and depth. Backplate has only a power switch that is able to switch polarities. One 12-inch speaker. The selling point? Covered in white roll-n-tuck vinyl, the Kustom trademark for its amps during the psychedelic days.

I date this machine to be about early 70s, so for something at least 20 years old, it's pretty clean sounding. For 25 watts, it kicks out a lot of power. The reverb section is one of the best that I've ever heard, easily comparable to Fender or Ampeg (my Strat sounds too cool going through it playing the glissendo intro to "Pipeline." Since it's solid state, and there is no master volume, there is no distortion (you won't be able to wail like Jimi outta this thing, but it gives an extremely clean sound). Running a distortion pedal through it is OK at best, better at loud volumes. But that reverb is killer!

Kustoms were always known for being pretty reliable, if not heavenly sounding. With normal care (no beer spills), these babies will last a lifetime.

Kustom (as we know it) has been out of business for some time, so forget factory repairs. You will probably have to talk to that old TV repair guy around the corner for help on this one if it ever bit the dust (again, it shouldn't with normal use).

I'm a Kustom collector, so I would not have spent $120 for a 25-watt solid state basic amp by any other company. It just looks so cool with that white roll-n-tuck pleating covering. Theses are becoming rarities, especially in colors other than black. Contact me if you have a line on any Kustom products (Email listed below or call me at 313-871-0417). Anyways, the amp basically sounds good, but besides visual quality, the reverb section is fantastic, with no noise and a great wash, even at a low setting.