| Owenr's Manual for Kustom Combo Amp [message #16417] |
Tue, 15 November 2011 16:56  |
KLach
Messages: 4
Registered: November 2011
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Junior Member |
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Someone just gave me their father's old Kustom amp, model V-L. I have the schematic for it but not the manual. It looks like it might be 35 Watts, combo, enclosed case, maybe 15", with the words 'Lead V" on the front. Could you please help me locate an owner's manual for it? Thanks!
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| Re: Owenr's Manual for Kustom Combo Amp [message #16483 is a reply to message #16417] |
Wed, 30 November 2011 12:20  |
chicagobill
Messages: 2006
Registered: April 2003
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Senior Member |
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While not the safest way to wire an amp, the original two wire cord is really not as big a safety risk as is often claimed, if it was, there would have been hundreds if not thousands of deaths through the years before the advent of the 3-wire ac cord.
The shock that you feel when two amp grounds are at different potentials, is limited through the often cited "death cap". This means that you will feel it, especially on your lips on a microphone, but it generally will not kill you.
If the ground cap should happen to short, depending upon what direction the power/polarity switch is in, one side of the ac line would then be connected to the amp's chassis. If the hot side of the ac line is connected to the chassis, then if you were connected through the guitar ground, you would be at risk for electrocution.
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| Re: Owenr's Manual for Kustom Combo Amp [message #16484 is a reply to message #16483] |
Wed, 30 November 2011 13:16 |
KLach
Messages: 4
Registered: November 2011
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Junior Member |
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Thanks for the replies. I had read about the death capacitor before and about polarity issues, putting all your equipment on the same power source, and even about getting a voltage meter:
This is a good diagram explaining the Death Cap http://www.unclespot.com/3prongconversion.JPG
(I do have my original schematic and I don't see a death cap but who knows what modifications might have been made over the years.)
This is a good discussion about the issues surrounding getting the conversion done properly http://www.tdpri.com/forum/amp-central-station/53826-death-c ap.html
Some forums even discuss the merits of retaining more "vintage" value by not swapping to 3-prong(and therefore not using the amp) but I'd rather use it. Perhaps age is the deciding factor re 2-prong technology; the original equipment is of sufficient age to make it a safety risk even though it was the safest technology available in its day. When I first got it, plugged it in to an outlet in my home and plugged in my guitar and played, it was fine. I now understand I was taking a risk.
I'm using a Crate until I get the Kustom modified by an electrician. Now, to find that electrician...Guitar Center or not Guitar Center, that is the new question.
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