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KXB500, KXB800 bass amps [message #25992]

Tue, 07 March 2017 16:27

rodak
Messages: 516
Registered: October 2001
Location: Georgia

Senior Member

I've been reading some threads over at talkbass.com about good, lightweight amps. Names mentioned were Mesa, Markbass, GK, Eden and others. I was wondering if Kustom ever got any mention there, so I searched on Kustom, and lo and behold found a thread extolling the virtues of the Kustom KXB500 amp. Most people posting had glowing praise for the amp, considering it equal to or better than amps costing 2-3 times as much. There were also several mentions of surprise at something so good coming from the Kustom brand name (I know, most of the folks there are more into modern gear, and aren't interested in the "vintage vibe", but I get a lot of good ideas there nonetheless).

So anyway, I'm looking over the KXB500 and KXB800. The 500 is probably nice for a small, lightweight head, but the 800, in addition to the vintage-style "Cosmo" knobs, also has an old-school toggle switch and jewel pilot light. Sort of a nod to the T&R Kustoms.

Does anyone have any experience with these amps? Could the KXB800 be fitted comfortably into an old K100 or K200 head enclosure? It appears to be a rack-mount-style unit. I saw one sell on eBay recently for about $250.

I love the originals, but having a KXB800 in a T&R enclosure would be cool. The KXB500 would be nice as a lightweight amp to have around, and it still has the good ol' "Kustom" name on it.

www.combo-organ.com

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Re: KXB500, KXB800 bass amps [message #25993 is a reply to message #25992]

Wed, 08 March 2017 05:59

stevem
Messages: 4775
Registered: June 2004
Location: NY

Senior Member

I have played one, and they do sound goog,but never checked one out on my test bench.
The reason I mention this is in regards to what it's real power output may be dispite what stated as being.
When I bought my TRB400 back in 2001 I though I was getting a 400 watt RMS Bass head, but as it turns out it only outputs 260 RMS watts at best!
I would say buyer beware, but a under 300 bucks I do not think you can go wrong!

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Re: KXB500, KXB800 bass amps [message #25994 is a reply to message #25993]

Wed, 08 March 2017 15:44

kustomoholic
Messages: 227
Registered: March 2009
Location: Tulsa,oklahoma

Senior Member

It would be nice to have one in a t&r case but the KXB800 is 15 inches from front to back so would be a issue with a 100 or 200 series case .... the metal face amps might be deep enough but then again the slant front is problematical... There are a possibility to custom build a box and then get it Tuck n' rolled... Would look sweet.... Very Happy

Depending on how the case is vented could require venting from the top or side of the case. This could be accomadated by using a frankie forehead design to accomadate venting via the increased height of the case. Post pics of it if you decide to go this route ... would love to see it!!!

[Updated on: Wed, 08 March 2017 15:45]

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