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Identify Commander amp? [message #3999]

Wed, 07 April 2004 19:21

billco
Messages: 9
Registered: April 2004

Junior Member

I have a vintage Kustom Commander amp that has been in storage for 20+ years (I purchased it used in 1976). It has blue rolled and tucked covering, twin speakers, and still looks extremely good. The model number on the rear plate states "28-L". Is there a market for this amp, and if so, what's it's value? Thanks! bc

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4001 is a reply to message #3999]

Wed, 07 April 2004 22:07

LesS
Messages: 478
Registered: December 2002

Senior Member

Yes � there is a market for it. Value depends on condition Do all the controls and the pilot light work? Does the reverb work? Does amplifier play loud and clean (no distortion)? Are these any burns or tears in the naugahyde? Any cuts, tears in the grille cloth? Are the casters and the handle in good condition? Do both speakers work? Are the speakers original? Does it have premium speakers (JBL, Altec, EV)? Do you have a cover for it? For excellent condition I would say $300 to $350 For very good - $250 For good - $175 to $225

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4006 is a reply to message #4001]

Thu, 08 April 2004 13:00

billco
Messages: 9
Registered: April 2004

Junior Member

Thanks for the detailed reply. Here are the answers to your response: Do all the controls and the pilot light work? *Yes* Does the reverb work? *Yes* Does amplifier play loud and clean (no distortion)? *Yes, although there is a noticible hum. I'm not sure if that is normal or not. I can and will have it looked at by a local shop.* Are these any burns or tears in the naugahyde? *No, the amp has no physical damage, and other than normal discoloring from age, it looks new. I can post photos if anyone would like to see it.* Any cuts, tears in the grille cloth? *No* Are the casters and the handle in good condition? *Yes* Do both speakers work? *Yes* Are the speakers original? *Yes* Does it have premium speakers (JBL, Altec, EV)? *The speakers are tagged as Kustom Electronics. I have no idea as to who actually manufactured them.* Do you have a cover for it? *Yes, and it too is in perfect condition.* Hope this helps. Thanks again. bc

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4007 is a reply to message #4006]

Thu, 08 April 2004 14:22

LesS
Messages: 478
Registered: December 2002

Senior Member

bc, Your amp sounds like it is in excellent condition. With the hum fixed, it should be worth about $300 to $350. You never know what it will actually sell for � on ebay sometimes Kustoms sell for more than they are worth and sometimes for less. Is the hum a low level hum or is it fairly loud? You shouldn�t be able to hear much or any hum when you are playing at a low to medium volume. Does the ground reverse switch help any? You might want to try plugging the amp into different outlets � that might make a difference. If you were going to keep it, you should change the cord to a 3 prong anyway, and it is possible that this might reduce the hum. -LesS

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4009 is a reply to message #4007]

Fri, 09 April 2004 13:27

billco
Messages: 9
Registered: April 2004

Junior Member

Yes, the amp has absoultely no marks or tears at all, and the handle and casters are rock solid. I traced the hum down to the cord between the guitar and amp. A new cord and the noise is now gone exept for a very light hum that you actually have to get your ear within a foot of the speaker to hear. A search through the "Repairing Kustom Amps" thread here seems to identify a light hum as being a trademark of the Kustom. If anyone here knows different, please advise. I also notice now that if I put any side pressure on the volume switch knob when turning it, the amp crackles and pops loudly and sometimes the speakers go dead as well. Any cure for this other than replacement, as I would like to keep it original, but in good working order as well. Make note that the amp has been in HVAC controlled storage for 22+ years. If I sold it on Ebay, what's the preferred method of packing and shipping something so heavy and bulky? Thanks for the input. It has been quite helpful and most definitely appreciated. bc

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4010 is a reply to message #4009]

Fri, 09 April 2004 14:56

rodak
Messages: 516
Registered: October 2001
Location: Georgia

Senior Member

I always use FedEx Ground for anything over about 2 pounds. They're about 30-40% cheaper than UPS, and at least as reliable. Just don't go to a MailboxesEtc or PakMail type store - they tack on hefty surcharges to UPS and FedEx's shipping rates. I find that bubble wrap is the packing material of choice. You can get an enormous roll of it off eBay for under $20. Get the "Large Bubble" kind. www.combo-organ.com

www.combo-organ.com

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4011 is a reply to message #4010]

Fri, 09 April 2004 22:08

LesS
Messages: 478
Registered: December 2002

Senior Member

bc, Try turning the volume control its full travel about 50 times. This might clean it up. If you open the amp up, it is very hard to spray it with contact cleaner as the holes face the circuit board. For packaging I would use 1 layer of bubble wrap and double box it. For the inner box you can actually make it from a bigger box � unless you are lucky enough to find two boxes the correct size. I usually add two pieces of cardboard over the cabinet front. Using double boxes is a good idea if you intend to get extra insurance over the standard $100, because if you get the extra insurance they will usually open your package to see how well it is packed. -LesS

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4036 is a reply to message #4011]

Thu, 15 April 2004 10:07

billco
Messages: 9
Registered: April 2004

Junior Member

Thanks to all. I went ahead and pulled all of the switches and sprayed them with contact cleaner, blew the dust out, and the amp now sounds great. Thanks again! bc

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4077 is a reply to message #4036]

Tue, 20 April 2004 19:28

billco
Messages: 9
Registered: April 2004

Junior Member

If anyone is interested, I have posted the Commander amp on Ebay. Thanks again!!!! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43373&item=3719406214&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4078 is a reply to message #4077]

Tue, 20 April 2004 20:44

LesS
Messages: 478
Registered: December 2002

Senior Member

bc, Hey your Commander looks great. I think the color is cascade (blue/green) instead of blue. If it is cascade, it could be worth a little more. Serial number 87471 would be made about July 1972. What does it weigh? -Les

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4080 is a reply to message #4078]

Tue, 20 April 2004 22:18

billco
Messages: 9
Registered: April 2004

Junior Member

Thanks. yes, as I said previously, the amp is in perfect condition and looks great for it's age. As for the color, it has a black undertone with a blue and green glitter overlay. Standing back a few feet it looks blue, but close up there is indeed green glitter throughout. If you like, I can take a closeup photo outdoors in true light and then post it. Do you think I should ask more, as I really don't know what it's worth? I was wondering when it was built. Thanks! I don't have a scale handy, but I would gues it to weigh 60-65 lbs. I recall lugging it up various stage steps years ago, and it got heavy quickly! LOL! I appreciate your input. Thanks again. bc

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4081 is a reply to message #4080]

Tue, 20 April 2004 23:01

LesS
Messages: 478
Registered: December 2002

Senior Member

bc, If it has green and blue sparkles, then it is definitely Cascade (not blue). I wouldn't ask more $, it will more than likely go up anyway; and you already have one bid. Weight is probably closer to 80 lbs net/90 lbs boxed. -Les

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4084 is a reply to message #4081]

Wed, 21 April 2004 10:54

billco
Messages: 9
Registered: April 2004

Junior Member

Yes, it definitely has blue and green sparkles. And I must be stronger than I thought, as the amp weighs exactly 80lbs. as you predicted. You do know these amps! Thanks!!! bc

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4085 is a reply to message #4081]

Wed, 21 April 2004 18:19

billco
Messages: 9
Registered: April 2004

Junior Member

I had a question posed to me that I can't answer. Perhaps you'll know the answer to the following as well ! "How many watts (RMS) is this (amp)"? 200 comes to mind. Anyone? bc

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4086 is a reply to message #4085]

Wed, 21 April 2004 19:54

LesS
Messages: 478
Registered: December 2002

Senior Member

Hi bc, Output is 75 watts RMS. -Les

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Re: Identify Commander amp? [message #4087 is a reply to message #4086]

Wed, 21 April 2004 20:49

billco
Messages: 9
Registered: April 2004

Junior Member

Thanks!!!!! bc

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