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Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10164]

Sun, 04 January 2009 16:19

naedx
Messages: 6
Registered: January 2009

Junior Member

Hey all,

I recently acquired a defective guitar amplifier bearing the name 'Kasino'. Other than the branding, the only model info I could find is the number "100", which is embossed on the cab. This includes any markings on the amplifier and control/panel PCBs.

The cab is 4 x 10". The amp has 1/4" inputs labeled "Foot Switch", "High", and "Low". From left to right it has pots/rotary switches labeled "Volume", "Bright", "Treble", "Bass", "Selectone", "Selective Boost", and "Boost Volume". Does anyone know what this amp is officially called? Anyone have schematics for it?

The amp powers up but has no output, so the fault could be anything. I haven't sat down with a scope yet to follow audio through the head yet, as I'm hoping to find schematics to make debug easier.

It belongs to a friend of mine, who's owned it since high school (several decades ago now, unfortunately!). We've been revisiting our surf rock origins and would love to bring this beast back to functionality, if at all possible.

Many thanks for any and all help offered.

Dean

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Re: Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10166 is a reply to message #10164]

Sun, 04 January 2009 16:57

LesS
Messages: 478
Registered: December 2002

Senior Member

Hi Dean,
I don't have much info on the model that you have (Kasino 100).
It is not in the "Literature" section of the website either.
Recently someone asked about a Kasino model 200 4x12 powered cabinet, and no-one seemed to know anything about that one either.

I have seen them on ebay though - they had the Selectone and Selective Boost and the amp section is maybe one space high.
They had plexiglass faceplates like the early Kasino's (such as U100-P Club 4 channel PA amp). Kasinos having the plexiglass faceplate would be in the 1970 - 1973 time period, so there is good chance their circuits are the same or similar to an equivalent Kustom.

Yours could be similar to one of these three examples from 1970:
model U-200......4x12 combo, speakers: Jensen #220021
model U-200-2....200 4x10 combo
model U-200-2....Kasino K252 2x15 combo amp

The early Kasinos (approx 1971) were virtually identical internally to their Kustom kousins. Internally they were the same in every way - including the "Kustom" name and PC # on the circuit boards. You said that it had no numbers on the circuit boards, but if you could look again - if you can find PC numbers of the circuit boards, maybe someone has a schematic.

Also, try to post some pictures, maybe someone will recognize it.

-Les S

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Re: Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10168 is a reply to message #10166]

Sun, 04 January 2009 17:06

naedx
Messages: 6
Registered: January 2009

Junior Member

Many thanks, Les. I'll snap some images, rescan the PCBs for clues, and post my findings here.

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Re: Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10171 is a reply to message #10164]

Sun, 04 January 2009 18:17

naedx
Messages: 6
Registered: January 2009

Junior Member

Alright, check the following link for photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28083005@N05/3167695151/

The 'Control PCB' (i.e. where all the fun pots and switches are stuffed) bares the marking "KEI-1 PC5013 REV 3". The 'Amplifier' PCB (i.e. where all the not so fun FETs and transistors are stuffed) is labeled "KEI-1 PC5023". This information and more is visible in the pics on the attached link, if you're into audio gear pron.

Again, the help is greatly appreciated. As is obvious by the speaker enclosure, this thing has been well used. It is obviously well loved too, though, as my friend has been storing it in its current defective condition since 1994!!! Shocked

Dean

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Re: Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10175 is a reply to message #10171]

Sun, 04 January 2009 18:55

LesS
Messages: 478
Registered: December 2002

Senior Member

Probably a dumb question - but did you try the amp with other speakers?
Actually my favorite pic was the speaker cabinet.

Here is what I would do with the cab: if all 4 speakers are still good, I would repair the tears in the cones and get four new speaker caps and glue them on (you need to use speaker glue, like from Part Express.)
A great source for the caps is ebay - see ad# 120358546368. You get two 4 inch aluminum JBL caps for $17 shipped. I have bought from him three times - he ships really fast. (You can buy from him on ebay or through his website: www.myaudioaddiction.com)

For grill cloth I would get the original Kustom style instead of the striped kind that Kasino used.
The black Kustom-style grill coth is part number 261-800 from Parts Express.
When I bought some for my 2x12, I only needed a yard so it was 36" x 36" and it cost $12.50 + $8.82 shipping.
The grill cloth looks very close to the original black (approx 1966 to 1971).

-Les S

[Updated on: Sun, 04 January 2009 19:02]

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Re: Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10177 is a reply to message #10175]

Sun, 04 January 2009 19:23

naedx
Messages: 6
Registered: January 2009

Junior Member

No, I haven't tried the head with other speakers, as I don't know what the head is rated for. Do you know what load is safe to connect to the head? I assume each 10" is an 8 ohm load, though there is no indication present on the included speakers.

Speaker dust caps an new one to me. Are they cosmetic in function only? I don't usually tool around with guitar amps too much, and have never come across anything of the sort.

As for the cab, it really is fantastic in a terrible kind of way. Thanks for the grill cloth suggestions, as I'm definitely interested in returning it to its former glory, though some additional posterity photos are probably in order first. Very Happy

Dean

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Re: Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10178 is a reply to message #10177]

Sun, 04 January 2009 19:30

LesS
Messages: 478
Registered: December 2002

Senior Member

Dean,
I do not know the exact rating for yours.
Kustom's 50 watt amps were usually 8 ohms minimum.
Their 75 watt amps were usually 6 ohms minimum.
Their 100 watt amps were usually 4 ohms minimum.

So for now I would just try it at 8 ohms.

-Les S

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Re: Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10192 is a reply to message #10164]

Mon, 05 January 2009 06:30

stevem
Messages: 4775
Registered: June 2004
Location: NY

Senior Member

Having no turn on (power up )thump with a kustom that lights up is strange as most problems are in the driver/output section and if the speakers a working you would be hearing a 120hz hum.
I would first check the amp by hooking a volt meter set to read 50 to 100 VDC and see what you have when you power the amp up, if you get a quick flash of DC voltage I would than set the meter for low AC volts and then plug in and play thru the amp and see if you show any AC volatge which would be your auido signal.
I went to the Broadway music site and he does not list schematic for your PC boards.
You can try calling this guy( Bob Monday) at 513 761 7757 which is his work number(if he still works their)as he was intrusted with a load of Kustoms schematics when he was working for them when the went out of the market.
If you know how to use a scope, than going thru the amp should not be a problem as judging by your PC board numbers you posted the 5000 serise numbers where in the late k100/k150 model range and semicondutor wise you can still get parts, although if you find you need one of the 14 pin duel op amp ICs(NTE725 or ECG725) you have to go surplus searching.
I picked up some last year and with the minium order to get a discount and shipping, I think the total of 10 of them came to 17 each.
Let us know if you need more help .

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Re: Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10206 is a reply to message #10192]

Mon, 05 January 2009 23:15

naedx
Messages: 6
Registered: January 2009

Junior Member

It lives! The output cable (rca type.. is that 'normal'?) was wonky and several of the speakers were toast. It plays now with a bit of distortion when the bass is pushed, but I'm thinking it's either from the speaker I'm using or from intermittent pot/switch contact, given it's been dormant so long.

Do you guys have any recommended maintenance or modifications to keep it working?
Also, any thoughts on what kind of speakers (make/model) I should install? Like I said, I'm not too savvy with guitar stuff... though I do think I'll be ordering a yard or so of grill cloth from parts express, in an attempt to 'take the ugly out'.

On a completely unrelated note, is there somewhere I can donate to this website? You guys are brilliant!

Many thanks,
Dean

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Re: Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10208 is a reply to message #10164]

Tue, 06 January 2009 06:57

stevem
Messages: 4775
Registered: June 2004
Location: NY

Senior Member

you can visit the Eminence speaker site and check out there two main listing of drivers, and also weber has a lot od great drivers also.
Some control cleaner/lube sprayed in the pots will take care of the crackles as will some on the a Q TIP to clean off the input jacks inner shell and plut to tip contack point.
If you place a post for KUSTOM dan he will get back to you at some point and let you know about your funding offer.

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Re: Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10212 is a reply to message #10208]

Tue, 06 January 2009 12:04

naedx
Messages: 6
Registered: January 2009

Junior Member

Do you have a recommended Wattage for the speakers (i.e. 30W vs 75W)? I assume since the amp is called "100", it is 100W, so running 4 x 30W speakers should be 'ok'. In this regard, is there any benefit to using higher watt speakers in this case?

And not to be (totally) daft, but how do I put in a post for Kustom Dan?

Are you rocking a Kasino, stevem? If so, care to share details on model and musical preference? I play in an instrumental prog/surf band out in Los Angeles, not for fame or fortune, just for 'rock'. Playing with the Selectone function on the 100 last night, I'm thinking it is going to make for a wicked good time.

Dean

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Re: Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10213 is a reply to message #10164]

Tue, 06 January 2009 12:22

stevem
Messages: 4775
Registered: June 2004
Location: NY

Senior Member

The eminence model called the copperhead is what I would purchase for your type of music, its a 8 ohm driver which is what you need.

To send a email to Dan just hit the pink lower box maked E-mail on the sites second page.
I have a K100-8 in my heap of kustoms that I own and its probibly my best Kustom combo amp I have owned, it moves a lot of air with its 4-10" drivers!

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Re: Unknown Kasino Amp model and schematics help [message #10332 is a reply to message #10164]

Sun, 25 January 2009 13:24

pleat
Messages: 1454
Registered: June 2004
Location: Belding, Mi

Senior Member

The model you are asking about is the kasino 401. I have the brochures for that model and all the models kasino first offered.
100 watts peak so 50 rms.
I'll look to see if I have schematics for it. I just have to look through 7 books of kustom schematics.
pleat

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