| Tell me about Kustom Sidewinders [message #26182] |
Tue, 06 June 2017 22:22  |
vintagefan
Messages: 166
Registered: March 2014
Location: Dallas
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Senior Member |
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I'm thinking about doing an old Teisco swap for a Kustom Sidewinder. It's an out of state swap, so I won't be able to hear the Sidewinder first. I know the owner, so no worries about the trade. The Sidewinder is in good condition.
How does the Sidewinder's tone compare to what I have, a K100C-8 4x10 and a 25C-2? Bassier sounding, more treble sounding? Noisier or quiter? I see that the reverb pan is in the bottom of the amp like Fenders. Should it have more reverb; less reverb? Same?
Finally, I'm guessing it will be louder in my house than I like. I run my other Kustom amps on "2" on a scale of 1-10. Is there a way to reduce the volume on the Sidewinder if "2" is still too loud or if turning the sound down on the Sidewinder reduces the tone too much? Although I don't remember the device, I've read about devices for tube amps used to allow running the amp at a high volume to get the good tone, yet the volume actually heard can be turned down so as not to rattle the windows. It may be something put between the head and the speaker. Anybody know of such a device and can it be used on a Kustom solid state?
thanks.........
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| Re: Tell me about Kustom Sidewinders [message #26183 is a reply to message #26182] |
Wed, 07 June 2017 07:39  |
stevem
Messages: 4775
Registered: June 2004
Location: NY
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Senior Member |
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What amp model Teisco do you have now and why does it not fit your needs?
Do you have a K100-8 now?
If so , the Sidewinder will give you verything the -8 has but with a tad less volume and thicker mids , which will seem like making for a bit less top end.
Overall a smoother sound I would say, and the Sidewinder does have a brite switch I think?
All Kustoms other than the Frank models, the PA Heads and the K100-1 heads will all have the same basic tonal plate available to mess with if played thru the same speakers and cabinets and assuming the amps are in good working order.
In general a amp, any amp played thru 4 10" speakers will be twice as load for any given volume setting then that same amp being played thru 1-12" or 1-15" speaker, this assumes impeadance matching is done!
[Updated on: Wed, 07 June 2017 07:41] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Tell me about Kustom Sidewinders [message #26184 is a reply to message #26183] |
Wed, 07 June 2017 10:11 |
pleat
Messages: 1454
Registered: June 2004
Location: Belding, Mi
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Senior Member |
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The sidewinder was part of the SS series amps. The sidewinder, Hustler, and Commander used the same chassis and the same circuit boards as the K150-2 piggyback model. Controls are volume, bass, middle, treble with a pull bright switch. Reverb has intensity and tone, tremolo, speed and vibrato. The sidewinders I've owned are a powerhouse with most of the gain from 0 to 4. The power amp is 75 watts rms into a 8 ohm load. Tone is subjective to the listener, but I think the amp has better range than a K100-8. Just my opinion.
pleat
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| Re: Tell me about Kustom Sidewinders [message #26186 is a reply to message #26185] |
Wed, 07 June 2017 13:18 |
vintagefan
Messages: 166
Registered: March 2014
Location: Dallas
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Senior Member |
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The Teisco I have is a 1964 ET-311 similar to a Fender Strat. I never play it due to my preference for Fender Telecasters.
I have 3 Kustom K100C-8 4x10 amps all bright and clean sounding, near mint. And I have a Kustom K25C-2 amp. SteveM repaired my K25C-2 and the sound is amazingly clean and bright. Near mint.
It's hard to believe after almost 50 years these amp's tuck n roll have practically no wear and no rips and the electronics still work. I've had 3 prong cords, a couple transisters, and some caps replaced locally on the K100C-8's.
Before I bought these Kustoms several years ago, I had a half dozen various new Fender amps over the last 30 years; a Twin, Steel King, Custom Vibrolux, Cuber Twin, Performers, and a few others. Not a single one lasted. Each and everyone quit working after 2 or 3 years, not to mention they just didn't have a good tone. Probably because I just prefer the Kustom "bright" solid state sound with a telecaster's snap, quack, and pop sound that a Kustom sounds with.
[Updated on: Wed, 07 June 2017 13:19] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Tell me about Kustom Sidewinders [message #26187 is a reply to message #26182] |
Thu, 08 June 2017 14:55 |
chicagobill
Messages: 2006
Registered: April 2003
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Senior Member |
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That's a cool guitar. Not really my thing either, but it is cool.
Kustom amps were made with some of the best parts available at the time and if they were treated well, they have and will last forever. They will need some work from time to time, but all amps need some upkeep.
The Fender amps with tubes as well as any tube amp will always need upkeep, as tubes will by their nature wear out with use. Most of the new China sourced amps out there are made to last as long as the guarantee is in effect. A lot don't seem to last even that long.
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