FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Kustom Bass Amps

Question:
Back in my Chicago Bar Band days (late 60s & early 70s), a lot of groups used a amp combo (Head & Speaker cab) made by a company called Kustom. These were 'unique' in that they had a padded vinyl (rolled & pleated) type of covering (like the hot rod car dashboards that were a craze for a while), they were even available in metalflake type color combos. Any one here ever hear of, or better yet, play a Kustom setup? I was always pretty much a pure Fender chap (Jaguar/D-Showman). From what I recall, the Kustoms also had fairly good power and could get great feedback and sustain (with a Gibson hollowbody)... made the lead-breaks in songs like 'Sunshine of Your Love' (Cream) really sceam!

Answer:
At the time these things were very popular.. they even had PAs in tuck and roll. I played with a few guys who used them, but it was way back when and I really didn't know my ass from a hole... I ran into a guy recently using one of their bass heads and cabs for practice.. and it really surprised me. It sounded fine, and still looked better than webb pierce in full country drag on a saturday night at the opry. (the guys used to leave a trail of sequins behind him.... second only to porter wagoner) I don't think they were all that bad for solid state... about fifteen years ago I bought one of the Kustom bass amps.. black rubber coated thingys.. and it served me well for a long time. but this company has had so many ups and downs... when mine went bust after about six years, I couldn't find anyone to fix it.