TEST: Kustom KU 12 J

Creedence Clearwater Revival. Logically, everyone knows them. No one, regardless of age, gender or social background, who has not heard at least one song of the band around the brilliant songwriter and singer John Fogerty on the radio or as a soundtrack in a Hollywood production.

The circle of people who should have seen the band live once, on the other hand, is much more manageable. Thanks to YouTube, however, one can compensate for the flaw of late birth and will find a truly unique guitar and bass backline in the band's old videos. If you look closely, you'll see heads and cabinets wrapped in an eye-catching "faux leather foam plush application," THE visual eye-catcher from the Kustom company.

The fusion of amp technology and HotRod outfit was started in the mid-sixties by company founder Bud Ross and was the absolute standout in terms of looks.

For many years I heard nothing from the company, until it suddenly presented itself again in the spotlight with a completely revised product range. For the test I have an inexpensive combo, the 12 Gauge J, a practice amplifier, which can come up with a few interesting features. As with almost all items in this price segment and also more and more in the upper middle class, so also here, "Designed In USA" - "Made In China"..............


Construction:

The 12 Gauge J is a fairly handy amp (461 mm width - 432 mm height - 254 mm depth) with a weight of 11.9 kg. It has an output volume of 16 watts, which sounds quite moderate at first, but in the course of the test turned out to be quite serious final volume.

The first impression after unpacking the device is quite positive, the amp makes a neatly processed impression and comes up with a few visually appealing details. The imitation leather used seems resistant, and 8 plastic corners also protect against knocks on the edges.

Only the plastic carrying handle exhales very strongly, within a short time the whole room smells of solvents or plasticizers. Even after 2 weeks of testing, the hands still smell very strong when you have transported the amplifier. The amplifier unit is accessible from the top, similar to many combos from the sixties.

By the way, who knows why almost all combos from that era made their amplifier unit accessible from the top and the labeling could only be read from the back?.....Well, at that time, due to the lack of powerful P.A. sound reinforcement as well as professional microphones, one stood behind(!) the combo on stage. The main sound level went into the audience, the own monitoring was taken over by the combo open to the back. Finished! Nix 6 monitor ways with separate stage mix and alone 4 channels with the F.O.H. only for a guitar occupy, those were the days, my friend! ;-)

One of the main problems with practice amps is usually the speaker size of the combo. If you don't try to get to grips with the combos, which are usually equipped with 10", 8" or even 6.5" speakers, with emulation solutions in the timbre, small speakers are usually annoying, especially in the distorted range, due to their design, with an overemphasis of the highs and a harsh, respectively edgy sound.

To counter this problem, the company Kustom has given the 12 Gauge, as the name suggests, a 12" speaker, a rather unusual feature in this price range. The brand is an in-house manufactured 8 ohm speaker, also made in China.

The speaker is mounted on the back and is protected from the front by a soft covering fabric against external influences. A visual parallel to Marshall's twisted paper covering solution is certainly recognizable, but Kustom has decided to use plastic.

A flexible, soft speaker protection has the advantage over a rigid grille that it absorbs light to medium shocks and then returns to its original position. A rigid grille already has dents here or is at least scratched. Only with a very strong impact against the speaker can the grille show its strengths, because in this case the soft covering material would tear.

The Gauge 12 has a two-channel design. Both channels share a three-band tone control. While the clean channel only has a volume control, the lead channel was given the usual gain and volume controls. Unfortunately, the channel change can only be made manually by means of a small push button, the connection of an external footswitch is not possible.

As a small FX section, a delay / reverb unit was built in, where you can select one effect at a time with a push button and mix it to the original signal continuously. An On/Off switch and a large blue LED complete the upper control front. All controls are equipped with very nice chrome heads, which gives the front panel a very noble flair.

As additional connection jacks, the 12 Gauge has an external speaker out, a line out, a headphone jack and a jack for feeding external sound sources such as MP3 players, workstations, etc.. All connections are in 6.35 mm jack. As with most combos of this type, the jacks have been routed out of the bottom of the case, which means a bit of fiddling while connecting the cables, but in return protects the plugs from accidental kinking.



Practice:

After switching on the amplifier, the bright blue LED shows the operating status of the amp. One has at the moment anyway the feeling that many manufacturers try to break away from the classic red LED. To avoid confusion between the popular channel colors green and orange, many manufacturers therefore opt for blue.

All potentiometers run very smoothly under a slightly increased force. Optics usually have their price, for example the black orientation points on the pots can hardly be seen after 2 meters in average lighting conditions. But since this is a practice amp that will most likely never climb a big stage anyway, this point is negligible.

The clean channel is once again a strength of this transistor amp. Chords and single lines come out clear and crisp. The very effective tone control has to be mentioned here. While with many amps in this price range you can only change nuances in the frequency range, the tone control of the Gauge 12 manages to conjure up neat bumps in a frequency diagram.

The speaker does its job routinely, although of course you have to make some sacrifices in the sound culture, the speaker tends a little to nasal and squawking. I am quite sure that the amplifier will gain in tonal quality with a higher quality transducer.

In the distorted channel, the transparency and sharpness of the sound can be described as adequate. Distortion levels from light crunch to powerful distortion are adjustable, and the sound improves significantly with increasing volume. Once the speaker's voice coil gets to work properly, the amp loses much of its brittleness, which it still possesses at typical practice volumes.



Conclusion:

I admit it's a mystery to me personally how you manage to sell a product like the Kustom Gauge 12 J at a retail price of MSRP €110 while paying for manufacturing, shipping from the other side of the globe, transportation within Germany plus commissions for distribution and retail, and still make a profit.

Rarely have I had an amp in my hand that offers so much "Value For Money". If you're looking for an inexpensive practice amp with the more "grown-up" sound of a 12-incher, you'll find this Kustom amp a decent workhorse.

Additional informations:

- Kustom Amplifiers is a renowned company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of guitar amplifiers and related equipment. With a rich history spanning several decades, the company has established itself as a prominent player in the musical instrument industry. This report provides a detailed overview of Kustom Amplifiers, covering various aspects such as history, product range, technologies, reputation, and future prospects.

History and Background Kustom Amplifiers was founded in 1965 by Bud Ross, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for music and electronics. Ross aimed to create amplifiers that offered guitarists a distinct sound and unique aesthetics. The company quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of the emerging counterculture music scene of the 1960s. Over the years, Kustom Amplifiers expanded its product line and gained a loyal following among professional musicians and enthusiasts alike.

Product Range Kustom Amplifiers offers a comprehensive range of guitar amplifiers and related equipment to cater to the diverse needs of guitarists. Their product line includes amplifiers for various purposes, including practice amps, stage amps, and high-performance tube amps. Additionally, Kustom Amplifiers manufactures a wide range of speaker cabinets, effects pedals, and other accessories to complement their amplifiers. Their products are known for their robust construction, reliability, and versatility, making them suitable for different genres and playing styles.

Technologies and Innovation Kustom Amplifiers has always been at the forefront of technological innovation in the guitar amplifier industry. They have consistently incorporated cutting-edge technologies and features into their products to enhance sound quality and user experience. Over the years, the company has introduced advancements such as solid-state circuitry, hybrid amplifier designs, and digital effects integration. Kustom Amplifiers continues to push boundaries by integrating modern digital modeling technology, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB recording capabilities into their amplifiers.
Reputation and Industry Recognition Kustom Amplifiers has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality amplifiers that meet the demands of professional guitarists. Their products are known for their distinctive sound characteristics, reliability, and affordability. Kustom Amplifiers has received industry recognition through numerous awards and endorsements from renowned musicians. The brand's iconic aesthetics, including the signature "tuck and roll" vinyl coverings, have become synonymous with their amplifiers and contribute to their distinctive appeal.

Customer Support and Warranty Kustom Amplifiers prioritizes customer satisfaction and offers comprehensive support services. They provide technical assistance, user manuals, and online resources to help customers optimize their amplifier settings and troubleshoot any issues. Additionally, the company offers warranty coverage on their products, ensuring that customers can rely on their equipment for years to come.

Future Outlook With a legacy spanning several decades, Kustom Amplifiers has firmly established itself as a reputable brand in the guitar amplifier market. The company's commitment to innovation and adapting to evolving industry trends positions them well for future success. Kustom Amplifiers continues to expand its product range, incorporating emerging technologies and addressing the evolving needs of guitarists. With a dedicated customer base and a strong presence in both professional and amateur music communities, Kustom Amplifiers is poised for continued growth and relevance in the industry.

Conclusion
Kustom Amplifiers has been a significant player in the guitar amplifier market, renowned for their unique sound, innovative designs, and commitment to customer satisfaction. With a rich history, diverse product range, technological advancements, and a solid reputation, Kustom Amplifiers remains a trusted choice for guitarists seeking reliable and high-quality amplification solutions. As the company continues to innovate and adapt, it is poised to shape the future of guitar amplification and maintain its position as a leader in the industry.

- Combo guitar amplifiers are a popular choice among guitarists due to their convenience, portability, and versatility. These amplifiers combine the amplifier head and speaker cabinet into a single unit, making them a compact and all-in-one solution for amplifying electric guitars. This report provides a detailed overview of combo guitar amplifiers, covering various aspects such as their design, features, advantages, popular models, and considerations for choosing the right combo amplifier.

Design and Features Combo guitar amplifiers typically consist of two main components: the amplifier head and the speaker cabinet. The amplifier head contains the preamp, power amp, and control knobs, allowing guitarists to adjust settings such as volume, gain, tone, and effects. The speaker cabinet houses one or more speakers, which play a crucial role in projecting the amplified sound.

Combo amplifiers come in various sizes and power ratings to suit different needs. They range from small practice amps with low wattage suitable for home use or intimate performances to larger, higher wattage models designed for stage performances. Combo amplifiers may also feature built-in effects such as reverb, delay, and modulation, eliminating the need for additional effects pedals.

Advantages of Combo Amplifiers Combo guitar amplifiers offer several advantages that make them popular among guitarists:
Portability: The all-in-one design of combo amplifiers makes them easy to transport, making them ideal for musicians who frequently travel or perform at different venues.
Convenience: With the amplifier head and speaker cabinet combined, combo amplifiers eliminate the need for separate components and cables, simplifying the setup process.
Affordability: Combo amplifiers often provide a cost-effective option compared to purchasing separate amplifier heads and speaker cabinets.

Versatility: Combo amplifiers are available in various sizes and power ratings, allowing guitarists to find a model that suits their playing style, venue size, and desired sound.
Popular Combo Amplifier Models The market offers a wide range of combo guitar amplifiers from various manufacturers, each with its own unique characteristics and features. Some popular models include:

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe: Known for its warm tone and versatility, this 40-watt combo amp has become a staple in many guitarists' arsenals.

Vox AC30C2: This iconic amplifier offers the classic British sound, with its distinctive chime and overdrive capabilities. It is favored by many rock and indie guitarists.

Marshall DSL40CR: A versatile 40-watt combo amp from the renowned Marshall brand, known for its powerful tone and wide range of overdrive options.

Roland JC-40 Jazz Chorus: This solid-state combo amp is highly regarded for its clean and shimmering tone, particularly popular among jazz and pop guitarists.

Considerations for Choosing a Combo Amplifier When selecting a combo guitar amplifier, several factors should be taken into account:

Wattage: Consider the power requirements based on your playing environment, whether it's for home practice, small gigs, or larger venues.

Sound and Tone: Each combo amplifier has a unique sonic character. Try different models to find one that suits your playing style and desired sound.

Effects and Features: Determine whether you need built-in effects or specific features such as a headphone output, line inputs, or an effects loop.

Speaker Configuration: Consider the number and size of speakers in the combo amplifier.

Different configurations produce different tonal characteristics and projection.
Budget: Set a budget and explore options within that range, considering both the quality and features of the combo amplifier.

Conclusion
Combo guitar amplifiers provide a convenient and versatile solution for amplifying electric guitars. With their compact design, portability, and various features, they have become a popular choice among guitarists of all skill levels. Understanding the design, advantages, popular models, and considerations for choosing the right combo amplifier will help guitarists make informed decisions when selecting the best amplifier to meet their needs. Whether for practice, recording, or live performances, combo guitar amplifiers offer a reliable and all-in-one solution for amplifying the rich and diverse tones of electric guitars.