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Kustom 200 Bright Switch [message #7488] Tue, 12 September 2006 12:59   ZiggyDude Messages: 24 Registered: May 2006 Location: Harrisburg PA Junior Member Just bought my first Kustom bass head! Price was OK so I got it even though there was some issues. It is a 200 (black). Left side input sounds OK unless I turn the bright switch on - then loads of hiss. Right side inputs sound OK - though maybe a bit "Thinner" - but when I turn the bright switch on I lose almost all volume and everything is real tinny. Any ideas on this? Some of the pots are dirty - I have contact cleaner but it is the type that lubricates - is that bad? Thanx much-much - Ziggy - Report message to a moderator

Re: Kustom 200 Bright Switch [message #7490 is a reply to message #7488] Tue, 12 September 2006 14:25 chicagobill Messages: 2005 Registered: April 2003 Senior Member Ziggy: The left side seems to be working normally. There is more hiss when you turn the bright switch on. As for the right channel, try cleaning the bright switch with your spray cleaner. If the contacts are dirty they will cause the symptoms you describe. As for your choice of cleaner, the only real issue with some lubricants (oils), is they can sometimes cause arcing in high voltage tube socket circuits. If you use too much of them, they can also build up a film and collect dust and dirt, eventually making the problem worse. In your Kustom amp, go ahead and use it, but don't over do it. Bill Report message to a moderator

Re: Kustom 200 Bright Switch [message #7491 is a reply to message #7488] Wed, 13 September 2006 07:04   stevem Messages: 4739 Registered: June 2004 Location: NY Senior Member Hey guys, I hope you do not mind if I add my two cents in on this? I have found that for cleaning the brite switch a fair amount of times its lack of normal function is more from tarnish on its contack points than crudy dirt, so I would recomend that you try a purchase some progold brand cleaner as this seems to take care of the tarnish thing much better. Or mabe if the cleaner you have now leaves the switch still somewhat intermitant, than go for the progold.Its also very good for the shorting contacks on the input jacks. Also ziggy it doesn`t hurt to pack some paper towels around each control as best as you can without bending circuit components to soak up excess spray. Also if the amp has been on even for 3 minutes when you go to do this watch out for the big resistor on the board by the pilot light.It gets real hot and stays hot of a while so dont burn yourself. Report message to a moderator

Re: Kustom 200 Bright Switch [message #7492 is a reply to message #7488] Wed, 13 September 2006 07:06   stevem Messages: 4739 Registered: June 2004 Location: NY Senior Member Sorry, on the 200 model the resistor is hanging off the pilot lamp, so its a bit easyer to burn yourself. Report message to a moderator

Re: Kustom 200 Bright Switch [message #7497 is a reply to message #7492] Wed, 13 September 2006 12:56   ZiggyDude Messages: 24 Registered: May 2006 Location: Harrisburg PA Junior Member Am I better using the contact cleaner with the amp on or off? OK - now you know what level I am operating on :=) Report message to a moderator

Re: Kustom 200 Bright Switch [message #7498 is a reply to message #7497] Wed, 13 September 2006 16:33 chicagobill Messages: 2005 Registered: April 2003 Senior Member Ziggy: I suggest that until you get a little more experience,unplug the amp from the wall socket, before you do any work on the amp. Spray a little cleaner into the opening of each pot, and work the controls back and forth a few times. Do the same with the bright switches. Also, spray a little cleaner on the input jacks and insert a plug in and out of each jack a few times. Don't forget the little grounding switch contacts on each of the jacks as well. When you've done this, plug the amp back in and test it out. If any of the controls still make noise, shut it off, pull the plug and repeat the process on the offending controls. If any control still makes noise after 2-3 cleanings, you may need to replace the control, or there could be a problem with the amp that a tech will need to look into. Bill Report message to a moderator

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