I just acquired a kustom by ross head and cannot find a model number or serial number on it, would it be on the inside? what is the best way to find out exactly what I have, if I took a picture would that help?
it has 4 inputs on the front, two outputs on the back, reverb volume bass and treble knobs on the left, volume bass and treble knobs on the right, speaker (5 amps) and power (3 amps) fuses on the right under the three way on off switch (off is in the middle on is on right and left), and although it doesn't light up i'm pretty sure that's a light in the middle that should light up when the power is on. The only text on the front is Kustom by Ross Inc.
rodak Messages: 513 Registered: October 2001 Location: Georgia
Senior Member
I'll test my Kustom Knowledge here, and venture that it's a K200A-1. I'm sure someone will be along soon with a more definitive and confident answer, but I wanted to see if I could guess this one right, based on the knowledge I've gained from reading here over the years.
And, of course, the most important next question is: What color is it?
Based on the three knobs on each side and the 3 amp and 5 amp fuses, I'll venture a guess that you have a first series K200 amp that is often referred to as a Frankenstein or a "95 series" head.
The front of the case has a wide top panel that looks kinda like Frankenstein's forehead so that's where the nickname comes from.
If you look in the literature section of the site, you can see catalogs that will show you photos of your amp. That may help you figure out a model number. The model number on the earlier amps was based on the list price of the amp with its' speaker cabs so one model could be a C995, which was an amp with CTS speakers with a list price of $995.00. All of the prices end with "95" so that's where that nickname came from.
The center pilot lamp should light up like a Fender amp when the power is turned on. If you unscrew the lens from the holder, you should find a #1829 bulb.
The only thing that sounds odd, is the second jack on the back panel. The back should be black perforated metal and normally there is only one speaker jack. If you look inside the back panel on the righthand side, the original model and serial number sticker may still be there. It was either a white paper or a silver mylar label with the model number, serial number and the case color on it.
Speaking of which, what color is your amp covered in?
Again welcome and give us more details about your amp.
If you look at the blue cover catalog at the lower right side, there will be a page with your amp listed 745PA. It came with two column speakers with 12" drivers.
pleat Messages: 1452 Registered: June 2004 Location: Belding, Mi
Senior Member
According to the catalog on this site the 745PA included the two 4x12" speaker columns. Later models of the Frankie PA the model numbers moved to 745PA that now included the two 4x10" columns and the 795PA with the two 4x12" columns. Basically a price increase before Kustom came out with the K200A series amps.
Chicago Bill is correct, I've never seen a Frankie amp with dual output jacks from the factory. I've seen a couple Frankies where someone added a second output jack. One note on the Frankie models, the guitar amps were offered with no effects, just reverb and a reverb/vibrato models. On the guitar heads, the input jacks were labeled with HI and Lo inputs, where the PA heads, there were no labels on the input jacks.
Kustom_Bart Messages: 601 Registered: October 2010 Location: Greenville, MichiGUN
Senior Member
Gotta have pics. It is about color and condition. I have paid 10.00 for a head or 150.00 or 200.00 depending on what it is, what color and what condition. Being a PA head I personally won't give much for them unless it is mint and red or gold in color.
Here are pics, the cab is not Kustom, it's a Peavy bass cab, the guy I picked it up from was using it as a bass rig. It's not in perfect condition, there is the obvious labeling on the bottom and the hole on the right side, but I'd say it's in pretty rockin condition for it's age. any help on the value is MUCH appreciated
pleat Messages: 1452 Registered: June 2004 Location: Belding, Mi
Senior Member
Price. I would say that depending on what part of the country your in, willing to ship and if there is any sentimental attachment. The condition isn't that bad other than the hole on the side. Black is the most common and won't bring as much as the same head in a rare color. I'd use Ebay and do a search for sold kustom amps and see what the average amps have sold for in the past. One thing I look for are photo's of the inside of the amp. Any parts changed out or obvious repair areas. I see your cab is a 4 ohm cab and thats what the amp wants to run at.
Not much help in posting a price, but the amp is always worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
pleat