Home » VintageKustom.com » Comment Board » 400 SERIES BASS HEAD
400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #10991] Sun, 03 May 2009 18:55 Go to next message
kustomoholic is currently offline  kustomoholic
Messages: 227
Registered: March 2009
Location: Tulsa,oklahoma
Senior Member
WHILE I WAS BORED AT WORK I WAS SURFING THE SITE AND DISCOVERED SOME INFO ON THE 400 BASS HEADS 4 CHAN STEREO OR MONO TAKE A PA STAND WILL RUN 4 8 OHM CABS... I HAVE NOT PAID A LOT OF ATTENTION TO PLEXI HEADS B4 BUT AFTER MISSING THE 600 PA I STILL LUST FOR A MASSIVE AMP. SHAUN WAS LOOKING AT THIS BUT HAS DECIDED ON A NEW GUITAR AND A B5 HEAD TO SNAG RATHER THAN THIS. I THINK I WILL TAKE A SHOT AT IT SINCE IT LOOKS COSMETICALLY OK AND IS CHEAP. APPARENTLY THIS CAME OUT OF A STORAGE UNIT AND HAS ONLY BEEN POWERED UP AND THE PILOT IS OUT. NO SPEAKERS WERE HOOKED UP TO IT SO IT MIGHT BE OK. IT MAY ONLY NEED A BULB AND SOME SPEAKERS ONLY BUT WON'T KNOW UNTIL IT'S TRIED BUT IF CHEAP ENOUGH I THINK IT WOULD BE REASONABLE TO TAKE A CHANCE ON IT. I HAVE PIX THAT SHAUN FORWARDED TO ME. THE 4 PIX I HAVE SEEN DOESN'T LOOK COSMETICALLY HORRIBLE..ACTUALLY LOOKS PRETTY DECENCT SHAPE.....I DIDN'T KEEP ANYTHING BUT A PRINTOUT SO CAN'T FORWARD THE PIX DIGITALLY.. THE GUYS CURRENT AD HAS NO PIX AS YET SO I WON'T PLACE THAT IN HERE YET. HE WANT'S A C NOTE
PLUS SHIPPING BUT IS DESPARATE SO MAY GET IT A LOT CHEAPER THAN A C NOTE. Very Happy LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THE POSSIBILITIES. THIS WOULD GO GREAT WITH 2 1-18 CABS OR 2-15 250 SERIES CABS OR ANY OF THE POSSIBILITES IN THE CATALOG. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ONE B4 AND AM MOST FAMILIAR WITH THE METALFACE AMPS. I ALSO NOTICED THAT IN THE SUPPLIMENT THE RED ALTEC 400 SET HAD HANDLES...WAS THAT ONLY AVAILABLE AS AN UP OPTION?????? I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY THOUGHTS YOU MORE EXPERIENCED KUSTOMKATS COULD OFFER.
CRAIG
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #10992 is a reply to message #10991] Sun, 03 May 2009 22:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jc is currently offline  Jc
Messages: 217
Registered: March 2000
Location: N.W. Chicago Suburb
Senior Member
Look - I've been drinking all day - So I have no idea what you are thinking of spending $1000 on - I'm sure it was clear to everyone else, but not me - Because in my opinion, for 1K - it should be way perfect - so, slowly, not in caps - What are you thinking of buying for that kinda dough - jc
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #10993 is a reply to message #10992] Sun, 03 May 2009 22:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kustomoholic is currently offline  kustomoholic
Messages: 227
Registered: March 2009
Location: Tulsa,oklahoma
Senior Member
JC... a "C" note is $100.00 centa means 100 not 1000
Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing It looks like a 400 series bass head in black and doesn't look like it's had the crap beat out of it... Sorry about the caps... Jeannette likes to compose everything that way and I was too lazy to change it. Mea Culpa. What is it worth in good working order???? For a grand I would want 4 slick black cabs and all covers head and stand....Sweet!!!!!! Preferably with Altec's Red would be better...... Very Happy

[Updated on: Sun, 03 May 2009 22:47]

Report message to a moderator

Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #10994 is a reply to message #10993] Sun, 03 May 2009 22:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jc is currently offline  Jc
Messages: 217
Registered: March 2000
Location: N.W. Chicago Suburb
Senior Member
So, I'm getting laughed at for not seeing "C" note and you're worried about a $100 for head that MAYBE looks good but ya don't know if it works.

Nothing is worth $100 if ya don't know it works - Unless it is a color cab ya REALLY HAVE to have - mint condition. Good rule would be if they don't know if it works - it doesn't.

But hell - what do I know - jc
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #10995 is a reply to message #10991] Sun, 03 May 2009 23:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kustomoholic is currently offline  kustomoholic
Messages: 227
Registered: March 2009
Location: Tulsa,oklahoma
Senior Member
Well it was in a storage unit ..so they were keeping it for a reason.. I've been playing for a while since 1972... seen a lot of stuff but I havent seen one of these ever...Just on this site.
I have the impression he's motivated to sell and shipping will run 50. I certainly realize that I'm risking a bit of cash but
It could be essentially in working order and some new caps IF it needs them is a simple repair.. I have done electronic service ... Built my 1st amp out of junk tv's with 2 6l6's and a RadioShack 12"..Built probably 100 amps similar by 1975... Seems like a rare peice and maybe that lifetime warranty was worth something.....in reliability.. It's rare to be sure... I'm still going to get the price down tho..... Smile
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #10997 is a reply to message #10995] Mon, 04 May 2009 08:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C4ster
Messages: 686
Registered: June 2001
Location: Mukwonago, WI (Milwaukee...
Senior Member
I feel the same way about cars and amps. If it is in good shape and looks good, you can repair just about anything. You need a good foudation for any restoration. I have bought cars with dead engines and found simple issues that require minimal effort. If you are tech savvy, go for it. I don't have a desire for a K400, by why not? I could see that head sitting on top of 2 1x18's or 2 3x15's if I were a bass player. All of my 3x15's are PA use but my son would love that for his rig. Go for it.
Conrad
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #10998 is a reply to message #10991] Mon, 04 May 2009 11:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kustomoholic is currently offline  kustomoholic
Messages: 227
Registered: March 2009
Location: Tulsa,oklahoma
Senior Member
Yeah.. cant tell you how many amps I've picked up that had something almost virtually costless to repair back to excellent working order... We'll see on this one.. At least with Kustoms theres a good chance even if it's been setting for a while it will work!!!! Very Happy
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #10999 is a reply to message #10998] Mon, 04 May 2009 13:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C4ster
Messages: 686
Registered: June 2001
Location: Mukwonago, WI (Milwaukee...
Senior Member
It's the T&R that's so hard to repair. Most times you need to start over and have a professional upholsterer do the job. As long as thats OK, the rest is easy.
Conrad
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11000 is a reply to message #10991] Mon, 04 May 2009 16:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kustomoholic is currently offline  kustomoholic
Messages: 227
Registered: March 2009
Location: Tulsa,oklahoma
Senior Member
What the pix reveal on the 400's t n'r is pretty reasonable shape I have requested pix of ends,back and serial so as to date it.... Am going to call the seller afterwhile and expedite this..I haven't seen any gross defects in the pix available so far. So far I haven't had a reply yet and it's been 24 hours.. Maybe it sold and the whole thing is moot...
Craig
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11001 is a reply to message #11000] Mon, 04 May 2009 23:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C4ster
Messages: 686
Registered: June 2001
Location: Mukwonago, WI (Milwaukee...
Senior Member
On YouTube, you can see videos from CCR. Tom Fogerty used a K400 with 2 2X15 JBL bottoms. Why he needed a 400 is beyond me. The bass player used a K400 with 3 huge Sunn cabinets. If you watch Proud Mary, the 2 K400's are sitting on 3 2x15 cabinets, 2 without ports and 1 with. I have no idea what the setup was. Behind the drummer, I saw what I believe to be a K100 but only because it is smaller than the other rigs on the stage. To John's left is a K200 with 2 3x15 cabs. Might be the PA or??? The 400's intrigued me quite a bit. A K400 with 4 D140F cabinets would drive any sound man nuts.
Good luck with yours.
Conrad
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11002 is a reply to message #11001] Mon, 04 May 2009 23:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C4ster
Messages: 686
Registered: June 2001
Location: Mukwonago, WI (Milwaukee...
Senior Member
After I submitted the last post, I checked the end of Proud Mary one last time. I think the odd cabinet was a second cabinet of John's. That was for Tom and Stu Cook to hear John. Then everything makes sense. 2 cabs for John and 2 for Tom and 3 Sunns for Stu. I have always wondered why Stu used the Sunns. The cabinets are MUCH larger than the Kustoms. (Maybe they sound better.) Gasp
Conrad
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11003 is a reply to message #11001] Mon, 04 May 2009 23:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kustomoholic is currently offline  kustomoholic
Messages: 227
Registered: March 2009
Location: Tulsa,oklahoma
Senior Member
I will check the Youtube CCR files... I'd love to see them in action!! No I don't really NEED a 400 But If I can get it el cheapo..why not???? That head and another 1 18 cab in addition to the one I have would be be definitly a large venue Item.. Bouncing patrons off the back wall of a nightclub and all that Laughing Laughing Sunn Cabs are awesome as well. I used them as well in the 70's 2-15's and 4-12's bass cabs with a Sunn Coloseum bass amp.. Very Happy
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11004 is a reply to message #10991] Tue, 05 May 2009 08:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Shaun_Musings is currently offline  Shaun_Musings
Messages: 323
Registered: April 2009
Location: Reading, MA
Senior Member

Wow, I always thought Fogerty used the 2X15s... there's a set of 3X12s on Cape Cod that I will probably snag at the end of the month =)

Shaun


Born on the Baaaaayou (Ok, in Massachusetts)
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11007 is a reply to message #10991] Wed, 06 May 2009 09:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
pleat is currently offline  pleat
Messages: 1452
Registered: June 2004
Location: Belding, Mi
Senior Member
First off the K400's came with handles as standard issue. Two on the top at each end. The photo's in the 69 catalog showed the heads without handles, so if the K400 has no handles, I'd say it was one of the first to shipped before they added handles, it might even be one that was in the photo for the catalog. I can't remember which model K400 your looking to buy? A K400-1? I agree if the the covering is in good shape, it's worth a 100.00 The K400 has two power modules so even if one amp was fried, you can disconnect it and run the other amp. If it's dead and can't be repaired for a reasonable cost, part out the good parts of the amp, knobs, boards, reverb tank, trannies, caps, and you could stand to double your investment, and keep some other's kustoms running. The amp has a lot of ways to run it. Connect a kustom 118 FH cabinet on one amp and a 2x15 on the other amp. Great bass amp for stage and up close, and the 118 to hit the back of the room.
Don
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11008 is a reply to message #11007] Wed, 06 May 2009 12:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kustomoholic is currently offline  kustomoholic
Messages: 227
Registered: March 2009
Location: Tulsa,oklahoma
Senior Member
Thanks Pleat... I was wondering if they just put the handles on the Up option models but if all had them...this one doesn't. The pix are on craigslist now... I have requested pix of both ends and compleat back of amp and thwe serial and model# and hope to have those this evening so I can make an offer on it. I have 1st call on this!!!!!!! Very Happy
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11009 is a reply to message #10991] Wed, 06 May 2009 14:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
pleat is currently offline  pleat
Messages: 1452
Registered: June 2004
Location: Belding, Mi
Senior Member
Just looked at it and it is a K400-5 PA head. The covering looks pretty good with tear at the bottom which is easy to repair. It appears to be a very early model before they put handles on. I'd bet it has the knuckle plates for the stands. Too bad it appears that the 400 was scratched out. I'd say it's worth a 100.00 They only offered them for two years and of all the prodution of kustom amps, I'd bet they didn't make near as many as the K200-5 PA heads. So if you have a use for it, grab it and hope that it has a quick and small issue to get it fired back up.
Don
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11012 is a reply to message #11009] Thu, 07 May 2009 13:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kustomoholic is currently offline  kustomoholic
Messages: 227
Registered: March 2009
Location: Tulsa,oklahoma
Senior Member
FINALLY....3 days later..got the extra pix of the ends and model and serial from plate on back of amp K400B-5... ser#27027 Ends do have the stand knuckles as you call them. Have full veiws of back and ends an while bottom shows visible wear the ends look in good shape... In one pix looks like cord cut but could be under amp as well. As he said he plugged it in and pilot didn't light it probably has the plug but will ask about this.
Craig
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11013 is a reply to message #11012] Thu, 07 May 2009 14:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
LesS is currently offline  LesS
Messages: 477
Registered: December 2002
Senior Member
For K400B-5 SN 27027, the estimated production date would be 7/22/68, plus or minus 2 months.
Kustom had just transitioned from the K200A to the K200B in June of 1968 - so K400B production probably started in June or July 1968.
I don't think there was a K400A model, so June/July 1968 could be the first production of the K400.
-Les S.

4 of my 5 cabinets are red - I play keyboards and my Motion Sound Leslie is mounted in a red K100 cabinet - this way I can use different cabinets and still match.
.1) Kustom 3x12 red + red K200B-5..I put in Eminence Basslites..Worlds Lightest 72.4 lbs (stock 98 lbs)
.2) 1973 Earth red 2x15 cab-tuck and roll like Plush..I have lightened the cab to 80.8 lbs-another World's Lightest (cab was 125 lbs).. It is particle board (the 1972 Earths were plywood)
.3)Kustom red 1967 no port tube 2x15 cab 85 lbs - I put in a new 4x10 baffle with 50w Jensens -now 71.5 lbs
.4)Kustom 2x12 blue cabinet no cntr brace + blue K100-1 - I put in two alum cone speakers- Future: putting in new 4x10 baffle with aluminum cone Hartke & Bugera's.
.5) Kustom red T&R KLA-40 1x10 40w combo ..put in Basslite ten and Future: adding 200w amp to rear so I can use it for small gigs.

[Updated on: Sun, 17 May 2009 22:53]

Report message to a moderator

Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11022 is a reply to message #11013] Sat, 09 May 2009 12:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kustomoholic is currently offline  kustomoholic
Messages: 227
Registered: March 2009
Location: Tulsa,oklahoma
Senior Member
Thanks for the production info...Where do you get it???? Is there a book that is available??? I made an offer of $125 shipping included on the head... Haven't had a response to my offer and his ad no longer shows the images for some reason tho they were available for a couple of days. You wouldn't happen to know where I could find a Blue Sparkle Bass or guitar head????
I have a lonely BS 2x15 that needs a brain... Very Happy

Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11023 is a reply to message #11022] Sat, 09 May 2009 14:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
LesS is currently offline  LesS
Messages: 477
Registered: December 2002
Senior Member
Hi kustomoholic,
I get it from me.
I don't play guitar so good and when I try to be a tech, it usually involves smoke, so here on the website they just let me do serial numbers.
-Les S
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11024 is a reply to message #11023] Sat, 09 May 2009 18:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kustomoholic is currently offline  kustomoholic
Messages: 227
Registered: March 2009
Location: Tulsa,oklahoma
Senior Member
LOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!....HMMMMMMMMMMNN... You have more talents than just looking up production dates..... I have seen your Ebay auctions with some imaginative cabinet slimming techniques...Like that red Bass combo you sold not too long ago.
I wanted to bid on that but was broke...dratted car repairs!!!! I have built many cabs in the past...have a few under construction currently.. I hate particle board!!!!! 3/4" plywood is the light right way to go. Nothing more disgusting than a great sounding box that weighs 20-30 pounds more than it needs to!!!!! Rolling Eyes That was a nice charcoal K100 you sold on Ebay too...I just picked up a K100-1/1-15 in Charcoal Metallic that was pretty nice as a consolation prize to myself for totally screwing up the 600 that was a 300 deal. Sounds great...wish I could get the rest of my band interested in Kustom.. I think it would be cool to present an all T n' R lineup. And get rid of my guitarist's Crappy Crate Crud combo and worse...Crate Pa. When the Crate developed a problem recently We used my 300 as backup...Never mind that the reverb was better and it had superior feedback controls..It just plain was louder and cleaner than the 200 watt Crate Crud... and wasn't even being driven hard...Enuf ranting..Thanks Les for the info... you have been a great help..may drop you a line on dating my other kustom stuff. I have a Charger,250 Bass stack,150 Pa, 300 Pa and the K100-1.
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11044 is a reply to message #11024] Fri, 15 May 2009 08:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Shaun_Musings is currently offline  Shaun_Musings
Messages: 323
Registered: April 2009
Location: Reading, MA
Senior Member

Don't I know it about car repairs... my Caddy crapped out on me. My father helped me get a 2000 Ford Ranger, which is much easier for me to load if I decide to take my Kustom cabinet with me. So I have to put everything else on hold. Drat!

Shaun


Born on the Baaaaayou (Ok, in Massachusetts)
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11053 is a reply to message #11044] Sun, 17 May 2009 01:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
BC
Messages: 583
Registered: March 2000
Location: Kentucky
Senior Member
Jump on the 400....they are great! My tuck and roll brother ET put me in the driver's seat of one and I love it with twin 2x15 cabinets! Are you the guy I put in touch with the dealer in Kentucky a few years back on the Charger? It was black. BC Cool
Re: 400 SERIES BASS HEAD [message #11055 is a reply to message #11053] Sun, 17 May 2009 07:45 Go to previous message
kustomoholic is currently offline  kustomoholic
Messages: 227
Registered: March 2009
Location: Tulsa,oklahoma
Senior Member
Haven't heard back from the seller for a week... It may not be available any longer.. Yeah I am the one on the Charger...Thanks!! Love that amp..Sounds fantastic!!!
Craig Very Happy
Previous Topic: Tuck and Roll Fabric
Next Topic: Kustom Charger
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Thu Mar #d 13:23:49 EDT 2024
.:: Contact :: Home ::.

Powered by: FUDforum 3.0.9.