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Manual Needed & Knob Noise [message #4898] Fri, 24 September 2004 15:46   Making Music Messages: 1 Registered: September 2004 Junior Member I have an old Kustom 50 that was given to me by a dear friend some time ago. It sat protected in a closet until I recently purchased my first guitar (I'm a keys player). It's easily about 30 years old as it has the black leather padding and the spring reverb. I am hoping to find a copy of the manual. I know its not that complicated to use, but I would like to have it if possible. For instance I don't know the difference between the High and Low inputs. I haven't been able to find one and was hoping someone here may have a copy they could send me. It would be appreciated. Also, when I turn the reverb knob I get a loud crackling static-type noise. Another friend suggested I lubricate it but I am reluctant to pull the knobs off as I don't know if this is possible. I've also thought about spraying lubricant behind the knob but am concerned about where that will go/seep. A guy at support@kustom.com told me I need to open up the chassis and lubricate it that way, but also said to be "very careful" in large capital letters. I'm not intimidated opening up electronic gear, but if anyone here has a suggestion they've used I would prefer that method before I go foraging inside. Thanks to all in advance for any assistance you can provide. Making Music Report message to a moderator

Re: Manual Needed & Knob Noise [message #4913 is a reply to message #4898] Sat, 02 October 2004 02:57 C4ster Messages: 686 Registered: June 2001 Location: Mukwonago, WI (Milwaukee... Senior Member Hi, As far as I know, there isn't a manual for Kustom amps. There are repair manuals but not an owners manual. I bought a K200 PA back in 1969 and I unpacked it from the boxes it came in, direct from the factory. There was no manual. Now to answer your question about high and low. Compared to some amps, the jacks are marked somwhat backwards. The low input is for low level inputs and has more bottom end. The high input goes through a capacitor and has less bottom end. It could be used for a higher level input, such as a guitar with active pickups. But remember, actives were not invented in 1969. It is more for the sound than anything. I prefer the low input for my Gibson ES335. But that depends on your preferences. There are as many variables in the perception of sound as there are people who play. And listen. As for cleaning a scatchy pot, that requires opening the amp up and spraying cleaner into the opening where the leads go into the pot. That can hard to see. Turn the pot while spraying a little cleaner into the opening. I have found however, that there is lubricant in the pot and once you have cleaned it, the lubricant gets washed out. There is less moving resistance and the pots feel looser. That isn't an electrical problem, just a physical one. Good luck, Conrad Report message to a moderator

Re: Manual Needed & Knob Noise [message #4914 is a reply to message #4913] Sat, 02 October 2004 03:01 C4ster Messages: 686 Registered: June 2001 Location: Mukwonago, WI (Milwaukee... Senior Member I just thought of something else. Try rotating the pot many many times with the amp off. There might be a little corrosion that would come off with just the rotation. Then turn the amp on and try it. You won't hurt anything by doing it with the amp on, it will just be noisy. A lot of noise goes away just by cranking away for a few revs. Conrad Report message to a moderator

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