VintageKustom.com: Repairing Kustom Amps » Upgrade input transitor

Upgrade input transitor - may be repeted question [message #26178]

Sat, 03 June 2017 19:46

Saransk
Messages: 20
Registered: February 2017
Location: Northern Virginia

Junior Member

A common thread is that Q1400/ Q1500 (the first input transistor on the 1400/1500 (SE4002)) is prone to "destruction" when overdriven.
Since the various vintage Kustom amplifiers were designed when the output of most guitar pickups was lower than the "hot" pickups which are now standard on most guitars, the first input transistor often is blown by pedal boards and high output pickups.
At the risk of asking a previously discussed question, is there a simple upgrade for the first input transistor that will handle the higher input voltages of today. Either a darlington configuration or just a "stronger" transistor for that first position that can handle a higher input.
While I could put a transistor socket in the first position to facilitate quick replacement, it might be nice to avoid the issue altogether.
Thanks
Michael

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