What is the Kustom Carbon 100?
If you’re under 30, the name Kustom might not ring a bell when it comes to guitar amplifiers. However, this brand made waves in the early 1970s as one of the pioneers in incorporating solid-state technology into amplifiers and PA systems. their iconic “Tuck-n-Roll” amps, wrapped in padded Naugahyde, had a unique aesthetic that blended the look of a plush armchair with the Michelin Man. These amps, available in vibrant metallic colors, were embraced by a host of famous musicians, including John Fogerty, the Jackson 5, and more recently, Sheryl Crow.
After facing bankruptcy, Kustom re-emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s under new ownership, reviving the beloved Tuck-n-Roll series. Although the relaunch didn’t create a massive impact, the amps still hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate their retro charm and punchy sound.
currently, while the Tuck-n-Roll series seems to be on hold, Kustom has introduced a new range of amplifiers that are surprisingly straightforward in design. The flamboyant aesthetics have been replaced with a more traditional, boxy look that will attract players who prefer a more understated amplifier appearance. Don’t let the simplicity fool you; the new Carbon Series is an exciting and budget-kind line of digital modeling amplifiers, available in 25W, 50W, and 100W combos, along with a 100HD head.
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In this review, I focused on the Carbon 100 1×12 combo amp, which stands out in the realm of new digital amplifiers for its straightforward design. It’s refreshing to encounter an amplifier that doesn’t rely on a touchscreen or a companion app for operation.
All functionalities of the Carbon 100 are easily accessible through a simple array of physical knobs on the front panel. You’ll find that the Kustom Carbon 100 is the ultimate plug-and-play amplifier - a modeling amp that produces authentic, tube-like tones and a wide range of effects with minimal hassle.
Specifications
- Price: $429.99 | £335
- Type: Digital combo amplifier
- Origin: China
- Output: 100W
- Channels: 2
- Speaker: 1 x 12″ Kustom design
- Controls: Ch1 Volume, Ch2 Amp Model select, Gain, Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, FX select, FX Level, Master Volume, Channel select button, Tap Tempo button, Tap Tempo LED
- Features: 12 onboard digital effects and 12 onboard amp models
- Connectivity: External Speaker Output jack, Footswitch Jack (Channel switch / Effects On/Off), Effects Loop, DI Balanced Out, Ground Lift Switch, Aux In, Headphones Input, and USB Audio Interface
- Weight: 27 lbs / 12.3 kgs
- Dimensions: 340 x 510 x 471 mm
- Contact: Kustom
Construction Quality
Build Quality Rating: ★★★★☆
When envisioning a 100-watt combo amp, one might expect a massive unit, but the Kustom Carbon 100 is surprisingly compact and cube-like. It’s a rugged yet stylish amplifier, featuring a classic black tolex covering, vintage silver-and-black woven grille cloth, a small “Kustom” logo, a sturdy rubber handle, chrome corners, and a gray steel control panel adorned with traditional Kustom knobs.
In contrast to many black digital amps that frequently enough feature a monotonous black aesthetic, the Carbon 100 offers a refreshing visual appeal. Though, given Kustom’s vibrant history, it feels like a missed possibility to not have this new series available in bright, custom colors with contrasting grille cloth.
The amp features a semi-open back design with a small oval perforated grill at the rear, housing a custom-designed 12-inch Kustom speaker. the amp is surprisingly lightweight at just 27 pounds, making it easy to transport.
Functionality and Features
Functionality and Features Rating: ★★★☆☆
The Carbon 100 emphasizes traditional knob-twisting for amp controls, steering clear of complex LCD screens and menus. It features two distinct channels with a shared 3-band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble) that can be switched using a footswitch or the channel select button. However, there’s a catch: Channel one is a clean channel with a single volume knob that works alongside the master volume, but it does not include any effects or amp modeling options found on channel two.
This separation results in a cleaner sound that is distinctly different from the modeled clean tones available on channel two. Essentially, channel one offers a pure tone, making it ideal for guitarists who heavily utilize pedalboards.
Most players will find themselves gravitating towards channel two, where the amp excels in its modeling and effects capabilities. This channel features separate Volume and Gain controls, along with a rotary knob to select from 12 different amp models. The amp types are categorized into four groups – clean, Drive, Lead, and Hi-Gain - with three distinct models in each category. While the specific amps modeled are not disclosed, the gain structure and EQ curve clearly indicate their respective categories.
One limitation is that once you adjust your settings for any effect, whether it’s a delay or a chorus, you cannot save that sound.
The FX rotary knob operates similarly to the Amp knob, categorizing effects into four groups. As an example, the Multi-Effects section includes combinations like Reverb, Delay, and Chorus; Reverb and Chorus; Reverb and Delay 1; Delay and boost. The Mod FX section offers options like Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, and Tremolo with Reverb. You can choose between Long and Short reverb settings and one repeat or long delay options. The delay effect has a vintage analog tape echo quality, and the tap tempo button aids in real-time adjustments.
Though, the only way to adjust the depth, rate, or output of the effects is through the single FX Level knob. While this isn’t a major issue, it requires careful listening. Unfortunately, once you switch channels, any personalized settings revert to the default, which can be disappointing.
The back panel of the amp provides excellent connectivity options, including an external speaker output jack, a footswitch jack (for channel switching and effects on/off), an effects loop, DI balanced out, a ground lift switch, aux input, headphones input, and a USB audio interface.
Sound Quality
Sound Quality Rating: ★★★½
Exploring the 12 modeled amp types, from clean to hi-gain, reveals impressive sound quality for this price range.
Despite some minor complaints regarding the inability to save sounds and the limitations of a single FX Level knob for fine-tuning,the carbon 100 is a fantastic-sounding combo amp with responsive modeling and a solid selection of effects that enhance your tone. Simply plugging into channel two with the EQ set to neutral allows you to experience stellar sounds across all 12 modeled amp types.
If you’re seeking a robust and foundational clean tone without effects, channel one serves as an excellent starting point, showcasing how your guitar sounds in its purest form and how your pedals interact. It’s remarkable how loud you can push this channel while maintaining pristine cleans without distortion.This clean sound is particularly appealing to jazz players, offering warmth and fullness that digital amps are known for.
Upon powering on the amp,it defaults to channel two with the first clean amp model setting and a short reverb effect.The result is a bright, clean sound with a splash of spring reverb, providing a musical depth that is hard to fault. As you increase the gain, you can achieve classic rock tones and warm overdriven textures, irrespective of the guitar used.
The Hi-Gain models were the only section that I felt was somewhat lacking.
The Lead section is commendable,featuring a mid-focused EQ that enhances saturation. Adding longer delay settings or the multi-effect combinations of delay and reverb brings you closer to achieving some impressive solo tones reminiscent of Lukather. Though, the Hi-Gain models did not impress me as much, with only one model being suitable for metal and Dimebag-inspired riffs. I also tested the Carbon 100 with various speaker cabinets using the external cab out, yielding great results and allowing the amp to sound fuller and louder.The onboard Kustom speaker is well-voiced, avoiding a boxy sound.
The onboard effects range from good to great, providing digital representations of chorus, flanger, tremolo, delays, and reverbs. However, the scope for fine-tuning is limited, requiring you to set and forget the effect types you choose to use.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, digital amplification has shed its negative connotations. Even renowned guitarist Joe bonamassa has opted for a digital reproduction amplifier over his vintage Fender tube combo for live performances, indicating a significant shift in how musicians perceive digital amps. the Carbon Series marks a new era for Kustom, providing a straightforward digital amplifier option that avoids the overly complex features that are becoming commonplace in the industry.
the Carbon Series signifies a new beginning for Kustom.
Guitar World Verdict: The Kustom Carbon 100 is an affordable plug-and-play modeling combo that captures the touch-sensitive responsiveness of traditional tube amps, making its digital components easy to overlook. While there are a few drawbacks to this simplified approach, whether in a rehearsal space or on stage, this compact combo proves to be an impressively capable performer.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
Highly portable, lightweight, and well-constructed. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Usability and Features |
A straightforward plug-and-play combo, but the absence of presets and limited effect editing is disappointing. |
★★★☆☆ |
|
Sound Quality |
While the effects are somewhat limited, the clean channel and modeled amp sounds are solid, though the high-gain channel is less impressive. |
★★★½ |
|
Overall |
An affordable, plug-and-play modeling combo that mimics the touch-response of tube amps and performs well for rehearsals or live gigs. |
★★★½ |
