Introduction
If you’re under 30, the name Kustom might not ring a bell when it comes to guitar amplifiers. Though, this brand was a pioneer in the 1970s, being among the first to incorporate solid-state technology into amplifiers and PA systems. Their iconic ”Tuck-n-Roll” amps, wrapped in padded Naugahyde, had a unique aesthetic that resembled a plush armchair or the Michelin Man. these amps, available in vibrant metallic colors, were favored by artists like John Fogerty and the Jackson 5, and even found a place in the hands of Sheryl Crow in recent years.
After facing bankruptcy, Kustom made a comeback in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reviving the beloved Tuck-n-Roll series. Although the relaunch didn’t create a meaningful impact, the amps still hold a nostalgic charm for those who appreciate their retro design 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. The flamboyant aesthetics have been replaced wiht a more traditional, boxy design that will attract players who prefer a more classic look. Don’t let the simplicity fool you; the new Carbon Series is an exciting and budget-friendly line of digital modeling amplifiers, available in 25-, 50-, and 100-Watt combos, along with a 100HD head.
In this review,I focused on the carbon 100 1×12 combo,which stands out among new digital amplifiers for its straightforward design. Its refreshing to encounter an amplifier that doesn’t rely on a touchscreen or companion app, operating solely through physical controls.
All functions of the Carbon 100 are easily accessible via a simple array of knobs on the front panel. You’ll find that the Kustom Carbon 100 is the ultimate plug-and-play amplifier – a fantastic 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. Ch select button, Tap Tempo button, Tap Tempo LEAD
- 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
Construction 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 portable amplifier with a rugged yet classic appearance, featuring 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 other digital amplifiers that frequently enough feature a monochromatic design, the Carbon 100 offers a refreshing visual appeal. However, given Kustom’s vibrant history, it seems they missed an chance to introduce this series in shining, custom colors with contrasting grille cloth.
The amp also boasts 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 LCD screens and complex menus. It features two distinct channels with a shared 3-band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble) that can be toggled 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 dose not incorporate any effects or amp modeling options found on channel two.
This separation results in a purer tone that significantly differs from the three modeled clean tones available on channel two.Essentially, channel one offers an uncolored, pristine sound, making it ideal for guitarists who heavily utilize pedalboards.
Most players will find themselves gravitating towards Channel 2, 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 types. 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 downside is that once you adjust any effect settings, such as delay time or chorus depth, you cannot save those settings.
The FX rotary knob operates similarly to the Amp knob, categorizing effects into four groups. For instance, 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. The delay effect has a vintage tape echo quality, and the tap tempo button, along with the tap LED, facilitates real-time adjustments.
However, the only way to modify 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. Regrettably, once you switch channels, any personalized effect settings revert to their defaults, which can be disappointing.
On the back panel, 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, headphone jack, and a USB audio interface.
Audio Quality
Audio Quality Rating: ★★★½
Each of the 12 modeled amp types, from clean to hi-gain, sound impressive for this price range.
Despite some minor concerns regarding the inability to save settings and the limitations of a single FX Level knob, I can confidently say that this combo amp delivers excellent sound quality with responsive amp modeling and a solid selection of effects that enhance your tone. Simply plugging into channel 2 with the EQ set to neutral, and cycling through the 12 modeled amp types, reveals stellar sound quality across the board.
If you’re seeking a bold, foundational clean tone without effects, channel 1 serves as a fantastic starting point, showcasing your guitar’s natural sound. It’s remarkable how loud you can push this channel while maintaining a pristine clean tone without distortion. This channel offers a unique clean sound that jazz players may particularly appreciate for its warmth and fullness - a quality that digital amps are known for, and the Carbon 100 excels in this regard.
Upon powering on the amp, it defaults to channel 2 with the first clean amp model and a short reverb effect.Right from the start, it delivers a bright clean tone with a splash of spring reverb for added depth. As you explore the drive settings and increase the Gain, you’ll experience classic rock tones and warm overdriven textures, regardless of the guitar used.
The Hi-Gain models were the only section that I felt was somewhat lacking.
The Lead section is also commendable, featuring a slightly mid-focused EQ for its saturation. Adding the longer delay setting or the multi-effect combination of delay and reverb brings you closer to achieving some cool solo tones reminiscent of Lukather. However, the Hi-Gain models were the only area where I found the performance to be somewhat underwhelming, suitable for metal and Dimebag-inspired riffs but not as impressive as the other settings.I also tested the Carbon 100 with various speaker cabinets using the external cab out, yielding great results and enhancing the amp’s fullness and volume. The onboard Kustom speaker is well-voiced, avoiding a boxy sound.
Lastly, 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, often requiring you to set and forget the effect type you choose to use.
Conclusion
The Carbon Series marks a new beginning for kustom.
Ultimately, digital amplification is no longer viewed negatively. Even renowned guitarist Joe Bonamassa has chosen a digital reproduction amplifier over his vintage Fender tube combo for live performances, indicating a significant shift in how musicians perceive digital amps. The reality is that digital technology has advanced significantly as Kustom’s classic Tuck-n-Roll models.
In my view, the Carbon Series signifies a new chapter for Kustom, providing a straightforward digital amplifier option that steers clear of the overly complicated features that have become commonplace in the industry.
Guitar World Verdict: The Kustom Carbon 100 is an affordable plug-and-play modeling combo that captures the touch-sensitive responsiveness of a traditional tube amp, making its digital components easy to overlook.While there are some limitations to this simpler approach,whether in a rehearsal space or on stage,this compact combo proves to be a remarkably capable performer.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Construction Quality |
Highly portable, swift to grab, lightweight, and well-constructed. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Functionality and Features |
A straightforward plug-and-play combo, but the absence of presets and limited effect customization is disappointing. |
★★★☆☆ |
|
Audio Quality |
While the effects are somewhat limited, the clean channel and modeled amp sounds are commendable – though the high-gain channel is less impressive. |
★★★½ |
|
Overall |
An affordable modeling combo that mimics the touch-response of tube amps and performs well for rehearsals or live gigs. |
★★★½ |
