Author Topic: Kustom K200 Bass  (Read 10618 times)

drbassman

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Kustom K200 Bass
« on: March 06, 2016, 12:18:10 PM »
I've been gassing for one of theses for years and finally saw one I liked that wasn't teal green or beat to death.  It's trans red and in very good condition with minimal checking.  The bass plays and sounds great.  Nice short scale neck and fantastic pickups.  The 3-way switch gives it a great variable tone with a simple flip. 

I can't say enough about the pups.  They are so much better than I expected.  Nice deep low end and plenty of mid and high range output.  I've had numerous vintage basses disappointment with their electronics after owning them.  Mosrite is a good example.  Had two of them and the pups really underperformed in every aspect.  In fact, they sucked.

Anyway,  I love this little guy!  I highly recommend one.







I'm fixin' a hole where the rain gets in..........cuz I'm built for a kilt!

Granny Gremlin

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2016, 12:45:18 PM »
Thats a cool little bass.
Robert Plant and Jimmy Page (drummer and bassist of Deep Purple, Jake!)

drbassman

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2016, 01:02:42 PM »
Yeah, I always liked the pointy upper bouts and the HB design with the one f-hole.  They sort of looked a little RIC-esque in their design.  They just never really caught on.

Here's a nice brief history of the Kustom guitar company from Kansas.

https://kustomguitars.wordpress.com/2015/04/12/kustom-guitars-history/

I'm fixin' a hole where the rain gets in..........cuz I'm built for a kilt!

Pilgrim

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #3 on: March 06, 2016, 01:23:12 PM »
I like it!  8)

But you really oughta play surf with it....
"A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any other invention with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila."

drbassman

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #4 on: March 06, 2016, 01:28:46 PM »
I like it!  8)

But you really oughta play surf with it....

Cowabunga, dude!  :toast:  I know it has RIC and Mosrite roots, of sorts.  I don't recall seeing them back when I was a kid, even on TV.  I do remember the Mosrites because of the Ventures.  Everyone I know played Fender or Gibson basses.

I've grown to like the styling only in recent years while seeing them on eBay!
I'm fixin' a hole where the rain gets in..........cuz I'm built for a kilt!

Rob

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #5 on: March 06, 2016, 01:39:02 PM »
Those are nicer than I remember.

drbassman

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #6 on: March 06, 2016, 03:06:11 PM »
Those are nicer than I remember.

Yes,  it's nicely built and well finished.  I especially like the wood working on the body and neck.  The pickups are really strong compared to other old DeArmonds I've had in Coronados and the like.
I'm fixin' a hole where the rain gets in..........cuz I'm built for a kilt!

Happy Face

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #7 on: March 06, 2016, 06:03:52 PM »
VERY cool!

66Atlas

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #8 on: March 06, 2016, 06:25:07 PM »
Thats really cool, how many were ever made I wonder. The headstock kinda reminds me of Hagstrom.

drbassman

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #9 on: March 06, 2016, 07:21:22 PM »
Thats really cool, how many were ever made I wonder. The headstock kinda reminds me of Hagstrom.

Hard to say how many.  Their basses didn't sell well from what I've heard.  Also kustom's amps were their main successful product line.  I did some searching online and didn't find much.
I'm fixin' a hole where the rain gets in..........cuz I'm built for a kilt!

westen44

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #10 on: March 06, 2016, 07:31:04 PM »
It's true Kustom amps used to get all the attention.  But if I ever ran across a Kustom bass like that now, I'd be very interested.  I love stuff like this.  Just the retro vibe itself is cool, but if it sounds good, too, I don't know what more you could want. 
« Last Edit: March 06, 2016, 07:37:18 PM by westen44 »
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drbassman

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #11 on: March 06, 2016, 07:41:28 PM »
It's true Kustom amps used to get all the attention.  But if I ever ran across a Kustom bass like that now, I'd be very interested.  I love stuff like this.  Just the retro vibe itself is cool, but if it sounds good, too, I don't know what more you could want.

I agree.  I love vintage basses and their look, but when they play well and sound great, it's really a special treat.  I had three Cornados and two Mosrites that looked cool but sounded like they were made out of wet cardboard.
I'm fixin' a hole where the rain gets in..........cuz I'm built for a kilt!

westen44

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #12 on: March 06, 2016, 09:27:43 PM »
I agree that the looks usually exceed the sound.  But you've got me convinced this Kustom bass must be a great-sounding bass. 
It's not those who write the laws that have the greatest impact on society.  It's those who write the songs.

--Blaise Pascal

Dave W

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #13 on: March 06, 2016, 10:52:53 PM »
Nice looker. I remember seeing those but don't remember if I ever heard one. I like the pickup placement.

slinkp

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Re: Kustom K200 Bass
« Reply #14 on: March 06, 2016, 11:04:52 PM »
I had no idea they made anything other than amps. I like it.
Basses: Gibson lpb-1, Gibson dc jr tribute, Greco thunderbird, Danelectro dc, Ibanez blazer.  Amps: genz benz shuttle 6.0, EA CXL110, EA CXL112, Spark 40.  Guitars: Danelectro 59XT, rebuilt cheap LP copy