Kustom Defender 5H

[creekster52]

Has anyone on the forum had a chance to try out the Kustom Defender 5H ? I had one of the early Epiphone Valve Jr. heads but sold it a couple of years ago (still kicking myself), and wonder how the Kustom compares to it. I have a Peavey 112SX cabinet I would probably use with it.

[zagatron1]

I think the Kustom Defender 5H is a cool amp for what it does. Which makes it all depend on what your guitar itself sounds like as well.

[creekster52]

Zag - I have a Peavey Reactor Tele with Toneriders, Peavey Falcon (Spyder trem) with Fender Hotrod noiseless, Peavey Axcelerator AX (original DB2's @ neck & middle - Duncan TB6 @ bridge) and a Jackson PS-1 I am fitting with Mighty Mite Hot Rails. Surely one (or all) would sound good.

How would you rate the Kustom Defender compared to the Epi Valve Jr.? They seem to be similar, if not identical, spec-wise, and the metal case should be more durable.

If the sound is comparable, I think I would prefer it to a used Valve Jr. I have a $15 coupon from MF which would bring the price down to $85.

[zagatron1]

I'd do the Kustom Defender 5H myself. I like the cleans better, but overdriven both amps sound simular to me IMHO. Maybe it's because they both are 5 watt, EL84 amps with 12AX7 pre-amp tubes. You might wanna change out the originals though.

[creekster52]

I was about to order it tonight...then found out I have to buy a $128 textbook for a bookkeeping course I am taking.   

[zagatron1]

I'm pretty sure you'll be able to get one when you're ready.

[BogHead]

I had one, pretty badass little amp but I couldn't really use it unless I want to play loud all the time.

Yes, the amp is LOUD so if you play loud it's perfect.

Sounds pretty good too but when you crank it up it JAMS!

[creekster52]

Hmmm...I need something I can play in an apartment setting, so maybe this isn't the best choice for me. I have also been interested in the Bugera V5 because of the built-in attenuator. Anybody tried one of those?

[BogHead]

I looked it up and that looks good. 3 wattage settings comes in handy. I'd probably go for that.

[pictoratus]

I've heard some good things about the V5 and it sounds pretty good in the youtube reviews I've seen.

I haven't had a chance to try one out though; my local music store doesn't carry that brand and the big box stores are about 100 miles away.

[DetroitBlues]

Hmmm...I need something I can play in an apartment setting, so maybe this isn't the best choice for me. I have also been interested in the Bugera V5 because of the built-in attenuator. Anybody tried one of those?

A friend of mine had a V5.  He absolutely hated it.  My guess was it was like the Champ 600 I had, not well suited to humbucker guitars because the speaker couldn't handle the low end (small speaker size).  However, I believe a single coil (Strat/Tele) would sound great.

[creekster52]

Yeah...I was kinda concerned about the 8" speaker myself...one of the reasons I disregarded a Champ 600 (6" speaker too tinny). Too bad the Kustom head doesn't have an attenuator.

I guess, if I didn't like the smaller speaker on the Bugera, I could always plug it into my 1x12 cabinet.

I also found a VHT Special 6 $100 on craigslist, but it is over 60 miles away, which is a problem for me. I may want to consider a VHT due to the price, hand wiring, 10" speaker and that is does at least have a 1/2 power setting.

[DetroitBlues]

I've also seen the Epi Valve Jr. used on Guitar Center's used gear site for around $70

[BogHead]

Yea, I had a Vjr and that was controllable. Very usable and put in your fav tubes to make it sweet.