Congratulations on the purchase of your new Kustom® High Voltage HV™ Series guitar amplier.
This model utilizes an exclusive preamp design that combines a 12AX7 tube, known for its robust
tonal qualities, with solid-state circuitry that provides consistency of performance and reliability. The
result is rich, dynamic tone that is perfect for a wide variety of playing styles and environments. Inside
this manual you’ll nd details about your HV Series model. Everyone at Kustom wishes you many
years of enjoyment with your new amplier!
kustom.com
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FCC Statements
1. Caution: Changes or modications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
2. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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1.) Guitar Input Jack - this is a 1/4” 2-conductor input jack for plugging in your instrument. It is intended for guitars but will accept other instruments as well.
2.) Lead Gain - adjust this clockwise to increase the amount of distortion. At lower ranges of the control, you get a less distorted sound. As you increase the gain, you add tremendous amounts of distortion to the signal.
3.) Lead Volume - this is a volume control for the Lead Channel ONLY.
4.) Channel Select Switch - this switch selects between the Lead or Rhythm Channel.
5.) Rhythm Gain - adjust this clockwise to increase the amount of gain of the Rhythm Channel. The
gain is applied before the tone controls.
6.) Rhythm Volume - this is a volume control for the Rhythm Channel only.
7.) Bass - this passive EQ adjusts the low frequency equalization of the amplier. For tighter low-end
response, set the Bass control to lower settings. This is particularly helpful when using the amp at
very loud volume levels.
8.) Treble - this passive EQ adjusts the high frequency equalization of the amplier, but also interacts
with the Bass control as follows: As the Treble is increased, the Bass automatically decreases. Conversely, if the Treble is decreased, the Bass automatically increases. This interaction is typical of classic, passive tone controls and is responsible for the increased effectiveness of such a simple system.
9.) Reverb Level - adjust this clockwise to increase the amount of reverb. Reverberation lets notes
“hang in the air” longer, extending the sound. The Reverb is independent from the Effects, so that a
consistant Reverb setting can be chosen while using different Effects.
10.) Effects On/Off - this switch engages the digital effects section. The Footswitch over-rides this
switch when it’s plugged into the amp. Also, note that the Effects are independend from the Reverb.
11.) Effects Level - this control adds the effects section and mixes it into the main signal. Turning it
clockwise will increase the amount of audible effect.
12.) Effects Program Select - this switch will select any of eight different effects. Page 6 describes
each effect in detail.
13.) Jewel Light - this jewel light lets you know that the amplier is on.
*Power Switch on bottom rear chassis* - this switch turns on and off the AC power to the amp.
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Reverb Level - This control adds Reverb to the preamp/effects mix. It simulates the spring reverb pan
found in vintage tube amps. The Reverb Level is independent from the three Effects controls.
Effects Level - This control adds the effects section and mixes it into the main signal. Eight different
effects are available. This control does not affect the Reverb Level.
Effects Program Select - This switch will select any of the eight different effects.
Effects On/Off - This switch engages the effects section. The Footswitch over-rides this switch when
it’s plugged into the amp. This switch does not affect the Reverb Level.
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Jacks located on chassis bottom in sequence shown above
1.) External Speaker - this is a 2-conductor, 1/4” speaker output jack. Rating is 8 ohms minimum. For
full power, use an 8-ohm speaker load. Higher impedance loads will result in lower power levels to the
speaker. The signal path to the internal speakers is disconnected when using this jack.
2.) Headphone Jack - this is a 3-conductor stereo jack. The amplier’s internal speaker is disconnected
when this jack is used.
3.) Aux Input - this is a 3-conductor stereo jack that allows playback from a compact disc, tape player,
or other media audio device. The volume is controlled by the device plugged into this jack.
4.) Foot Switch - this 1/4” stereo jack connects a foot-switch to the amplier. The tip selects the
rhythm or lead channel. The ring selects the effects active/off. This foot-switch is not included with the
amplier. Kustom model KAC-FS201 is recommended to enjoy all the features.
*Power Switch on bottom rear chassis* - this switch turns on and off the AC power to the amp.
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1.) AC Power Cord Receptacle - AC power cord can be removed for easy storage and replacement
if damaged. Insert the AC cord (provided) rmly into the AC receptacle. NOTE: Replace the AC power
cord if protective jacket is damaged or ground pin is damaged or removed.
2.) Fuse - The fuse is located in a fuse tray just below the receptacle. Replace only with same type
and size. For your convenience, a spare fuse is located inside the fuse tray toward the front. To replace
fuse, remove AC power cord. Remove fuse tray by pulling the tab located above the fuse symbol away
from the receptacle.
*Power Switch on bottom rear chassis* - this switch turns on and off the AC power to the amp.