Kustom Double Barrel

The cab is nicely constructed, although whether it's made of MDF or particle board is hard to determine, as any internal evidence is well hidden beneath a matte-black paint job. It wouldn't be fair to expect anything too deluxe for this sort of dosh, but the end result certainly seems suitably sturdy, while the 16kg weight is easily hefted via a single, centrally sited strap handle. The enclosure is adorned in a lightly textured black vinyl, which has been neatly applied, apart from a couple of unglued ends on the cutaway for the control panel. All eight corners are equipped with chunky black plastic protectors, while four meaty feet safeguard the base.

A square-cornered speaker grille occupies much of the front and is edged with white piping that contrasts the reasonably rigid black basket-weave material. The slim panel above boasts an old-style Kustom logo, which adds a vintage touch, while the speaker section sports a small Double Barrel badge in the lower left corner. The baffle is upright, rather than angled, and supports two parallel-mounted, Double Barrel-labelled, 12-inch speakers, which are also Chinese-made and apparently designed by Eminence for Kustom. Their comparatively small magnets indicate low-budget ambitions, but this is in keeping with the pared-down price.

A single input is accompanied by a seven-strong control complement. The first two knobs comprise the Lead channel, governing gain and volume, with the former affecting the amount of available distortion, from subtle break-up to flat-out filth. The clean side is controlled by a solitary Volume pot, while a small push switch selects either option. The passive EQ is common to both, with Low, Mid and High making up the usual tonal trio.

The final control concerns another surprise at this price: an effects section.

Admittedly, the choice is somewhat limited, all being preset, single-speed and strictly analogue, but at this sort of money anything can be considered a bonus. A push switch provides the option of delay or reverb, while a second engages chorus. The pot provides a variable amount of any of these effects, blending it with the original signal. The lack of any optional footswitching facilities for these effects or channel choice is another cost-related factor. While this isn't a real drawback in a domestic situation, it could create problems for live work, especially as the Double Barrel is being touted as giggable combo.

The top panel is completed by Kustom's typically bright blue power indicator light, plus an attendant On/Off switch. Additional connections are to be found on the underside of the chassis — an inconvenient, but not uncommon location these days, presumably chosen for cost-cutting reasons. However, this isn't exactly the most practical place, as plugging in accordingly entails indulging in that popular party game, 'Hunt The Socket'. Either that or suffering a rush of blood to the head, brought on by prolonged peering upside down when in search of the appropriate aperture! This hidden-away array consists of a stereo input for CD/tape player use; headphones out, also via a stereo jack; plus mono line and speaker outputs. The former is intended to feed an external amp or mixer, while the latter links to an external enclosure, muting the internal speaker in the process.

A label on the back panel helpfully indicates the order of this little lot, although the layout doesn't extend to including the position of the mains power input, which is also sited down below decks. Nor do Kustom choose to show the site of this all-important component in the otherwise helpful owner's manual. I realise it's not really too hard to find, but only if you know where to look, and it should be remembered that this amp is aimed at the entry-level end, which tends to be less well informed about such matters. All assistance is therefore that much more welcome, especially on the subject of 'secret' sockets and knowing precisely where to poke yer plug!

Selecting the clean side reveals a reasonable amount of undistorted output. The EQ proves to be quite effective, employing well-chosen frequency ranges that enable all three tone controls to colour the sound to taste where it matters most. Low adds a useful amount of bass boost, while High brightens the upper end without becoming harsh. Mid is more subtle, but sweeps from gently scooped to a cutting bark that avoids being too honky and nasal. The EQ trio works well with the natural aural weight and spread of twin 12s, supplying a very solid sound that suits either single coils or humbucker pickups and belying the Double Barrel's low price.

Cranking up the clean volume also produces a pleasant surprise, as delivery doesn't deteriorate into the fizz that might be expected from such an inexpensive amp. Instead, the end results of the all-out setting are endowed with a raunchy and resonant aggression that's gritty, but still well defined and dynamic.

The Lead channel proves to be equally able, thanks to usefully flexible distortion that effectively carries on where the Clean range finishes. This means that minimum gain provides bluesy break-up, while higher settings dial in increasing amounts of dirt. Balancing this with the Volume pot permits copious quantities of well-controlled filth, but naturally things tend to become increasingly blurred. Maximum positions produce sonic bedlam that makes the Double Barrel seem louder than its 30 Watts. The speakers may be inexpensive, but they prove well chosen, handling all the amp can dish out with no complaints, while being equally up to the task in tonal terms.

The shared EQ section dictates that a degree of compromise is necessary when selecting the best tone settings for clean or dirty use, but this can be achieved, helped by some pre-voicing that's apparent when switching between both channels.

The onboard effects are adequate rather than outstanding. Delay delivers a medium-length repeat; small room-style reverb is approximated via flutter echo and feedback, while chorus keeps things controlled and musical. Even at maximum level none of the effects is overly intrusive, however reverb is the least impressive and soon acquires an unpleasant honky resonance. Turning the effects off is possible only via the Level pot. This single control system also means that chorus can't be selected without either delay or reverb. Kustom claim this combination enhances the effect, although in reality each sounds best using different level settings.

The only real criticism concerns the lack of footswitching, particularly because this combo will otherwise cope well on stage. Overall output might struggle against an animal drummer and a bigger backline, but it's certainly more than suited for the lower-volume work that's increasingly common in these Health & Safety-obsessed, noise meter-ridden times.

The looks of Kustom's new combo may not spring too many surprises, but the sounds certainly do, impressively exceeding their supposed entry-level status and accordingly ensuring excellent value for money.  0