Kustom Double Cross All-Tube Head

Designed by amp builder James Brown, the Double Cross is a 100-watt Head.

The Double Cross platform consists of three channels: Rhythm, Lead I and Lead II. Each Lead channel can be modified by users via four separate function switches which are located at the four endpoints of a "Cross" design on the control panel. These switches are not simply EQ parameters; instead, each blends additional 12AX7 tube stages, letting players actually alter the Gain/EQ/Attack structure of their preamps — modifications usually not offered to consumers unless they take their amplifier to a knowledgeable technician to be permanently "modded."

"Having worked on high-gain amps for years, I always noticed how adding more gain usually causes so much compression that you lose all your dynamics and note definition," explains James Brown. "Although the Double Cross offers tremendous amount of gain and distortion, it adds the extra tubes in a new way that doesn't change your dynamics or sacrifice the touch sensitivity, regardless of the amp's settings."


Special features include an all tube, footswitchable effects loop, a 6L6 / EL34 bias switch for changing output tube types, speaker-emulated direct out, an input jack labeled 'Tight' that was designed to give the amp a defined attack response, and a 5-function footswitch (3 channels, Boost, Effects).

The Double Cross retails for $1999.99 and will start shipping in April of 2008.

For more information, visit their web site at www.kustom.com.