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Post by bluzman on Jul 27, 2008 16:18:14 GMT -7
Just wondering about the KT-45. It started out like the Ghia with the chassis hanging from the top in the smaller 17.5" head. Then I started seeing them mounted on the bottom in the same head. I think I've noticed at least 3 different panel designs. How long was it manufactured for and was it stopped due of lack of demand? When did it start and when did it end?
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Post by Phil (aka Phil) on Jul 28, 2008 5:25:36 GMT -7
I think this is correct info. If not, hopefully the Doc or Brent will correct me. I kind of have a "thing" for the KT and have been learning as much as I can about them. ;D
I think the KT-45 was originally designed before the Route 66. It was originally conceived of as a kit by the Doc. He decided not to go with the kit idea and made it a regular production amp. This was around 1998.
I think the "first" production one was the one owned by Cotton which then was sold to Gary- I think Harvey has it now. It was a Z-28 style "upside down" chassis with a wood front.
Brent told me that there were a few KT-45s floating around out there from that period before they were "production" amps- they all do vary slightly in panel appearance.
Sometime very soon after they went into production they were changed to the box and chassis that the Route 66 uses - the "small box head" that's still in use today. The Delta 88 also used the same box. Brent told me that the early ones like Harvey's may have different transformers; the larger box would allow for bigger iron and better cooling of the tubes and trannies.
I have noticed at least three faceplates as well- one with a musical instrument like a guitar, the one with the " >> " between the "KT" and "45", and one with "KT ~ 45".
They KT was in production from 1998 or so until April of 2006. There were less than 100 made.
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Post by Curt on Jul 28, 2008 8:12:01 GMT -7
Production was stopped in April of 2006 after the loss of Z's main side kick and head of QA, Kurt.
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Post by dock66 on Jul 28, 2008 9:17:58 GMT -7
Thanks for the little history of KT45. Did not know much about KT45 before until toward the end of production in 2006. I've always noticed that my KT45 head cab is slightly smaller than my other Z heads ,may not be as small as a Ghia but enough to notice the difference,just my observation.
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Post by bluzman on Jul 28, 2008 10:12:56 GMT -7
Thanks guys... Good info here.
I have mine on order and cain't wait to get it.
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Post by eliot1025 on Aug 13, 2008 0:48:52 GMT -7
Thanks, Phil. Good post!
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Post by Harvey on Aug 14, 2008 11:15:59 GMT -7
That was some great Info, much appreciated Phil.... I knew I had one of the early ones, but I didn't know it was one of the first
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