What Is The Hiwatt Sound? (it's not what you think)

Hiwatt Guitar Amps are some of the most famous amps from the '60s and '70s, but what is the Hiwatt sound? They don't sound like Marshall, Vox, Fender, or Orange instead they have their own unique tone and response that players like David Gilmour and Pete Townshend made famous.
Check out this amazing site all about Hiwatt amps
hiwatt.org/
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[@maniacalion6170]

The Hiwatt sound: “WHAAAATTT I CANT HEAR YOU!”

[@Pandamasque]

We call it the Hiwatt sound. Doctors call it tinnitus.

[@pd4165]

I bought a HIWATT (DR103) in 1980. I have tinnitus. Coincidence?

[@DMSProduktions]

HI!! WHAT???

[@unitoftemp]

"What!? Turn it up!?"

[@grig151]

@@pd4165 It can be worse. At least you know the reason. I never owned hiwatt amp, but have tinnitus

[@caryrodda]

Those are two of the most famous guitar sounds in tock: Pete Townsend and David Gilmour. That's a great endorsement of the amps just on that merit alone. Thanks for breaking it down for us.

[@brianwagoner8899]

Tock? Tock and Roll. Are you ready to Tock? Hmmmm, you might have something there. Tock on.

[@Noseheros]

Page used one at Royal Albert Hall show too

[@staminuptime7646]

@@Noseheros my favorite tone of his. Combine the custom 100s with stacks of Celestion g12 greenbacks and do some rewiring for some more gain from the amp and you have the sound

[@davidrewit]

@@brianwagoner8899 Mandela effect dude

[@blix4199]

@@brianwagoner8899 tock ’n’ toll has an awful lot to answer for

[@kirkmooneyham]

As an aircraft electrician and electronics technician, I will say that the wiring layout in those amps showcases an impressive standard and attention to detail.

[@georgefromgreece4119]

Thanks for the insight!

[@curtislowe4577]

Is the Mooney in Mooneyham from Mooney Aircraft? And also Kerrville?

[@Seadogstudio]

Can you elaborate more? This sounds really interesting.

[@DRIIC-qw8us]

Dave Reeves learned his trade in military wiring. I've heard rumours that they tested the design by chucking an amp out of a window. It needed to be able to withstand that to pass Mr Reeves QA standards.

[@scottestes7768]

Can you plug a guitar into an airplane?

[@heikosinus]

Thanks for the video! I really love your series about famous amps. I'm quite new to this subject. Some weeks ago I got myself a Line 6 HX Stomp and began to do some researches on the amp sounds. And it was like falling into a rabbit hole... For me, your videos are one of the best sources I know so far. I really like your approach: The combination of the historical view, the look on famous players and recordings, the analysis of the characteristics of the amp, and demonstrations of the original sound in high quality. GREAT JOB!!!!! Greetz from Germany

[@rossbrown3656]

Hiwatts always immediately make me thing of Pete Townsend with the sg special on live at Leeds .... classic

[@blackusniggus6249]

Oh yessss

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

That sound has been a major tonal influence for me as well!

[@gib412]

Same here

[@MrDevins]

Me too!

[@reubenacciano]

this

[@MitchLamm93]

I really like these "sound" videos. As a bass player, I think of John Entwistle when it comes to Hiwatt. His Live at Leeds tone is insane. When you listen to that album, turn off your right speaker and you will hear all bass through the left. It is amazing what that man could do on a bass.

[@novembaer69]

If anyone asks me why I need such big speakers I put on "Magic Bus",saying, "this is Pete on the right and now John comes in on the left..."- and we almost can see them play !

[@GuitaristInProgress]

I got to see him once at a tiny theater, maybe 200 people in the audience. It was a privilege. Astounding to watch that man go.

[@NoirL.A.]

he only used HIWATT briefly he was mostly SUNN throughout his career but yeah 'LAL' is some of the most amazing bass sounds ever commited to tape (and the whole thing is just one FENDER P bass incredible).

[@cliffords2315]

I used 2 Custom HIWATT 200's Jumper cable for both chanels, through an Ampeg SVT Cab and a Two 15" JBL Cab sounded just like Entwistle with my P-Pass with Rotosound rounds. And Rickenbacker 4001

[@cliffords2315]

@@NoirL.A. He used HIWATT all through the 60s and got Sunn Collesiums in 73, so almost 10 years using Hiwatts and Early Marshalls

[@hpoz222]

Fun fact: David Gilmour actually used a Fender amp for most of the recording of Wish You Were Here!

[@hpoz222]

A Dual Showman, specifically

[@effsixteenblock50]

@@hpoz222 Hiwatt on DSOTM?

[@jameshutcheon3100]

@@effsixteenblock50 Correct - DR103 with various cabs (including Leslie and Maestro rotating speakers) for most of it.

[@stiffrichard2816]

@@effsixteenblock50 A '72 Twin. You see it behind him in the studio in Live At Pompeii.

[@stiffrichard2816]

A Dual Showman is the head version of a Twin. I use to have a '72 Twin with Utah speakers which sounded a lot like a Hiwatt. The Utah speakers were the trick. They didn't project well but sounded like Chinese-made V30's. Also, the dreaded 70 watt Celestions actually sound great in Twins for a 70's rock sound with good mids.

[@jerryreff1857]

I had the pleasure and honor of working on and then owning a 100 watt Hiwatt. Having worked in the defense electronics, I was amazed at the MIL spec style workmanship in the Hiwatt. Dave Reeves was the epitome of GREAT guitar amp craftmanship. Great video.

[@chrisfit]

“What is the Line 6 spider sound”

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Bees in a jar

[@Pandamasque]

@@sirbaronvoncount4147 *spiders in a jar, fighting.

[@t3hgir]

haahah

[@tjport1980]

The line 6 spider sound is generally synonymous with bathroom noises

[@adrianscarlett]

A rather dull thump when it hits the ground?

[@harveywallace4896]

Honestly, that video you did at that recording session when you used that Hiwat was some of the hands down best tone ive ever heard... no doubt

[@danielfrabotta5501]

Just watched this again as I was creating a Hiwatt patch in my modeler and you really helped me get that tone.Much appreciated.

[@bryansonnet2454]

Great job and very informative. I remember when Alex Lifeson used these amps early in Rush. They certainly have a beautiful, rich sound as you demonstrated

[@scottstetzer]

I always think of Pete Townsend.

[@wildskel6350]

Agreed! Had no idea Gilmour used them.

[@analogalien]

Me too. I believe Pete was one of the first, if not the first, guitarist to use them.

[@mouloudo]

@@wildskel6350 lol Gilmour has one of the most sought after tone

[@robst247]

Great video - love your passion for the details and, especially, the wiring! Evokes a happy memory of my first Who concert back in the mid-70's in Leicester, England. I was 16 and Pete's wall of Hiwatts was making all my internal organs dance to Baba O'Riley, Bargain and Won't Get Fooled Again. It wasn't about hearing the music - it was way too loud for that - your ears were almost redundant; it was about viscerally experiencing the music as if the band was playing inside you! Imagine trying to stand while being hosed by the fire brigade while having your head re-forged by a steamhammer while having your teeth extracted by a drunk dentist and you're beginning to get an impression of what the greatest rock band in the history of the universe was doing to my teenage anatomy! Several times during the concert - in a small theatre with the seats taken out - I had to leave the hall because I thought my eyes were going to pop out and my intestines were going to rupture. (The pre-concert joint may have contributed to the state of alarm.) TEENAGE WASTELAND OH YEAH TEENAGE WASTELAND THEY'RE ALL WASTED@ My ears were. They were ringing for a day or two afterwards.

[@colej3360]

One of the best channels on youtube. So much interesting and thoroughly researched content. Well done!

[@philz600]

Awesome Video!!! That was so educational and presented with so much enthusiasm. Thanks man.

[@domejunky]

Good to see Hiwatt getting some love. They've always been my favourite amps. I used to play them in guitar shops as a kid. Nearly bought one when I was a teenager for £65 - that was too much pocket money though

[@stiffrichard2816]

Both Townshend and Gilmour actually used early "CR" models that were modded for them. They had more front end gain and mids than the 1973 "DR" models. The trick is the high headroom preamp can handle a lot of effects without turning to mush. Jimmy Page used a heavily modded one as a well. Much more gain. You can get pretty close with a Laney Klipp or a Carvin X-100B

[@bradlund1704]

I have an original Carvin 100 watt Tolex head, the model BEFORE they changed the covering to that fuzzy, cat hair catcher crap - this amp is a beast - bought it from a friend in the mid 80's - I wish Rhett would do a segment on this head. I just fired this amp up for the first time in ????? years and thru a 4x12 OMG I forgot how good moving air felt - I was definitely rattling the nails in my house :-)

[@shaunw9270]

There's footage of Townshend using DR103 amps . There was also a CP103 ,built for Townshend which was supposed to be closer to the older Sound City amps of '66.

[@heftosprod]

@@shaunw9270 his were DR 103W . And we're essentially the same as the CP103.

[@bassplayer2011ify]

Alex Livison also used Hiwatts at least in the studio. From A Farewell To Kings up to Moving Pictures he was using DR Hiwatts through a Marshall 4x12 with green backs.

[@snowyrain5730]

HIWATT was a custom shop we have to remember back then. You couldn't just walk into a store and buy one. Stock late 60's HIWATTS all had slightly more gain than the later early/mid 70's models. They were darker sounding as well. This is an aside to the various custom amps being built for touring bands.

[@olivernorthguitar]

Very interesting. Best video of that series so far, Rhett!

[@balabeylo1995]

Love this video series! Keep it on, dude!

[@crimfan]

I believe the terrifying Robert Fripp guitar tones from King Crimson's Lark's Tongues in Aspic, Starless and Bible Black, and Red were Hiwatts. Jimmy Page also used a Hiwatt head at the legendary Royal Albert Hall concert.

[@lbcsrw]

Thanks for mentioning this.

[@Stratman78]

@crimfan I think Robert Fripp was using Marshalls on 'In the Court of the Crimson King' while Greg Lake was using Hiwatts (the only King Crimson album he played bass on). BUT, from 'In the Wake of Poseidon' to 'Red' (and we'll also say 'USA'), Fripp was using Hiwatt.

[@michaelwoods9005]

Pete Townshend actually started playing Dave Reeves' Sound City amps in 1967/68, after Hiwatt was established as it's own company Dave started putting Pete's earlier SC100 amps in Hiwatt head cabinets when they came in for servicing, and then made him his own custom Hiwatt amps (CP103 "Super Who") that were identical to the earlier MK1 SC100s.

[@stephenfrancis303]

I thought the sound city was a laney super group my dream amp

[@tonedriverss8629]

This is a most excellent video on the iconic Hiwatt amps ! Very well done . Very well covered . Big love for Hiwatt amps . When a studio I used to play at was closing down , they were selling off a superb DR103 . I found out too late , and some guy had snaged it for a mere five hundred bucks . Was I ever pissed off , very disappointed to say the least ! I had played for many hours through that Hiwatt with just an MXR Distortion + in front , and man what a killer sound . Thats the way they always had that rig set up and everyone was happy using it in that simple way . It was monstrous and very versatile . Great video , bro !

[@julianpindar7111]

Hey, really love this talk through the Hiwatt sound, thanks so much. You didn't quite get all the details of how Hiwatt started and the collaboration between the band and Dave Reeves. Happy to fill you in or get my dad too, he was the singer and rhythm guitarist in the Band, Hylights, the amp was named after.

[@mwrable]

Townshend = HIWATT 😉 I owned an original HIWATT 50w head in the late 70s and could not get any real dirt from it. It’s a good pedal platform but I’m not a pedal guy. Sold it and got a ‘79 Marshall 2203 100W w/ master volume and used it with no issues for 20 years worth of shows. In fact, I had it modded in the early 80s when no manufacturers were offering higher gain solutions and it was a fire-breather. YMMV

[@DavidRavenMoon]

And there wasn’t many pedals in the 70s. Maybe a Big Muff Pi or Distortion Plus?

[@outtolunch88]

I've had my '73 DR504 since 1989 - originally with a TS-9, SD-1 and HM2 gain stacking. You can try and prise it from my cold dead fingers even though I use an AC15 now.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I had a 50 watt half stack I used with a Rams Head after selling my 50 watt Plexi

[@stratmancruthers]

Agree! Borrowed a 100w Hiwatt back in the 80’s, it was extremely bright and loud but could not get much distortion. Switched to a 50w Marshall JCM series, totally blew the Hiwatt away with master volume and preamp

[@benink5690]

Not a pedal guy? You must be old af lol

[@stevephale]

Great video, as a Brit who grew up with Pink Floyd this tone to me is inspirational. These amps really do deserve more recognition than that probably have, you really demonstrated the range of tone available asides the clean tone which everyone associated with this amp.

[@awwwyeaboyeeee]

Really well done video. Thanks for posting.

[@diegifappels107]

Awesome video the details and playing were amazing. Thank you!

[@renegonzalez1336]

I really want to see a “What is the Rickenbacker Sound” video

[@DroomSpook]

I was wishing for this last night as I drifted to sleep!

[@tommawson1119]

Watch Chris bucks recent video on them, he’s fantastic

[@shirleymental4189]

Rene Gonzalez. Easy. Jingly jangly. Done.

[@sunnohh]

Also basses, even though this is a guitar channel

[@nedward5871]

For a second I thought you meant Rickenbacker amp sound, which is probably not a video anyone really wants/needs...

[@Mikey__R]

I mostly play bass guitar. I've played loud solid state amps before, but plugging into a cranked 103 was an experience that's stayed with me. A valve power stage does something to the sound you don't get with transistors.

[@Bloodysugar]

It's the preamp that does most tonal job. Also solid state gets very different how it clips when cranked, for cleans, not so much. Playing a valve preamp + solid state poweramp nails a 100% valve amp, you'll start to hear some differences only when power amp gets cranked too. Get a more powerful solid state amp to get more headroom, and rely on your preamp to provide the gain : you'll get your wall of valve saturated sound without solid state distortion. Preamp : makes your sound quality Poweramp : makes your sound quantity If you want this kind of valve feeling get something like a Frog FX1 and use it to replace your preamp section in your solid state amps (if your amps got an FX loop leading straight to poweramp without preamp interaction), it will cost way less than changing amps and you'll have the hell of a clean valve plateform with huge headroom to push with your pedals.

[@cziarno1972]

Fantastic job Rhett. Well done article vid!

[@patrickkoenigsfeld1253]

Love your videos man. Thank you!

[@kevincourcey813]

This was really helpful Rhett. My Zoom G5n has a Hiwatt amp model, but I was only using it for super clean sounds. I went back into some of my Who (and Gilmour) patches and switched to the Hiwatt model and it did sound way better.

[@snowyrain5730]

modelling amps are nothing compared to what they're imitating. plug into a real one, and you'll find out ;)

[@drj602]

Townshend is the man when you mention Hiwatt. I just wanted to mention that the “Live at Leeds concert footage” is either from the Isle of Wight or some other WHO footage that has appeared lately on YT, unfortunately NONE of which is actually from The Leeds University show or “Live At Leeds”.

[@BobbysArchive]

There’s black and white clips from the balcony you can find if you dig deep enough. There was also a camera on stage that we’ve never seen footage from

[@brandontardif5172]

Love the Bell Mountain shots! nice video!

[@buaidhnobas1ify]

Another great video. I used to work at QSC when we in a garage, so I have always been fascinated by built quality. I left early before they took off.

[@jumpboy29]

This video made my day, I love the classic Hiwatt sounds! Pete Townsend was playing a CP103 at Leeds. His own custom circuit. No midrange control. I have heard them described as very huge scooped sounding and don't take pedals very well. It's a unique amp... not a DR103....But Pete did play a DR in the 70's. Or maybe TWO at the same time

[@SolidBubba]

Tommy Bolin got amazing tones out of his Hiwatt Dr-103. Great video Rhett!

[@rikvee]

informative, good sound AND great playing, thank you Rhett!

[@benadoeffects]

Great video Rhett, keep the good work.

[@Bhallmed]

I bought a Hi-Tone last year. It’s supposedly the closest thing to a HiWatt during the Hiwatt prime era. The Hiwatt company today is not the same as the 70s.

[@craigthomson3621]

The UK (Doncaster) made Custom Hiwatts of today sound pretty good (when matched with Fane speakers). Less sure about the cheap Chinese made ones.

[@brendanjay9798]

I love my DR103... I have used it for everything from a pedal platform to killer high gain stuff. An incredible workhorse

[@Joe-mz6dc]

I have always loved these amps and your presentation is excellent.

[@chriscole9069]

Rhett love the channel! appreciate you putting out all this content. Great stuff! To me, Townshend is the ultimate Hiwatt player but Gilmour is famous for using them as well as Alex Lifeson and Jimmy Page. FYI - Gilmour used a Dual Showman for that part in “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” that you showed off in the beginning of the video. I’ve seen documentation on that.

[@billyboy65leath84]

I miss my DR103 and didn’t appreciate enough when I had it. Had it throughout the 80s from 83 till 88 and what a beast with a 4x12. Tone was deep!

[@GravyDaveNewson]

King Crimson used Hiwatts for bass and guitar in the classic 72-74 period, basically most of my favourite albums of all time. I completely missed that they are still making them.

[@mikesolomon481]

Vey interesting info about HiWatt which I never knew before seeing this video, Great presentation as per usual !

[@Pegasus4213]

Really interesting video. Great job man!

[@mrnelsonius5631]

More than the amps, I want to know what Univibe/Leslie effect you were using in that intro motif!! Sounded phenomenal

[@Rainyman63]

Many years ago I borrowed a Hiwatt 50 Watt Combo for a recording. I tried to play it loud and i must agree that "punishing" is the right word for what it did. It was scary for the young guitar player I was at that time. But FUN!

[@kamspork8408]

Great video, answered my questions! Thanks!!

[@willcoxmnk]

Way cool episode, thanks for sharing!

[@rensvenema3601]

I myself am blessed to have an original '76 DR504, I've played numerous amps before but this amp is just magical. Bridging the Normal and Brill channel with a patch cable is something different.

[@9999plato]

The Who even memorialize HIWATT amps in the song "Long Live Rock".

[@seangearhart2494]

Even though that was probably a Gretsch into a Bandmaster 🤣

[@napomania]

They use hiwatt in great live gig . In studio they use a more little and relyble Amp

[@johnoberle9750]

Overture live about the 2.30 mark with the Gibson SG. The Almighty Who. #1 in my mind forever.

[@cosmokramer4703]

@@napomania well smaller yes but hiwatts are probably the most reliable amps ever made... it's easier to get a sound in a studio with a small amp then I monster like this

[@nickjammer1]

hey great job on this Rhett!

[@timchalmers1700]

Yet another great Rhett Shull video !!

[@theroamers6136]

I m greatfull to be a guitar player and i m greatfull to see these guys sharing history of music and iconic gears and rhett shull thank you man for sharing this iconic gear and history of these amps couldn't be greatfull than this again thanks @rhett shull and loved to these every guitar player out there keep playing keep inspiring

[@j.f.sebastian3263]

The use of Partridge transformers in these early models had also a huge impact on the sound. They were used by companies like SoundCity and Roost, who produced their amps in the same area in southern England, aswell.

[@drj602]

GREAT VIDEO RHETT!

[@melvined]

Love hiwatts! J. Robbins of Jawbox used them for years and always loved his tone. Thanks for the video! Great channel!

[@wgb01001]

Love your vids, Rhett, but HiWatt = Townshend & Entwhistle. Live At Leeds. The greatest guitar tone of all-time. God damn it, The Who (and PT) are so underrated. P-90’s in SG into Super Fuzz into HiWatt. That’s it. That’s the sound.

[@elrondmcbong8184]

The Super Fuzz is used very rarely.

[@wgb01001]

@@elrondmcbong8184 Sure, but when he kicks it on it’s magic. Plus, if I *didn’t* mention it, you know someone else would be all “ACTUALLY, he also used a Super Fuzz...” 🙄

[@PierceThirlen2]

The first time that I saw The Who was around 1970 at the Minneapolis Auditorium. I was sitting around 10 rows from the stage These were the days before they were using PA system and mic-ing the guitar amplifiers. They had Hi Watt speaker cabinets stacked 2/3 of the way to the ceiling and across the entire stage. It was so freakin' loud that the guy sitting next to me left the concert. They played most of "Tommy" in addition to everything else. It was AWESOME!

[@daveparris8123]

Thanks, Rhett! Nicely done.

[@TheBigdutchster]

Excellent video, Rhett.

[@Joeherdingcats]

I own a Joyce 100. Second one he built. It was originally a 2 holer - not a 4. Such a pleasure to behold the tone in my warehouse.

[@gentlewolf1279]

I love the 2 hole version more myself. A better sounding gain to me. Cheers!

[@Kaisermb1]

Bought a Hi-Tone 18watt combo a few years back. It’s a clone licensed by Reeves and unbelievably OCD-built. Ungodly loud but super versatile and the best pedal platform I’ve used.

[@adammichaelsen7354]

becoming one of my favorite channels. nice job.

[@TheBladepolisher]

Great vid Rhett ! ! So easy to get immersed in the history of the components that built and made the music we all grew up listening to. I was wonder though, what happened to the cab comparison ? ? Did we even get a chance to hear the celestion sound ? ?

[@BrettPapa]

Great vid man!

[@RhettShull]

Thanks Brett!

[@karltraunmuller7048]

I would think of Pete Townshend first, tbh. Anyway, go Hiwatt, lovely analysis and demo 👏🏻👏🏻 And yes, the Fanes are an essential part of the sound.

[@mannyhoward2353]

Yep, Townshend is always my first thought too when talking about Hiwatts.

[@dimitriskovaios]

Great video!!! Owning a Hiwatt DR504 and WEM cab clone by Hi-Tone amps, I can tell you it really is a new concept of guitar tone and amplification! Not necessarily better tone-wise. Just different, unique...Beautiful! I also agree, that such amps are meant to be played through the corresponding high wattage Fane speakers. I've used mine with other cabs, but none seems to compliment it as much!

[@subpoppy1]

Love this series, bro. Good stuff.🎸👍

[@U2WB]

Back in the 70s I owned a Sound City 120 head and twin 4x12 cabs. When I got married I had to sell the whole thing and buy a small combo amp, but back then I had no idea that these were, basically, Hiwatt amps with a music store’s name on them, or that Jimi Hendrix had played them. Had I known, I surely would have found a way to hang onto them. BOY were they LOUD !

[@frankporfidio9813]

before 1970 or so Sound City WAS a Hiwatt . AFTER THAT , they came up with their own design and it wasn't anywhere what a Marshall or Hiwatt was .

[@michaelwoods9005]

A sound city 120 isn't anything like a Hiwatt. All the Dave Reeves design hallmarks were gone by then. The only thing they had in common was partridge transformers, and not all SC120s even had those.

[@iagobroxado]

Still waiting on that "What is the Boss Metal Zone Sound?" video.

[@locowillyrails9128]

What a perfectly clear and informative video. After watching this video, I'm sure there are a lot of folks wanting a Hiwatt 100 watt DR103 and a 4x12 cabinet loaded with Fanes. I certainly do and for the right reasons. You, sir, are a benefit to very many things, no doubt. Thank you, Rhett.

[@CarvedTop]

In 1979, I played a 56 Gibson ES225 through a Hi Watt100 into a Fender Bandmaster bottom. Sure, it was a handfull, but you felt the sound as well as hearing it. Thanks for bringing back the memories Rhett👍🏻

[@motorrebell]

Very underrated amp manufacturer - LANEY would be interesting too !

[@fancykarlmarx]

Pretty sure sabbath used laneys during their good period

[@ricardorodriguez5549]

I’d love to see a whole series on under rated amps: Lab Series, Yamaha, Laney, Peavey

[@elliottheredia6810]

I've always wanted a hiwatt

[@ParaBellum2024]

Not so much "underrated", but perhaps under-appreciated and passed over by people who might change their mind if they actually tried one! The Laney VC50, for instance, is a wonderful amp.

[@melvined]

I had a Laney 100w back in 90 and that thing was a monster. I blew it up tho! Lol

[@MarceloKatayama]

Whenever I hear "Hi-Watt", I think of John Wetton! Incredible bassist who liked to use the power of the HiWatt to it's fullest extent.

[@scotthall8502]

great piece thanks Rhett

[@brianwarner308]

awesome video….great recording job!

[@bsmith5433]

Rhett - this series of videos is like 'Guitar Amp appreciation 101' - for those of us that are undereducated or can't spend as much time in the local guitar shop as we'd like - please keep 'em coming!

[@mleon1958]

Two of the best examples of the Hiwatt 'cranked' sound are on the Jo Jo Gunne album "So Where's the Show": particularly the title tune and 'I'm your Shoe'. The second album is by Trapeze called "Hot Wire". All through that record are some fantastic tones, both clean and cranked.

[@Zoso7227]

I’ve been searching for that sound in albums. Thanks!

[@jasonsheppard7428]

great stuff, man! subscribed!

[@johnescosaii3947]

Rhett, I have been enjoying your channel for quite a while. I own a DR-103, which I used on the road during the '70s and have managed to keep in reasonable cosmetic condition. As you noted in this video the workings are so well constructed that the only maintenance required to keep it in tip-top working order has been tube replacement. I was quite surprised though at the difference in the sounds of the two cabinets. I have no experience of the Dividedby13 equipment, but I assume the cabinet itself is well built. What surprised me was how much darker the Celestions sounded, than did the Fanes. I have two 4x12 Hiwatt cabs, but neither of them is loaded with Fanes. The speaker of which I am in awe is the Fane 12" that Hiwatt put into the 100 watt Bulldog Combo amp. Essentially a DR-103 in a combo box with one 12" speaker. Astonishingly loud, clean and heavy.

[@brookchivell]

I’ve been playing Hiwatts for the past 10 years. Started with an early custom 50 which is amazing. I was turned onto them after seeing Keith urban live. Woah!!!! Fane speakers are 100% the best match for them. There is definitely a magic there. I’ve tried it with other speakers and nothing else has ‘that’ sound. Those partridge transformers are meaty The cleans are amazing and as a pedal platform there is literally no better amplifier. If you have the room to be able to get them to the edge of break up (it’s amazing and LOUD) you can hear the voice of the angels. Put a klon over that and the developer comes out to play. I’ve tried everything but hiwatt is the best all round amp I’ve ever played. They sound pretty good at lower volumes with pedals But LOUD!!! Will change your life. Ps..... fane speakers are honestly a must

[@snowyrain5730]

There are dozens of different types of Fane speakers, fyi. To say "this amp needs this speaker" isn't accurate, beyond personal preference.

[@brookchivell]

@@snowyrain5730 ok to be specified Fane crescendo speakers. A vast majority of the classic Hiwatt tones people love on record we’re done with those speakers. You are right you can use whatever you ‘personally prefer’ but is it the ‘Hiwatt sound’ if you’re not using the ‘Hiwatt sound’ speakers? Do you though 👍🏻 find your own voice, use whatever you want but the video is about ‘the classic Hiwatt sound’ not find your own sound 🤷🏼

[@pangloss9]

I recently took possession of a Hi-Tone amp (prolly the most authentic Hiwatt copies made anywhere) and it stunned me how versatile the amp is. Loads of headroom with really unique EQ controls...more useable than any other amp EQ controls I've encountered.

[@PatrickJWenzel]

I built one of these! You nailed it regarding the EQ. A little goes a long way. Perfect amp to really understand what each knob does, sonically.

[@outtolunch88]

Headroom - sounds like a HiWatt.

[@nikrichter6465]

1990 I bought a Dr 103 (Custom Hiwatt 100) with matching 4x12 Cab ( Bassversion) with original Fanes from 1970 and its one of the best amps I ever owned .I´m still using it in my Studio. Its a monster ! When i tested it the first time (naturally at full volume ) it really moved some air and I was frightened to blow the windows of my appartement ! A couple of weeks later someone offered me the Custom 200 !! ( I didn´t buy it). I love your videos, specially this one !!

[@bul166]

Love these videos!👍

[@KleyDeJong]

Very cool video Rhett. Hiwatt amps are amazing. I love that you highlighted their stellar build quality. He also used very high quality components. If you want to get into building amps, trying to copy his layouts piece for piece would be a really smart idea! Regarding the circuit, there seems to be some variation. Most deviate and are really their own thing. Two parallel input gain stages mixed into another gain stage. Plate driven tone stack. Then two more gain stages. Some Hiwatts also have some interesting implementations of negative feedback and the presence control. One small note - jumpering the channels does not 'cascade' them. To me that would mean they run in series like a JCM800. They are running in parallel with one another. Parallel gain stages are a really cool sound IMO. It adds a lot of thickness and in the same way that an SM57 and a 121 compliment one another's EQ, the two channels compliment one another. Lastly I believe Dave Reeves is up there as one of the all time great amp designers and builders. He should be in the conversation with Leo Fender, Jim Marshall, Dick Denney, Howard Dumble, Randall Smith, Ken Fischer, etc...

[@HomespunEffects]

I was going to mention that jumpering the channels is parallel, not cascaded but I checked the comments and my pal Kley had it covered. Hi, friend! 😊 You want to see a modern builder that builds a super high quality amp like Dave Reeves, check out Bruce Clement’s work. BC Audio.

[@renebasso.v4301]

I was thinking to buy a HIWATT G100R MAXWATT for 150€-200€ boucks. You think is worth it, what should i know about this amp? I don't have a full knowlge about electronic components and hiwatt brand.

[@kostaskaravis3367]

Great video Rhett! I think Hiwatt should send you a dr103 !

[@rondelio8562]

Great new addition to your 'sound' series, Rhett!! I learned a bunch on the Hiwatt. I always thought Pete Townsend was jamming thru a Marshall!. New stuff, yeah !!

[@jeffreysoble5369]

Great video! I couldn’t agree with you more about how Hiwatt amps help to influence so many guitarists, me included. I fell in love with the guitar from listening to David Gilmour and just being in awe about how he can make it sing. So naturally when I became a guitarist myself, while I do play a Fender, or a Soldano from time to time, or the occasional Marshall, my go to, my old reliable, my #1 choice amp is Hiwatt with the Starfinder cab and Fane Crescendo speakers.

[@briancrabaugh6966]

These amps are so damn good sounding because of those huge great quality transformers. Clarity is in the iron!!!

[@277southtombob]

Absolutely right! Low wattage amps have gotten popular in recent years but they just don’t have the girth, fullness and clarity that big, heavy transformers do. I really like the high power Fender tweed Twin, it’s basically the same circuit as a Bassman but the bigger transformers just give them a big tone.

[@Reaktanzkreis]

@@277southtombob Thats right. Hiwatt used M6 Lamination. It got a high permeability and a wide frequency range. The saturation starts at 1,8 T or 18,000 Gauss. The secret is in the iron and the winding skills. And last not least the pure oversizing of the cores in this amps. The core is an EI114 stacking 165 0.35mm lamininations. the opt winding ar 2 time interleaved. Due to this oversize there are less windings to be need which lower the copper loss . The plate winding has only 2x12 Ohms copper resistance. I was told due to the EU standardisation EI114 cores will no more produced, the are replaced by EI120 size. If you used the opt core of this size as a mains transformer it will be good to carry 700 VAs. (50Hz)

[@50gary]

The first player that comes to my mind was Pete Townsend, I saw the WHO at the Pontiac Silverdome 80,000 people indoor and PT looked like he had the entire years production of HIWATT amps Very impressive. I later had a new VOX V-125w that was much like the HIWATT I also used Fane loudspeakers. Unique sounds.

[@ethanlamb7324]

Hey Rhett awesome content as usual ! I am glad to see Hiwatt amps getting a bit more recognition . I use a 76 4 input dr504 and a Hi-tone dr103 100 watt clone . These amps can do anything from clean to very overdriven tones if turned up abs preamp gains up ( I use an an attenuator when around the house or in the studio ). The 100 can get a very Black Sabbath like sound , which doesn’t surprise as I believe laney Amps used partridge transformers also . The 50 gets a lot more gained and for whatever reason sounds more modern . The nice thing is even with the preamps up to dimed or close to it you can still pick lighter or roll back the guitar volume slightly it cleans up beautifully ! I love that they stay tight and clear with humbuckers even . I use mine with a 72 hiwatt cab with hi-tones DR-F speakers ( I highly recommend this speaker ) they are based on a certain late 70s fanes. I want to try their 123 speaker next that is based on the late 60s early 70s fanes. Anyways sorry to write a long rambling post but love these amps . Keep up the good work ! Best Ethan

[@nothingislogical]

If you can ever get your hands on one, I'd love to see you do one of these videos on a Sunn Model T, or just Sunn amps in general.

[@keef7224]

I used to play in a KISS tribute in Japan, and every gig had Marshalls for back line- which was just right for that sound. But one venue had a vintage Sunn, and it was absolutely hands down the most badass amp I’ve ever played through.🎸💥

[@Intaminator]

Second that request. Those Model Ts are legendary, though maybe not in classic rock circles.

[@nothingislogical]

@@Intaminator I know Model T's are more well known for doom metal and stoner rock, but they're really more along the lines of a classic rock amp. They only get the heavy distortion from either cranking everything (literally every knob) on it to 10, or throwing a fuzz in front, since, much like the Hiwatts mentioned in this video, they take pedals exceptionally well. Sunns in general were used by both Pete Townsend and Jimi Hendrix at different points in the late 60's, but I don't recall what models they used.

[@Intaminator]

@@nothingislogical IIRC Hendrix hated those Sunn amps. The whole classic rock thing was more in reference to lets say, the general targeted audience of Rhetts content. Model Ts can do classic rock, but that's not why people are after them, really. At least nowadays.

[@Intaminator]

@@nothingislogical Not sure what Pete Townshend was using, but if memory serves right Hedrix used a 100s. Don't think he ever laid his hands on a model T. The "earliest" bigger adopter of the Model T I can think of is Wino of The Obsessed/Saint Vitus. And that's not really big in the grand scheme of things, admittedly. Fairly late too, must've been some time in the 80s or 90s. Seems like these amps weren't really appreciated in their own time, unless I'm forgetting about some big rockstar who used them in the 70s.

[@KatmanJazznBlues]

A Hiwatt is used on one of my favorite leads, the solo on the song Aqualung by Martin Barre of Jethro Tull.

[@mikeoxley9121]

Cool video, Rhett! I saw The Who in the mid-70’s In St. Paul, MN. Townsend had two Hiwatt stacks for his SG. Was the best guitar tone I ever heard at a 70’s concert! Thanks for the video! 🎸

[@TARASGUITARS]

That was awesome - thanks for this. Well done.

[@PANICBLADE]

King Crimson, the Who, Pink Floyd, Wishbone Ash, Jethro Tull, ELP, and many more. Early British progressive rock was pretty much built on these amps. They were all purpose so Bass and Keys can play through them as well and still sound fantastic.