A Question about Hiwatt Amps

[arath060]

I've been looking at hiwatt amps recently, however I'm seeing multiple sources which recommend steering clear of their recent products. However, there's never any specification why. Most often alternatives like Reeves or Hitone are recommended but I've never heard of either. Anyone know what's a good hiwatt style amp or what I should be looking for? Chances are it's not going to be cheap either.

 

[dystrust]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

I've been looking at hiwatt amps recently, however I'm seeing multiple sources which recommend steering clear of their recent products. However, there's never any specification why. Most often alternatives like Reeves or Hitone are recommended but I've never heard of either. Anyone know what's a good hiwatt style amp or what I should be looking for? Chances are it's not going to be cheap either.

The biggest deal is that Hiwatt amps have a certain reputation for build quality that the new manufacturer doesn't live up to. The same is true of the later Biacrown amps made in the mid 80s. I'm not super familiar with Hitone, but Reeves are built to the same standard as the original Hiwatts from the Hylight era. If you take a look at the turret board of a Reeves amp or vintage Hiwatt the build quality shows; the things look like a work of electronic art.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

I bought my hiwatt around 2006 and the only thing dicey about is the plastic speaker jacks. The rest of it is built like a tank with excellent fit and finish.

 

[dystrust]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

I bought my hiwatt around 2006 and the only thing dicey about is the plastic speaker jacks. The rest of it is built like a tank with excellent fit and finish.

Do you have one of the newer Hiwatts? I was under the impression that yours was from the early/mid 70s.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

Do you have one of the newer Hiwatts? I was under the impression that yours was from the early/mid 70s.

Mine's from 2007. I was off on my purchase year. It was brand-new when I bought it. Had to pay to ship it from England. Had to adapt the power plug also.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

The Hiwatt that I had was 1978, good stuff. I have not heard much about their products in the last 25 years or so.

Reeves is good, or so I have heard. I have not heard of Hiltone.

Trinity does a very nice clone, the Trinity Triwatt. You can have it either 22 watts or 38 watts, depending upon tubes and transformers. I've only heard clips, but my Trinity 18 (Marshall 18/WEM Dominator clone) is everything they said and more, so it may be worth looking at.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

Cannot help you with your quest, but I have been looking at Reeves amps lately, myself. If you end up pulling the trigger, do let us know!

 

[Mincer]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

Classic Hiwatts were overbuilt, loud, clean, and LOUD. I have heard different things about the new versions. I don't think they are built like they used to be (either are Orange amps, and everyone hated those in the 70s, but for some reason they are popular now). I think a recent Guitar Player had a 'review' of a Reeves, though.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

My recent Hiwatt seems pretty overbuilt. They might have skimped on a few components, like the plastic speaker jack, and the tubes are JJs (what was in the originals is simply not available anymore). The wiring inside is impeccable and fit and finish on the cab is perfect. No deviation in the piping trim, all tolex smooth and flat to the touch. Heavy bugger, and the second loudest amp I own. Can't stand within 6 feet of it. (Only my Traynor is louder.)

 

[LLL]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

The original Hiwatts (Dan Reeves IIRC built) were g-d works of art inside.

 

[arath060]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

Classic Hiwatts were overbuilt, loud, clean, and LOUD. I have heard different things about the new versions. I don't think they are built like they used to be (either are Orange amps, and everyone hated those in the 70s, but for some reason they are popular now). I think a recent Guitar Player had a 'review' of a Reeves, though.

Exactly what I want from an amp, I think the Reeves clones are the best bet, it's just a matter of getting the cash for it. I've always wanted a hiwatt because I've seen they are a good basis for pedals (Overdriver, Fuzz Face, etc.) and have a killer volume. The most appealing Reeves model seems to be the custom 18.

 

[uOpt]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

The quality of the transformers might also be hard to match.

The output transformer playing with the speaker can make a big difference in how clear and loud things can get.

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

Exactly what I want from an amp, I think the Reeves clones are the best bet, it's just a matter of getting the cash for it. I've always wanted a hiwatt because I've seen they are a good basis for pedals (Overdriver, Fuzz Face, etc.) and have a killer volume. The most appealing Reeves model seems to be the custom 18.

Might take a look at the old Traynor amps liek the Bassmaster- similar build quality, loud, clean, and Ive heard them described as kinda half Marshall/ Half Hiwatt, but don't sound stock as good as either.But for pedals , the Traynor is great.

 

[arath060]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

Another option are the kits available by weber, they have some different options in terms of tubes, the transformers, and the appearance. Best of all they appear very affordable. They have both a 50W and a 100W available, however only the 50W has el34s as an option. If anyone's done one of these kits, let me know.

http://www.tedweber.com/6h50-c-kt
http://www.tedweber.com/6h100-c-kt

 

[dystrust]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

Another option are the kits available by weber, they have some different options in terms of tubes, the transformers, and the appearance. Best of all they appear very affordable. They have both a 50W and a 100W available, however only the 50W has el34s as an option. If anyone's done one of these kits, let me know.

http://www.tedweber.com/6h50-c-kt
http://www.tedweber.com/6h100-c-kt

Those aren't really Hiwatts, it'd be more accurate to call them Hiwatt-inspired. I'm not 100% sure on the circuit layouts, but I'm pretty sure they use Marshall transformers which would change the tone pretty significantly.

 

[arath060]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

Those aren't really Hiwatts, it'd be more accurate to call them Hiwatt-inspired. I'm not 100% sure on the circuit layouts, but I'm pretty sure they use Marshall transformers which would change the tone pretty significantly.

In that case I bet it would just sound like a mix between the two amps. Since yesterday I was also told of a few other hiwatt clones are made by a number of manufacters like the Trinity Tri-Watt and the Ceriatone "Hey What 103" which is supposedly a clone of the DR103 which is my favorite out of Hylight era models. Finding the right amp is going to be tricky.

 

[zzmoore]

Re: A Question about Hiwatt Amps

If you are really after the Sound/Power of an original Hiwatt, i would go with one of the originals, or a modern day Hi-Tone.
Ceriatone is also a decent alternative.