Hiwatt 50 for Bass

[Jhtjon]

Anyone ever use a DR504 (Hiwatt custom 50) for bass? If so Good, Bad or just ok. I realize that it will not be like a 300+ watt solid state amp.

[BassmanPaul]

In todays world, nowhere near enough power! You'd barely get over the drummer.

Paul

[Spinal Tapper]

probably would be cool for the studio or soemthing, but probably not enough power for rehearsals in most cases

[Timi]

I sometimes use a 50 watt tube head in "fairly loud bands" with an 8x10 or sometimes just a 2x12 with no problems. I'm sure plenty of people on the internet would be quick to tell me it won't be loud enough.

Provided you have a good cab, your band isn't super loud and you don't want to be super clean, I think you will be fine. That said, get a 100 watt Hiwatt if you can....

[D.M.N.]

Yeah, a DR201 would serve you even better......'corse, they're pretty hard to find......but probably a DR104 at the least.

[AwkwardLoudness]

I've played bass through an old Hiwatt DR504 Custom 50, but never in a band setting. It could work okay depending on your volume needs. The stated wattage ratings on old Hiwatts were somewhat conservative.

Originally Posted by Timi

That said, get a 100 watt Hiwatt if you can....

I concur. The 4-input version (pre 1978) of the DR103 is a great bass amp.

I've sold some of my Hiwatt stuff, but still own a '74 DR103 Custom 100 head and a '73 DR405 400 watt head. Both are awesome.

Originally Posted by D.M.N.

Yeah, a DR201 would serve you even better......'corse, they're pretty hard to find......but probably a DR104 at the least.

I wish Hiwatt built more DR201s (200 watts) and DR405s. These were the ones specifically built for bass. I think you meant 'DR103' rather than 'DR104'. Dave Reeves only built a few amps labeled DR104 around 1968 - 1969. I've only seen pictures of two of these online. Thousands of DR103s were built.