Hiwatt custom 200

glennblackdogs · #1 02-27-2011, 07:54 PM

Hey guys

Iv just been offered an endorsement deal with Hiwatt Amps, i really want to take it as it will help a lot with my band, though iv never had any experience with their bass amps.

Im been advised to go for the custom 200, just wondering if anybody owns one or has ever tried one out? and if so offer their opinions.

cheers

Bassmec · #2 02-27-2011, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glennblackdogs

Hey guys

Iv just been offered an endorsement deal with Hiwatt Amps, i really want to take it as it will help a lot with my band, though iv never had any experience with their bass amps.

Im been advised to go for the custom 200, just wondering if anybody owns one or has ever tried one out? and if so offer their opinions.

cheers

I have owned the original Hylite built DR 201 and used it for
years with no problems at all, I don't have any direct experience with the new Hiwatt production but if its anything like an original Hiwatt 200 DR201 Custom 4 X KT88 amp its one of the best all tube heads out there, its a great sound
and feels very powerful with an efficient 8 X 10 or 2 X 15.

I still use a very close cousin, also originally made in Southend called a Roost:

Gizmot · #3 02-27-2011, 08:22 PM

I had a 50 watt guitar head back in the 70s and it was quite a bit thicker sounding than anything else I've played. I have no problem thinking that the bass amp would be excellent - but I can't imagine that 4 x 12 cabs would do it for you unless they're deeper than the guitar cabs. If they offer a 4 x 10 or other models designed for bass, I think you'll be happy

AwkwardLoudness · #4 02-27-2011, 08:35 PM

I've played a couple vintage Hiwatt 200 (DR201 model) amps and I own a vintage Hiwatt 400 and a couple vintage Custom 100s.

The current owners of the Hiwatt brand are putting the Hiwatt tag on amps that are far inferior to their vintage counterparts. Hopefully, they have worked out some quality issues in the past couple years. Many musicians and amp techs have reported horror stories with problems related to bad jolder joints and poor quality transformers. I have played a couple of the newer 100w models and they sound good when they work. They are very clean, articulate, amps...great with effects pedals. I think it would be a good endorsement deal if some backup amps were part of the contract. Would they supply the cabs too. These amps are very picky with speakers, so it would be better if they supplied matching bass cab(s).

glennblackdogs · #5 02-28-2011, 07:24 AM

cheers guys, they have told me that they will repair and service it when ever i need (also helps that the factory is about a 40 minute drive away).

Im still having to pay for them, but i am more or less getting them at cost, but at the same time its still a fair bit of money. For the moment i think im going to have to stick with my ashdown abm cab (older uk made model) until i can get the money for 2 matching 4x10 cabs, its something that they said they didnt mind about as well.

icks · #6 02-28-2011, 08:09 AM

If it's not far for your spot, isn't it possible for you to go there and play all the amp they make with your basses to find the one (or two) that match your needs?

My guitarist plays an old Hiwatt (circa 1974/76) with matching 4x12. Killer tone and killer look (but awfully loud and heavyas hell !)

BTW: congrats for the endorsment!

glennblackdogs · #7 02-28-2011, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icks

If it's not far for your spot, isn't it possible for you to go there and play all the amp they make with your basses to find the one (or two) that match your needs?

My guitarist plays an old Hiwatt (circa 1974/76) with matching 4x12. Killer tone and killer look (but awfully loud and heavyas hell !)

BTW: congrats for the endorsment!

cheers

, i think im going to do that anyway, just wanted some opinions on them before i went down

sk8 · #8 02-28-2011, 10:13 AM

i've got one of the newer Customs as opposed to the DR201 original. great amp, loud and clean. sounds killer through my Berg NV412

Build quality is up there with the best of them IMHO.

Only downside is it weighs nealry 80lbs and only has a handle on the top!!!!

glennblackdogs · #9 02-28-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk8

i've got one of the newer Customs as opposed to the DR201 original. great amp, loud and clean. sounds killer through my Berg NV412

Build quality is up there with the best of them IMHO.

Only downside is it weighs nealry 80lbs and only has a handle on the top!!!!

cheers

i did hear that they are very heavy, might have to invest in a live in flight case to make it easier to handle

sk8 · #10 02-28-2011, 10:41 AM

think its 77lbs

its not too bad actually. would rather it be 50lbs though!!!!

The sound is worth it though

BassmanPaul · #11 02-28-2011, 11:35 AM

I have a DR201 from 1973. Yes it is heavy - very heavy. In my case the amp just stays at home. If you are being given an amplifier, why not just accept that you are getting free what many of your peers would give a leg and their first born for.

silky smoove · #12 02-28-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

If you are being given an amplifier, why not just accept that you are getting free what many of your peers would give a leg and their first born for.

He mentioned that he does have to pay for them amp. He's getting a great deal (cost), but it's certainly not free.

christw · #13 02-28-2011, 11:54 AM

Get the Custom 400. I played a DR405 belonging to a fellow TBer and it could kill whales.

glennblackdogs · #14 02-28-2011, 12:05 PM

The guy at hiwatt actually talked me out from getting the 400 as he said its just too powerful for the size of venues that my band is playing at the moment.

And with regards the cost it comes to about 55% off the RRP

TyKao · #15 02-28-2011, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christw

Get the Custom 400. I played a DR405 belonging to a fellow TBer and it could kill whales.

If the OP can't swing for a new cab in addition to the new head at the same time, then he might not have the extra cash to spring for the 400 watt version.

Plus, that 400 watt head might be overkill unless he's playing stadiums.

christw · #16 02-28-2011, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TyKao

If the OP can't swing for a new cab in addition to the new head at the same time, then he might not have the extra cash to spring for the 400 watt version.

Plus, that 400 watt head might be overkill unless he's playing stadiums.

Nothing wrong with having great power if you know how to keep it under control.

If the 200 seems more practical, do that. I just like to kill sea mammals with my amps.

glennblackdogs · #17 02-28-2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TyKao

If the OP can't swing for a new cab in addition to the new head at the same time, then he might not have the extra cash to spring for the 400 watt version.

Plus, that 400 watt head might be overkill unless he's playing stadiums.

Thats pretty much what the guy told me.
You're right about the cost as well, i could get a 4x10 with the price difference between the 200 and 400, and theres no way i'll be able to afford it all straight away, will have to come back for the cabs at a later date.

Spino · #18 02-28-2011, 12:37 PM

Tell them you want the Cab for free... stingy bastards !!!

corinpills · #19 02-28-2011, 12:48 PM

I can think of no better endorsement to get- that is the Godzilla of thunderous tube amps. I am incredibly impressed and very jealous.

AwkwardLoudness · #20 02-28-2011, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christw

Get the Custom 400. I played a DR405 belonging to a fellow TBer and it could kill whales.

Quote:

Originally Posted by glennblackdogs

The guy at hiwatt actually talked me out from getting the 400 as he said its just too powerful for the size of venues that my band is playing at the moment.

Regardless of volume needs, I'd stay away from the current production Hiwatt 400 amps. They are notoriously problematic especially for an amp that cost $4900 new here in the USA: http://www.aamps.us/hiwatt/hiwatt_400_bass_head.html

Here are some accounts from amp techs who have worked on them:
http://www.vintageamps.com/plexiboar...56&hilit=dr405
http://www.vintageamps.com/plexiboar...=DR405#p919780

Someone tried to build a DR405 clone using the new 'Partridge design transformer' and found that the transformers were poorly wound at the factory:
http://www.chambonino.com/work/hiwatt/hw4.html

On top of all that, MG is known to do forgery amp and guitar conversions with fake serial tags.
http://www.foreverdoomed.com/forums/...=16387&start=0
http://www.vintageamps.com/plexiboar...=dr405#p812369

The owners of MG are in a bit legal trouble for other reasons:
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.u...rges_1_3017049