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Hiwatt Custom 200/400

#2
Listen to The Who - Live at Leeds album, especially My Generation, to get a sense what an all Hiwatt setup sounds like. The picture I attached shows the stage setup before the show. Personally, I think the Hiwatt sound is great and I don't know why Entwhistle changed to Ashdown, but then Townsend has switched to Fender - all things change. Warning - take a look at some prices before you get GAS.:hmm:
 

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#5
Jim Powers said:
Listen to The Who - Live at Leeds album, especially My Generation, to get a sense what an all Hiwatt setup sounds like. The picture I attached shows the stage setup before the show. Personally, I think the Hiwatt sound is great and I don't know why Entwhistle changed to Ashdown, but then Townsend has switched to Fender - all things change. Warning - take a look at some prices before you get GAS.:hmm:
Click to expand...

Cool picture Jim, I had always envisioned a far larger venue. Check out the p.a. cabs, it looks like three 8 x 12 cabs on each side, what a trip.
 
#7
koobie said:
Cool picture Jim, I had always envisioned a far larger venue. Check out the p.a. cabs, it looks like three 8 x 12 cabs on each side, what a trip.
Click to expand...

Without the picture one gets a sense of echo across a stadium from the effects - this was a very well done live recording, IMHO the best. It was a mastery of total sound saturation. After 35 years of listening to this performance I am only increasingly awed.
 
#8
Thanks Guys, Yep I know Entwistle played the Hiwatt, though I always find it a bit hard judging an amp on an old record, even though Live at Leeds is a great sounding record, and also makes it hard by a man like Entwistle who really has a unique signature tone and touch. I would really to hear from someone who can compare it other amps in terms of overall performance. Is this for example in the league of lets say a Trace V8?
 
#11
Willem said:
look at this [This invalid link has been removed]
much cheaper and (almost/exactly?) the same...
they're working on the 400 watt version...
Click to expand...

The Mywatt 400 is already for sale. I am in contact with Max and I definitely will order one in November. He got feedback from customers in Italy that their new Mywatt 400 has smoked their vintage SVTs... :eek:

Im really lookin forward to make the A/B myself. :smug:

The Price of EUR 1600,- for the 400 and EUR 1100,- for the 200 is really a good price. You get handmade all tube amps for that from a oneman factory.

Here is a soundsample of the mywatt 200:

Invalid Link Removed
 
#12
Jacove, I'll suggest you listen to John Wetton's tone in King Crimson albums ("Lark's Tongues In Aspic", "Starless and Bible Black", "Red") and also in UK albums ("UK", "Danger Money"). He goes from clean, punchy and PHAT to overdriven.

Hope this helps,
Jay
 
#13
Okay, thanks...seems that it is a very rare amp...I have listened to a few recordings of a Hiwatt...seems to be that the amp is pretty clear, but still aggressive sounding. Would still love to hear from someone who has done a direct a/b with other tube heads...I got a deal on a custom 400 around 1500 euro, it sure sounds like a good deal...but don't know if this amp is my tone...
 
#14
They are rare nowadays but they were some top sellers back in the 70's. If I recall correctly, Roger Waters would tour with Hiwatt amps at least until '77 ("Animals" tour), and I guess his recordings with Pink Floyd were also done with these amps.

These days, Guy Berryman from Coldplay uses a Hiwatt Custom 200, paired with a sealed 4x12" Hiwatt bass cab.

They sound clean and PHATTEST, but if you crank the gain all the way up you get insane (and delicious) overdrive. Care for your ears though, I remember the DR201 (elder of Custom 200) was VERY loud.
 
#18
HiWatts, first off, the last time I saw the Who, a year plus ago, Hiwatts still in the backline for Pete.

HiWatts, I'll be honest, I'm a snob, mine are at least 40 years old. Saw the insides of the later made ones and was not impressed with either the workmanship or the component quality, especially for the premium that they are getting for them.

Own several of each size including 2 Customs that were done for me in the 70's.

Great amp!! Fender also had a 400 back in the late 60's early 70's. Also a great amp.

BE advised these are heavy suckers.

Never used mine for bass but most likely no issues

Some Marshalls will work but most of the 80's-90's era can't give you a clean tone, though they made one that was up to the job but I believe it was a stereo head 100 watts a side, not 200 and not sure if it can be bridged.
 
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