Confused about my new DR103

[Empathy]

So I just put this baby down on layaway (sorry, this is the only pic I have thus far) on Sunday, and neglected make note of the serial number before I left.

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So I just called, and was told it's 14030

The registry lists:

14030 DR103 Hylight 2-input, TESTED sticker dated 31/10/79 MC,Partridge Transformers PT: TH7548/2 H8972K OT: TH7549 H8455K, turret boards. Signed by HJ

Now I'm confused... this is definitely a 4-input model, and it was listed as a '77, not '79. Any thoughts? Is the registry wrong?

[Dr.HI-TONE]

the registry is correct. The seller is incorrect.

The amp pictured has a reproduction head cab and replaced indicator lamp.

Get some pics of the serial tag and internal pics of the wiring, or wait for a better HIWATT to come along.

[Empathy]

UGH I was dreading this answer. I appreciate the response. I'll head back there this weekend and see if I can get some pics, and post 'em here. Thanks again!

[Dr.HI-TONE]

you are welcome!
if the internals are OK and un-screwed with and the price was good, then it may still be worth it.

[OldSchoolDave]

So I just called, and was told it's 14030

Strange. I used to own S/N 14030. I believe I was the one who entered it into mark's registry. It was a solid, unmolested 2-holer when last I saw it.

Something's mixed up ...

Dave

[ak-47]

The amp pictured has a reproduction head cab and replaced indicator lamp.

I noticed the lamp straight away, but how did you pick the repro head cab? Is it the low placement of the Hiwatt badge?

[Dr.HI-TONE]

the badge is screwed on and, well send me your email and I will send you pics that illustrate it.
I don't want to enlighten the folks making them, because HI-TONE cabs are the only ones made accurately, and I want to keep it that way.

[ak-47]

Absolutely! PM sent...

[Empathy]

So I went back and took pics today. I'm wondering if you guys would mind sharing your thoughts. I'm actually feeling better about it, because many of the identifying characteristics match the description in the registry. This definitely has Partridge transformers, and it even has the sticker, although it's dated 3/10/79, not 31 (I didn't get a pic of that, but the guy at the store did, and he'll be emailing those pics to me. If it's a replacement head cab, it's an old one, as the screw holes are pretty well chewed up. You can definitely tell that the indicator lamp has been replaced, but the rest of it all looks good to me. What do you guys think? Sorry for the subpar image quality.

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[ak-47]

It has had a recap which is a good thing...

Not sure about the paint on the transformers... anyone seen that before? Reminded me of this horror show... http://www.vintageamps.com/plexiboard/v ... =1&t=82268

[Dr.HI-TONE]

All the pots have been replaced as have every single tube socket.........WTF?

Someone tried to convert a 2 input amp into a 4 input amp? ...WTF?

I can't believe some idiot would molest that amp. They turned a $1500-$1700 clean two input amp into an $800 Frankenwatt....

If it's under $800, it could still a good player. It will never be more than a player, so don't let them tell you it is some rare collectible piece.

[OldSchoolDave]

I'm on a slow link right now and can't absorb all the pics. But, I don't think that is the same S/N 14030 I used to own ...

Mine was, indeed, a "Halloween" amp, Tested on 31/10/79. I've got a lot of pics of it but, again, am limited by my internet link.

It didn't have that silly Union Jack sticker and the transformers weren't painted when it left my possession. It went to an adult player, so I really don't believe he did that nastiness.

I'm confused - and dismayed.

Dave

[Empathy]

All the pots have been replaced as have every single tube socket.........WTF?

Someone tried to convert a 2 input amp into a 4 input amp? ...WTF?

I can't believe some idiot would molest that amp. They turned a $1500-$1700 clean two input amp into an $800 Frankenwatt....

If it's under $800, it could still a good player. It will never be more than a player, so don't let them tell you it is some rare collectible piece.

Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster this has been.

It's a lot more than $800. Dr. HiWATT, would you mind terribly sending me a PM summarizing how you can tell that all the pots and sockets have been replaced? I'll need all the info I can get if the store decides to fight me on this.

Thanks for your help, guys.

[OldSchoolDave]

Dr. HiWATT, would you mind terribly sending me a PM summarizing how you can tell that all the pots and sockets have been replaced?

I'm not Dr.Hiwatt, but I think we can address those publicly.

Those sockets are ceramic, which were never used in Hiwatts. The pots just look different. In the late 70's they'd have been a smaller diameter. Pots are usually date coded, so you should be able to prove or disprove originality easily.

Dave

[OldSchoolDave]

Again, I'm not certain we're talking the same amp or if the serial plate on the one in question is a replacement, but here's what the circuitry on MY Serial Number 14030 looked like in October of 2007, before it left for out east:

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Hope this helps,
Dave