Hiwatt DR 201 6 x EL34 how to make it sound best for bass

[elkbass]

Wondering if anyone out there has any tips on getting my DR201 6 x EL34 version head to sound good for bass applications.

[Dad3353]

Wondering if anyone out there has any tips on getting my DR201 6 x EL34 version head to sound good for bass applications.

Good evening, Chris...

It would help if you could give a tiny bit more information here, I think. The simple answer to your question would be...
1- Plug decent bass into input
2 - Connect decent speaker cab(s) to output
3 - Turn on, turn up and play.
These amps are amongst the best in the world for bass, so if the above is not already 'floating your boat', please tell us...
1 - What bass you use
2 - What cab(s) you use
3 - What style/sound you use/wish for
4 - What is it that you don't like from your present rig.
Any photos of the amp might help; most especially or the innards.

I myself have the KT88 version (DR203 in fact...), but 6xEL34 makes for a damned fine bass amp, too. How may we help you further..?

[elkbass]

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes right you need more info. Well I use a 1978 pbass pretty much stock. I use a Marshall VBC 412 bass cab. The head has sovtek/groove tube 6550's. The electrolytic caps have been changed with JJ caps. I find the amp to be harsh on the top end treble frequencies. I am a big fan of 60's and 70's bass tones (clash, the who, kinks). I'll try and up load photos.

Talk soon chris

[OldSchoolDave]

The head has sovtek/groove tube 6550's. .... I find the amp to be harsh on the top end treble frequencies.

Output tubes/valves might be the issue. Get a warmer set of EL34's in the thing and make sure they're biased correctly. Also, make sure you're using a good tube in v1.

Can't speak to your cabinet and everyone's "ideal" bass tone varies. To my ears, the best cab I've heard under a DR201 (for bass) is Dr.Hiwatt's SE320 (4x12 folded horn cab).

Dave

[elkbass]

Yeah I was thinking of throwing EL34's back in it or 6CA7's. I really like those folded hiwatt 4x12's but hard to find. Called hiwatt in UK and they have one loaded with fanes but they want 2000 pounds plus freight. After the currency conversions from Canadian dollars that would be a pretty expensive cab. Can you recommend a particular EL34?

Chris

[Dr.HI-TONE]

You would go broke trying to disinfect it after the MG infestation.

There was one on ebay that just ended a couple days ago, in Chicago. Check the completed listings.

Mine may have to go as I don't have room, if you are willing to pick it up.

try =C='s or ruby EL34B or TAD EL34B. I like Golden Gate EL34's but I cannot speak for their longevity yet.

What preamp tubes are in it? If they are sovtek, then they are part of the problem.

[elkbass]

I have groove tube 5751 tubes in it for pres. Where are you located dr. Hiwatt if I was to want to purchase your cab.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

Columbus Indiana

Put a real Mullard ecc81/12at7 in V4 aka the Phase inverter. This will sound better than a 5751.

A real Mullard I61, I63 or cv4004 will be better in V1. For new production, I would use a JJ 12ax7s

[Bossco]

Have you tried a good 2x15 cabinet with your head?
Back in the day I really was never able to get good tone out of Marshall 412 cabs.
Even my SE4122 isn't really as good as I'd like with any real volume (should be two) and I'm only running 1/2 your juice.

[ak-47]

Have you tried a good 2x15 cabinet with your head?
Back in the day I really was never able to get good tone out of Marshall 412 cabs.
Even my SE4122 isn't really as good as I'd like with any real volume (should be two) and I'm only running 1/2 your juice.

I use a marshall 1552 2x15 with my 2 holer and the sound is amazing... I use it for guitar and find the responsiveness of the bass and the ability to fine tune the midrange honk and treble when using dirt pedals to be just perfect ... just right for me I guess ...and even better if I run stereo Hiwatts... the other with a 4x12.. watch out!

[ak-47]

Well... I have been mostly playing guitar lately so I just played my bass for a bit and can confirm that a DR103 + 2x15 is big and bold just like you would want it to be... of course, a DR201 would be even more fun for bass I think but my little 100 watter does quite nicely too

[stokekt88s]

marshall vbc cabs are excellent we have 2 in our bass players rig. i would first try turning the treble and presence right down then turn them up til you got your tone before expensive tube changes. just drive more bass thru the amp. people have it in their heads they need some treble and presence well the answer is you don't just get your sound. dont be disturbed if the treble is turned right off some will still come thru if your tone pot is fully wound up. don't be afraid to use your tone controls.