Hello! And questions on a 74 DR505

[ErikWW]

Hi everyone! Long time Hiwatt Gilmour/Page fan, but never had the pleasure of owning one. There's a local shop that has a (or what they claim is) 1974 DR505, with a bit of cosmetic wear, but fine otherwise. I was wondering if I could get a little more detailed info on it from those who are much better informed than I, confirm the date, relative worth, etc. I don't have any under the hood pics, but do have these:







Any help/info much appreciated. Thanks!

-e

[ak-47]

More likely 1977... replaced pilot light? Interesting with 'brill' volume as opposed to 'bright'... Value is what you are prepared to pay I guess but if you crank it up and enjoy it that is a good indication of what it is all about. I always open these up for a look though ... every picture tells a story

[Dr.HI-TONE]

AK-47 is spot on.
internal pics are needed to know any more.
Welcome to The Vintage HIWATT Forum

[ErikWW]

thanks! - I'll head back to the shop and see if I can get it open and snap some. They seem pretty reasonable, so I don't think it'll be an issue.

[ErikWW]

of course, now I've gone and clicked on that HI-TONE amps link. Those look pretty amazing and at $700 less than the asking price on the Hiwatt, really attractive

[Dr.HI-TONE]

Thanks! HI-TONEs are the real deal.

if that DR505 is $700 more than the HI-TONE, it is overpriced.
based on the external condition, the DR505 is about a $1500 amp.

[ErikWW]

Yeah, they have $2600 on it. Not trying to bash them or anything, they can sell it for whatever they want. Though if it a '77, not '74, they should change that.

Ah well, off to peruse the HI-TONE site

Thanks!

[ak-47]

I agree with Dr H.. that is a lot of cash.. especially without a look at the internals. I guess it is cheaper with private sales because a shop has overheads but at that price I would definitely try to haggle it down; ask for a warranty of some sort as it is from a shop and if it hasn't had a recap and the tubes are tired, see if they would include the cost of parts and a good tech service. That being said, it does look to be a fun amp from the outside!

[OldSchoolDave]

Interesting with 'brill' volume as opposed to 'bright'...

Think the first batch of two hole faceplates (at least for the Canadian models) were like that. I used to own a late '77 DR105 that was also labeled "Brill".

Dave