Hiwatt DR103 writing opinions please!!

[pacreamer]

I have an opportunity to purchase my first Hiwatt Dr-103. I received pictures of the internal wiring. I wanted to post the picture to see what you all think. I noticed a "HJ" marked on the chassis. Could it be a Harry Joyce amp? Serial number is in the high 3000's. What do you think?

dr103guts.jpg (51.71 KiB) Viewed 2804 times

[Dr.HI-TONE]

yes, its a Harry Joyce Electronics wired amp. This really means very little as HJE wired more Vintage HIWATTs than any other subcontractor.

The pic is to small to make any decisions from.

There is an obvious unoriginal component on turret 1. the blue cap doesn't belong there. let alone the bias voltage doubler.

Do you have any more pics that show date codes on pots, transformers, etc.
close up of the serial # tag?

These are important

[pacreamer]

I dont have anymore more closer pics of the wiring than the one shown. Here is a few more though.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

it looks legit.
the mods can easily be undone.
You may want to leave the bias mod in there, since it is probably beneficial and its already there.

have you played through it? if so how does it sound?

[pacreamer]

Hey,

Thanks for your replies. I appreciate your knowledge and expertise. I have no played it yet but will be in the next day or so.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

You are welcome!
Good luck!

[pacreamer]

Would the serial number date it to 1972? Also, given the mods, as minimal and beneficial that they are, what would be a going asking price for an amp like this??

Again, I really appreciate your help! Sorry I have a ton of questions, I've been following discussions on this board for years and I am excited to finally (maybe) become an owner of a Hiwatt.

[OldSchoolDave]

Would the serial number date it to 1972?

Parsing info from: http://hiwatt.org/RegAmps01.php - I'd guess the components would carry 1972 date codes, but the amp may not have been assembled until early 1973. Usually the T/S tag helps pin down the date. In any case, definitely built during the "good years" .

Dr.HI-TONE has a better handle on market values than I.

Good luck!

Dave

[Dr.HI-TONE]

the transformers date to 1973.
I would expect some 1972 components and some early 1973 components.

in its current condition, it is worth between $1600-$1800 maybe just a hair more if the tolex is in excellent condition.

[pacreamer]

I received a call from the seller today telling me that someone else was interested in checking out the amp. I was unable to get down this week and try it so I had to tell the seller to go ahead with that. So anyways...amp might be gone next week.. If that happens, DR.HI-TONE, are you involved with Hi-Tone amplification? If so do you know how long your back order is on the HT100 "DR" and HT4121 packages?

Id love to get an original Hiwatt but I dont know if I should wait or try one of those amps out.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

yes, I am the managing partner at HI-TONE.
I suppose the HT100 DR and HT4121 package could ship next Friday.
I have been trying to hang on to some items for our open house as some of our suppliers have had ever increasing lead times.

I am guilty of showing some items as out of stock or back ordered that are in fact in stock.

you can email me at claytonc@HI-TONE-Amps.com