Hiwatt DR-103, 1972 - Your thoughts

[MojoIglesias]

Hi, all,

A while back I purchased this Hiwatt DR-103 from 1972, from this Italian guy.
According to him, it's 'absolutely all original', although I doubt it.
It's been serviced by a qualified technician as well.

Pictures can be found here:
http://www.studioncp.com/HIWATT%20DR-103-1972.htm

I noticed the yellow cap has a somewhat odd date code. Also, pots from 1970 are used.

What are your thoughts? Heavy mutilation?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

Simon

[Dr.HI-TONE]

it has had a lot of work.
"total mutilation"? I don't know that I would go that far.
I hope you like the sound you get from it.

[MojoIglesias]

I found this stamp on the chassis inside, it led me tot this website: http://www.rolandwaespi.ch/
I think he's the one responsible for the 'tampering' inside.
Germany isn't that far from where I live, so who's up for a road trip?

Honestly, the fact that the inside has seen some mods on this one changes my entire world view of Hiwatts and how they should sound.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

I have a couple cardinal rules.

1. Never buy a Vintage HIWATT without seeing good internal pics. Unless it is very, very inexpensive.
2. If you don't know what you are looking at, ask someone who does.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

its a 42 year old amp.
If it sounds good then enjoy it in good health!

[PhilUK]

Can we have a bit more information from you guys that know please? Would be good to see what you are seeing.
The obvious changes to me are the solder joints that dont have the red marker on them. The pots to me all look original and the fact that one may be dated 1970 I dont see as an issue.
The can caps look original and the yellow one dated 69 I've seen on pics of other amps, but these all get changed anyway as an accepted necessity.
The Bulgin socket has been replaced with a euro one, again seen all the time.
Would have been good to see a shot of the transformers but I'm guessing they are original as the mounting bolts have red marker on them.
Other than that, looks a clean example to me.
The caps that have been replaced, is there a better option or others that look more period?

[mikhailwatt]

Can we have a bit more information from you guys that know please? Would be good to see what you are seeing.

Preamp valve bases swapped out for ceramic. With red marker on the solder joints, even...

Other than that, the obvious component change-outs. Others with sharper eyes might be seeing a bit more.

[MojoIglesias]

Roland Waespi "Intube Röhrenverstärker Service"; "A tube-amp service".

I'm guessing this Hiwatt has been highly "cannibalised", or used for spare parts by this person.

Also, I've added more pictures, check out the same link, if you will.

[mhuss]

I'm surprised how clean the wires on the ceramic sockets are. They don't look melted/overheated at all, which they normally do when a socket is replaced. Most of the preamp components look original, with the exception of the two red WIMAs (which are at least the correct value). The red marker/paint is /everywhere/ (including nuts) which is not typical. The bias diode/resistors/cap have all been replaced. The small blue resistors were used for a short time around the mid 3000s (S/N). The big resistor is a replacement.

It should sound pretty much like it did originally, but it's not a collector's item.

--mark

[MojoIglesias]

And then there is also this:

http://www.studioncp.com/IMG_2486.JPG
http://www.studioncp.com/IMG_2484.JPG

Mesa Boogie valves??

[OldSchoolDave]

Mesa Boogie valves??

Apparently. It would be unrealistic to expect original valves in an amp that's over 40 years old.

MESA creates a spec for their "house labeled" tubes and purchases from various companies that can manufacture to that spec. Nothing inherently wrong with that.

Of course, a nice set of vintage Brit valves could help improve the tone.

Dave

[PhilUK]

"I'm guessing this Hiwatt has been highly "cannibalised", or used for spare parts"

I dont agree. It's had parts replaced which must have needed replacing. The fact it has new valves is not a crime, as someone has already said, it is a 40 year old amp.

As Mark said the red marker is not typical, but here is a similar amount on 3594:

IMG_10981.jpeg.jpg (362.36 KiB) Viewed 3234 times

It may not be a museum example, but it probably didn't cost as much as one and if it was, would you want to use it?

I would contact the Swiss guy, say you have the amp, ask if he still has the original sockets. Ask him what work he did and why.
I would identify replaced components and MAYBE try to get either better replacements or originals. Be guided by those that know here.
You still have an amp that is original Hiwatt and from the "good years"

[MojoIglesias]

Actually, it cost quite a bit. It was advertized as being an all original item.
Along with it I purchased a SE4122 cab, with original purple fanes, SN 1865, so I'm guessing 1971. Will post pictures soon.
And yes, even if it were a museum example, I'd probably use it. These beasts are made to roar, not to be stowed away and never heard of.

[PhilUK]

Go back to the guy you bought it off and tell him what you have found. See if he will refund your money (if you dont want it) or or some of it if you want to keep it.
Tell him about your postings here.

[MojoIglesias]

Here's a link to that SE-4122 cab. I think it's from 1971.
No date stamps anywhere to be found, but I've read a thread on this forum somewhere regarding a similar cab, close to the same S/N.


http://www.studioncp.com/HIWATT%20SE-41 ... 201971.htm