'71 DR-103 Help

[JoBeans]

Good morning everyone, I am new to this forum so I want to say hello. I have a line on a '71 DR-103 and I wanted some opinions. It is missing the data plate and the power cord was once hard wired but converted back to the Bulgin connector.

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Any help would be appreciated.

[Olsvik]

Looks dusty . That's about all the help I can provide. Nice looking amp though, good luck! An expert will chime in soon enough and give you the low-down.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

that amp has been on ebay a couple of times.

it is overpriced for its condition.

replaced mains indicator, power valve bases, and Missing the serial tag plate. I wouldn't give much for it unless I was really desperate. There are much nicer ones out there for that kind of $$$$$

if it had the serial number tag plate, it would bring in the ballpark of $1600.00 on ebay.

It is a "player" if you are looking for a "road warrior" that you can take on the road and abuse, then this is the amp for you.

hope that helps!

-Clayton

[JoBeans]

While not desperate, I have been looking for a good DR103 for a while and most of the clean ones I have seen are going for well over 2,500, so I am beginning to become disheartened. I am not a collector, as such, but a player, I do enjoy the old ones though and have owned several over my years. I currently have a close to mint Biacrown DR504 and would like a nice Hylight DR103 to keep it company. The seller wants 1800 for it, the cheapest I have seen. I am conflicted to say the least.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

It probably sounds good. There is a reason that it hasn't sold yet.....

If you ever tried to sell it you would be stuck with an amp with no serial # and several not original components.

Really nice ones will keep increasing in price/value. The days of an $1800.00 mint condition Vintage HIWATT are over. There may be "lucky finds" here and there, but they are the exception.

I would encourage you to be patient and keep saving your spare change.

There are good ones out there!

[JoBeans]

DR. Hiwatt, I appreciate your advice. Thanks very much.

[mikhailwatt]

If you're looking for a good "player" the later 2-input Hylights can sound really good and usually go for a bit less. I'm really happy with my 1980 DR504 (PCB) after performing a couple of simple (and easily reversible) mods/de-mods. It sounds very much like an older 4-input, with perhaps just a touch more gain. FWIW.

[JoBeans]

I was actually going to have that done to my Biacrown DR504, it has the OL preamp, thought I would have that removed to have it respond more like the 4 holers. I was even thinking of replacing the Drake trannies with the Heyboers to widen the frequency response and get it even more in the ballpark. I wanted the DR103 for the clean headroom, plus I really love the turret board construction, a thing of real beauty! My plan is to run my rig like Steve Hackett used to, straight guitar sound to the 50w and my effects through the 100w. Collectability is a secondary concern over playability, so while this 103 is missing the serial number plate, It has the Partidges, and a majority of the original parts; I am sure it sounds or can be made to sound wonderful, I will have to see if I can talk him down a bit more from the 1800 bucks.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

Jobeans,
I don't intend to sound overly negative regarding the road warrior DR103.
I am sure it probably sounds good..........even better with some better tubes!

$1800 means more to some folks than others. If you really want it and can afford it then by all means Get It!

I just would hate to see someone buy it based on the sellers description of "Excellent Condition" only fo find out that it will never be more than a player.

But I have some road warriors too!

[JoBeans]

It probably sounds good. There is a reason that it hasn't sold yet.....

Dr. HIWATT,
That quote kept ringing through my head, and you are 100% correct. I have decided to pass. Thank you and everyone else for your cooler heads and wise counsel.
Much appreciated.