A Modest Proposal

[Mike B.]

Guys,

Here's something I hope you guys might think about for next year's convention. How about having one segment of the convention dedicated to "Hiwatt vs. The Competition"? I know I'd be able to handle the bass amp end of things (provided I have the means of transporting an amp, of course). Such a segment would place Hiwatts in the context of other amps from the period, and would do absolutely noting to detract from the celebration of Dave Reeve's fine amps. That's not my intention at all--to detract from Hiwatts. I'd think the side-by-sides could be handled most easily. A few pre-arranged non-Hiwatt amps, non-Hiwatts "hidden" under sheets until the time of the comparison, and then the non-Hiwatts would once again be placed off to the side, whisked away beyond the spotlights. The number of amps brought in could be "controlled" if this segment of the convention was planned well enough in advance. Such a feature would be particualrly interesting when it comes to bass amps. Again, none of this would detract at all from the purpose of the convention. In fact, it might highlight (no pun intended) the Hiwatts we all love in a rather unique way. Once more, this would be solely one aspect or segment of the convention. I'd be happy to help plan/organize such a segment. It wouldn't be too hard to "control" the number of "other" amps that appear ajnd to arrange the side-by-side--in fact it should prove quite easy to do so (Michael, this answers a point you made in another post).

One other point that Michael raised in another post: haven't we had folks bring other brands of amps/components/effects in the past? Did you once bring a Mrashall component, Michael? Again, perhaps my memory has failed me. Were there any non-Hiwatts at this year's convention?

At any rate, there's plenty of time to ponder my suggestion, and I hope you guys will seriously consider this possibility. I really don't see how any of this could detract from the Hiwatt legacy we all cherish. My purpose in suggesting this is NOT to prove one amp is better than another. Far from it. I still love my DR 201 (I now have three of them--but I'd love to sell one to OldSchoolDaveakaJazzman for $5,000, or to Hiwatt Bob for $7,000! wink). But a carefully controlled comparison might actually go a long way toward celebrating the invaluable legacy left us by the great Mr. Reeves.

Thanks, guys!

Mike

[OldSchoolDave]

Save that for the convention you host, Mike.

regards,
Dave

[Mike B.]

Save that for the convention you host, Mike.

regards,
Dave

Hi Dave,

Why the apparent bitterness/sarcasm/close-mindedness, Dave? I made a good faith suggestion that I thought would benefit all attendees and help lend a different slant to at least part of the convention. Is it not true that every year you solicit ideas for "sessions" at the convention? If I'm misinterpreting your tone I apologize--please let me know. Could you at least consider my idea?

Would you be kind enough to answer the questions I asked earlier: have there not been non-Hiwatt amplifiers/effects/components at previous conventions? Were there any at this year's convention?

I'm hoping a number of guys here might chime in on this idea. Hey, I felt it might be a good idea. I've been hearing the phone lines around here buzzing.....

Thanks for your consideration, Dave. More than ever I'm looking forward to seeing you next year. I'll be there for sure come hell or high water.

Thanks again,

Mike

[mikhailwatt]

Did you once bring a Mrashall component, Michael? Again, perhaps my memory has failed me. Were there any non-Hiwatts at this year's convention?\

Yeah, for VHC-3 I had a rack-mount Marshall power amp (solid state) in the rack to power my wet stereo f/x. Not a tone factor... it was getting the line-out signal from the DR103 clone. (Clone, yes, but a HIWATT clone, nonetheless.) If I had an extra couple of Hylight STAs laying around I would have used them to drive the wet cabs.

I appreciate your passion, Mike. But IMO, bringing an "apple" to an "oranges" event to try to convince the "orange lovers" how much better "apples" are doesn't exactly fit the bill. If it was a "let's compare apples and oranges" event, then, sure, by all means. But I think there's usually precious little time to fit in all the HIWATT things as it is. Sorry, Bro.

(Not to make a big deal of it, but just a thought... weren't you the one that objected strongly to the Reeves "commercial" portion of VHCs past?)

And keep in mind, HIWATT Valley isn't a democracy... it's a HIWATT-ocracy!

Dude, just bring your 'WATTs (or plug into a '405 or two) and thank the Lord for Dave Reeves.

No beef, no hard feelings!
Michael

[Mike B.]

Did you once bring a Mrashall component, Michael? Again, perhaps my memory has failed me. Were there any non-Hiwatts at this year's convention?\

Yeah, I had a rack-mount Marshall power amp in the rack to power my wet stereo f/x. Not a tone factor... it was getting the line-out signal from the DR103 clone. Clone, yes, but a HIWATT clone, nonetheless.

I appreciate your passion, Mike. But IMO, bringing an "apple" to an "oranges" event to try to convince the "orange lovers" how much better "apples" are doesn't exactly fit the bill. If it was a "let's compare apples and oranges" event, then, sure, by all means. And I think there's usually precious little time to fit in the HIWATT things as it is. Sorry, Bro.

And keep in mind, HIWATT Valley isn't a democracy... it's a HIWATT-ocracy!

Dude, just bring your 'WATTs (or plug into a '405 or two) and thank the Lord for Dave Reeves.

No beef, no hard feelings!
Michael

Michael,

I appreciate your distinctions. Yep, I love the tone and punch and volume and projection of my Coliseum stack, but the purpose of my proposal is NOT to win anyone over or to show how "mine's better than yours," but merely to do a genuine side-by-side--to see what YOU guys think. Yep, a true apples to oranges comparison (to paraphrase your wording)... the sort of thing you'd reply to with "sure, by all means." What harm could there be in that? Why not compare in a true jam situation--and I'm aware some folks have problems with such things, but hey, I don't know how to play every rock song written--the 405 or two to another cool bass amp. Guitar, bass, drums, the same guy playing a jam with the same bass and different amps. If carefully arranged/structured, it wouldn't take all that much time out of the busy weekend.

I hope you (and everyone else) understand(s) my true intentions with this. I apologize if any previous comments were worded in such a way as to invite misinterpretation. I know I wrote one post (sadly deleted) after dealing with some crappy family stuff in NYC, but I assumed that the level of friendship we all had developed over the years would prevent any misintepretations.

Hey, Dude, how about something I just thought of? I have a number of all-tube 2000s heads from the early 70s. What about simply popping the chassis out of the box and comparing the craftsmanship. components. and what not to those of Hiwatts? I know we all enjoy looking at the guts of amps. Dare I suggest a sound comparison? A little examination of "friendly rivals"....

Again, I'm truly sorry if you guys thought I'm merely trying to prove I have better amps. That's not my purpose at all. Geez, I wouldn't play some of the guitars you guys own, and I'm sure not everyone would want to own some of my basses (but the '64 Oly White P I would have brought to the convention and will bring to next year's shindig should prove popular). We all have different tastes, but at times those tastes change as time moves on. Wouldn't it be fun to hear different bass amps from the same period (I have two '73 Cols and the one 201 from '73) and then have you guys decide for yourselves, much the same way we've listened to different brands of speakers over the years? Hey, we could record the jams, play them back, and then decide. A true comparison of apples to oranges, Michael. And it's quite possible that after listening to such recordings I'd conclude that the 405s sound better than my stack. I've not heard a 405 for quite a while, so a comparison such as the one I'm proposing might teach me a thing or two (just as i learned something different about a year or so ago) as well. I'm certainly open to that.

I assure you that I do indeed thank the good Lord for Dave Reeves, but for the life of me I can't see how my proposal would do anything at all to diminish our appreciation (and mine, too) for his sound amplifying creations.

Thanks a bunch, Michael, for taking the time to respond. Give me a call if you have some time (931-267-5687--the same holds for Dave,Clayton, and any of the "old gang"). I'd love to chat with you (and the others, too).

I'll send you the money for the shirts tomorrow!

All the best,

Mike

[mikhailwatt]

Mike, I'm not saying your idea is bad or lacks merit, under the right circumstances... if it was a longer event and there were more bassists represented, and if it wasn't advertised as being all about Dave Reeves, perhaps.

Personally, I'd rather use what little time we have for more old DR and HIWATT celebrity stories, or more "evolution of the HIWATT circuit" presentations. And more Professor Huss "how to" classes.

And more "structured" jams.

IMO YMMV FWIW LOL

Michael

[Mike B.]

Mike, I'm not saying your idea is bad or lacks merit, under the right circumstances... if it was a longer event and there were more bassists represented, and if it wasn't advertised as being all about Dave Reeves, perhaps.

Personally, I'd rather use what little time we have for more old DR and HIWATT celebrity stories, or more "evolution of the HIWATT circuit" presentations. And more Professor Huss "how to" classes.

And more "structured" jams.

IMO YMMV FWIW LOL

Michael

I hear you, Michael, and I'm hoping that we might be able to create the "right circumstances" for such a side-by-side thingy. I truly believe such a comparison will help shed bright light on Dave Reeves' amps--in the positive sense of the phrase. After all, back in the day, Dave had to put his amplifiers up against direct competition from those produced by other manufacturers. Perhaps we could do likewise--in a carefully controlled, limited way--at future conventions. Hey, if not next year, perhaps the following year. With my collection of amps, I'd be ready.

More bassists? How many? I know a few who might come up with me.

And I'm most certainly for more "structured" jams. We've had a few of them over the years (usually on Friday night, oddly enough), and they've been killer. Unfortunately, as the weekend moves on the playing becomes more like a "cluster" of sorts.....

Let's talk soon!

Now REALLY to bed....

Mike
Sleepy Time Time (Go Jack--But he used M's. on that live recording....wink)

[mikhailwatt]

I truly believe such a comparison will help shed bright light on Dave Reeves' amps--in the positive sense of the phrase. After all, back in the day, Dave had to put his amplifiers up against direct competition from those produced by other manufacturers. Perhaps we could do likewise--in a carefully controlled, limited way--at future conventions. Hey, if not next year, perhaps the following year. With my collection of amps, I'd be ready.

Again, not a bad idea, but probably not right for THIS convention. I doubt the format will change, or that it even should. Sorry.

I don't think anyone's arguing that Hylights are the perfect/ultimate amp for bass for any/all circumstances. Heck, nearly all of them were AP models. And all-tube.

I might argue about guitar use, though.

FWIW - if I were a full-time bassist, I'd probably be using a Dug Pinnick-style tri-amped rig with Hylights for the top/middle and something else for the low rumbly stuff. Perhaps with a 12-stringer.

Michael

P.S. - Doc has all the shirts... you'll have to work out an arrangement with him.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

Such an activity is exactly the purpose of any average ampfest.

The Vintage HIWATT Convention is very specialized, thus the crowds may be smaller, but we focus on quality rather than quantity.

[Mike B.]

I hear you again, Mike, and I truly hope that with a little thought folks might realize that such a deal might very well work at the convention. Perhaps with more thought, reflection, and time.... I'm sure next year's will prove interesting whatever. I'll do my best to help that happen.

Of course no one (certainly not yours truly) is trying to make a case that ANY amp is perfect. For example, thet set-up you'd use for bass if you were a bassist--I wouldn't touch that with a 10-foot pole.

Quite freely I say I agree 100% with your opinion of Hiwatts for guitar. Hence the fun of a bass-amp side-by-side.

Money for shirts coming your way shortly.

Mike

[Mike B.]

Such an activity is exactly the purpose of any average ampfest.

The Vintage HIWATT Convention is very specialized, thus the crowds may be smaller, but we focus on quality rather than quantity.

Great point--but aren't there many quality vintage amps out there? And a one-time deal to bring a little variety to one convention (no way it would become a regular feature) might prove very beneficial, no? Perhaps ONE (certainly not a very large quantity) rival bass amp, not three or four of them? Hey, don't nail me for trying to bring a bit of nuance to a neat little gathering!

Let me know when I can come up and get those shirts. I'm sending Michael the money this morning. Would you PM me your number again and a good time to call? Thanks, Clayton!

Mike

[Dr.HI-TONE]

there are no XXL shirts left.
Sorry.

[Mike B.]

there are no XXL shirts left.
Sorry.

Opps--I thought you were holding two for me as Michael told me he had shipped them to you and you told me to send him the money.

Do you have any XLs left? I've lost a bit of weight....

Let me know!

Mike

[Dr.HI-TONE]

I will look again.

[Zells]

Mr. B, it sounds like you have both vintage Hiwatt and vintage !blasphemy! amps, so you could probably do a comparison in your own home or studio or somewhere loud amps can be driven. No convention necessary.

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