1981 DR103 Feeler

List your HIWATT / Fane equipment here. BUYER BEWARE! This site does not investigate / moderate / warranty any gear deals.

Moderator: Mods

Buggaluggs
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:18 am

1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by Buggaluggs »

I have a 1981 DR103 in nice condition. It has the riser board and just two inputs - so not a classic. But, it still sounds great and is in solid condition.
A few years ago I tested the market, and it was a poor market. Maybe $1000 on a good day. What's the feeling now? Where is the market for these? I'd like to think 1400 or so, but I may be way off.

Thanks - H (Buggs)
Buggaluggs
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:18 am

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by Buggaluggs »

It is a Highlight era, Ser Num 14559, Made in England. I think (but don't know for sure) this was after Reeves passed.
User avatar
Dr.HI-TONE
Site Admin
Posts: 2675
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2007 8:51 pm
Location: HIWATT Valley

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by Dr.HI-TONE »

Dave passed in the 152xx range. possibly the low 1153xx.
http://www.HI-TONE-Amps.com

HI-TONE, when only the best will do.

DR-F
User avatar
OldSchoolDave
Posts: 2060
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2007 9:24 pm
Location: HP, NC USA
Contact:

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by OldSchoolDave »

Buggaluggs wrote:It is a Highlight era, Ser Num 14559, Made in England. I think (but don't know for sure) this was after Reeves passed.
According to Mark's Hiwatt Registry ( http://hiwatt.org/RegAmps03.php ), it would have been Tested/Soaked in April of 1980.

Yours appears to be one of the last turret board DR103's. My SA112's S/N is 22 digits after yours, and has a PCB.

You didn't mention your locale (which has a lot to do with value).

Dave
...Hey! I played that song when it was new...

http://www.OldSchoolDave.com
User avatar
Dr.HI-TONE
Site Admin
Posts: 2675
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2007 8:51 pm
Location: HIWATT Valley

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by Dr.HI-TONE »

this amp should have a pc board, I have seen as early as 140xx with them.
however as I type, I haven't seen the registry in years.
http://www.HI-TONE-Amps.com

HI-TONE, when only the best will do.

DR-F
Buggaluggs
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:18 am

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by Buggaluggs »

Location is 60 miles east of Chicago.

I have gut shot pics somewhere. I'll post when I can find them.
Buggaluggs
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:18 am

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by Buggaluggs »

"Yours appears to be one of the last turret board DR103's. My SA112's S/N is 22 digits after yours, and has a PCB"

Mine might have a PCB. I might be thinking a PCB is called a turret board. If I can't find pics I'll dismantle and take new ones.
User avatar
OldSchoolDave
Posts: 2060
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2007 9:24 pm
Location: HP, NC USA
Contact:

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by OldSchoolDave »

Buggaluggs wrote: Mine might have a PCB.
Right or wrong, that'll impact market value. Better take those pics!

Dave
...Hey! I played that song when it was new...

http://www.OldSchoolDave.com
Buggaluggs
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:18 am

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by Buggaluggs »

User avatar
Dr.HI-TONE
Site Admin
Posts: 2675
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2007 8:51 pm
Location: HIWATT Valley

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by Dr.HI-TONE »

considering the condition $1000 is very fair.
http://www.HI-TONE-Amps.com

HI-TONE, when only the best will do.

DR-F
Buggaluggs
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:18 am

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by Buggaluggs »

So, from the pics, am I correct in calling this a turret board amp? Or is this a PCB amp?
User avatar
Dr.HI-TONE
Site Admin
Posts: 2675
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2007 8:51 pm
Location: HIWATT Valley

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by Dr.HI-TONE »

PC board
http://www.HI-TONE-Amps.com

HI-TONE, when only the best will do.

DR-F
Buggaluggs
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:18 am

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by Buggaluggs »

Ah ok. I'd def sell for 1400, and would think about it at 1200-1300 but 1000 is a bit low (although apparently accurate!) I'll hang on to it, although it gets so little playtime as it's, well you know..loud!

I keep hoping the market will rebound, and perhaps it will for the more desirable amps without the PC board. Still, it makes for a nice conversation piece. And every now and then I fire up my old friend.

When I was researching I came across a thread on the telecaster forum where someone had a 200W Hiwatt with "SLADE" stenciled across the top. If genuine, that would be very cool. SLADE! were huge in the UK in the 70s and every live pic I've seen of them has stacks of Hiwatts.
User avatar
mikhailwatt
Posts: 858
Joined: Thu Nov 15, 2007 2:46 am
Location: Austin TX

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by mikhailwatt »

Dr.HI-TONE wrote:considering the condition $1000 is very fair.
Seems like that big orange cap doesn't belong... :?

FWIW - I picked up my '80 DR504 (PCB) 6-7 years ago for a bit over $1k.

Nothing wrong with the PCB Hylights. Great players, just not as collectible.
I do prefer the tone of the mid-'70s 4-input models, though.
You can almost feel the current flowing
You can almost see the circuits blowing
Buggaluggs
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:18 am

Re: 1981 DR103 Feeler

Post by Buggaluggs »

mikhailwatt wrote:
Dr.HI-TONE wrote:considering the condition $1000 is very fair.
Seems like that big orange cap doesn't belong... :?

FWIW - I picked up my '80 DR504 (PCB) 6-7 years ago for a bit over $1k.

Nothing wrong with the PCB Hylights. Great players, just not as collectible.
I do prefer the tone of the mid-'70s 4-input models, though.

this one...
Image

What do I do about that?
Post Reply