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Help to identify Hiwatt Custom 100 year / model?

Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 7:09 pm
by leftend
I've my Hiwatt Custom 100 for about 8 or 9 years now, and I originally bought it used at a Guitar Center. They couldn't tell me all that much about it, but I *think* that the year is maybe in the 70's or 80's? I've been looking at pictures of Custom 100's lately, and I notice that mine is a bit different, so I was wondering if you all could help me identify the year and model. Well, I know it's a Custom 100 (it says so) - but I guess I'm really wondering what year it is. Most of the pictures I see have 2 inputs on each channel (normal and bright), but mine only has one input for each. Also, the standby and mains switches look different as well. I'm not gigging nearly as much as I used to, and am trying to get a sense of it's value in case I want to sell it. That's a decision I've yet to make though, cuz I love the amp SO much!

Anyway, here are some pictures, any help is much appreciated!!

Thanks,
Chad
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Re: Help to identify Hiwatt Custom 100 year / model?

Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 7:29 pm
by OldSchoolDave
A few things help narrow the range:

1) The transformers appear to be Partidges, which would indicate the (original) Hylight era.

2) 2 input models with square pilot lights came into being in the late 70's.

Based on the above, I'd place it between 1978/9 and 1981.

If you pull the chassis, you should be able to zero in on a manufacturing date by inspecting the codes on the potentiometers.

Dave

Re: Help to identify Hiwatt Custom 100 year / model?

Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 8:42 pm
by Dr.HI-TONE
like Dave said, but you can narrow it down to 1978-mid 1980. In late 1980 when they started using PC boards they had a line out near the impedance selector.

Re: Help to identify Hiwatt Custom 100 year / model?

Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:05 pm
by OldSchoolDave
Dr.HIWATT wrote: In late 1980 when they started using PC boards they had a line out near the impedance selector.
The Line Out was standard on all PCB models? Learn something new every day :) !

Dave

Re: Help to identify Hiwatt Custom 100 year / model?

Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:06 pm
by Dr.HI-TONE
Yes, AFAIK. I haven't seen one without it.

Re: Help to identify Hiwatt Custom 100 year / model?

Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:41 pm
by leftend
@Dr.HIWATT, @OldSchoolDave:

Thanks very much! The amp isn't with me now, but I'll grab it this weekend and pull the chassis off to take a look. I'll let you know if I have any more questions.

Any idea what it might be worth? If I remember correctly, I bought it for around $750. The prices I see now are up in the $2000 range - but it's hard to tell if mine would fetch that. Just curious...

Thanks again!

Re: Help to identify Hiwatt Custom 100 year / model?

Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:48 pm
by Dr.HI-TONE
Price asked and Price Fetched are two very different things.

Right now on ebay there is a lot of junk with outrageous asking prices or starting bids. I was just looking, thinking to myself that it was all a bunch of junk except for the same over priced FL112 that has been for sale since July.

If your amp had the serial tag it would be worth around $1500.00 without it nearer $1000.00 assuming that it is in better condition internally than externally.