vintageHIWATTconvention.com

Hi,

I'm new to HIWATT just got a 79' Custom 50. Had it shop checked he had to replace one little piece, forgot name but a little white piece of plastic connected by two wires straight from the tube. He said: "You were only running one power tube." so the first time I played it I smelled a little odor off the back. Tech did work, played at shop he cranked it! seemed fine. So I get it home and it's fine but I could detect the smell again but not as strong. What could that be? I've had a Marshall head cranked wide open and never smelled that.

Next, what are some good base line eq settings? and what do you like to set the eq with single coils vs humbuckers?

Thank you...

It sounds like you may be describing the screen resistor (a one-inch or so piece of concrete-filled ceramic connected across the output tube socket). Did the tech replace the EL34s? There's usually a reason when those screen resistors fail, and it's usually the tube. A little "hot" smell after a new resistor is installed is normal, but it should not persist.

My baseline is simple -- 50% (midway) across the board, perhaps with the bass turned down a tad. I like using the Normal channel (vs. Brilliant or both jumpered).

--mark

beckisgod wrote: Next, what are some good base line eq settings? and what do you like to set the eq with single coils vs humbuckers?

Like mark said, straight up is a good place to start. Then, adjust to taste. Note that the Presence knob probably won't kick in until 75% or so. I find Hiwatt's tone stack to be very responsive. Much more so than my Marshalls.

Other things being equal, tubes can make quite a difference. Here's a pic of two 2-input 100 watters, after I tried to dial in identical tone from each one (channels jumped, using a G&L Legacy Special /w rail pickups). Yeah, I like alotta bass .



Enjoy!

Dave

Hi,

Smell went away after a half hour of light playing. Yes it was the screen resistor. Also Reeves VP cab just came, very nice speakers. Full sounding. Next on list is a good set up and PRACTICE!! wow HIWATTS pick up every fret jangle and inconsistency, every technique flub. Thanks Dave btw my repair tech is also Casey G. Isn't that you doing the "Bag of D****" pedal demo?

I'm having a difficult time getting some break up/OD on the bright channel that sounds good. Suppose time to get some pedals going?

Thanks....