Hiwatt DR-201

1981 6xEL34 version, takes bass and guitar with just as much grace as the other and the same versatility in tone, from low B rumbling to 24fret high-e shredding... I love linking the channels and sticking my effects between the norm and bright channels, gives me clarity and control over the FX so I can switch between then all without worrying about cutout.

Easily dominates the room if I let it over 2 marshall JCM800s and an Ampeg SVT, >;0)

This amp kicks a serious amount of arse!

if I put the peavey T40 bass through it the bottom end is so powerful I have to roll it back a wee bit to balance sound onstage. Stick a tele or a les paul junior through it and it gives up the most amazing rhythmn sounds and lively solos, but the best fun is sticking an ADA MP1 preamp infront and ripping it up a la metallica.... I think I did wete myself the first time I heard that, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up for the rest of the day like i'd seen a ghost...

never a problem, valves always reliable - use the GT valve bias tool to make sure everything's running OK and it always has, only needing very minor adjustment every nine months or so

there's so much info on the web about hiwatts, plus I know a few techs who've been around them for a long time so never had a problem with that side of it, plus I never had a problem anyway so..?

I'd like to build a we collection of these but would need 2 things. A, to have gigs at wembley every week, B, have two very strong roadies cos they weigh an absoloute ton!

My father bought me this amp brand new around 1973 and it still looks exactly like the day it came out of the shop. He paid #140 for it and I can honestly say it has been fantastic. Never had it at full volume but it certainly packs a punch. My local music shop had it on their bench at their request to test its power and claimed it reached 400 watts on their equipment, no wonder it once blew out my speaker cab which was rated at 200 watts. Used to play in bands and it was the only amp I ever used. Others in the band used Marshalls but I always prefered the sound of my Hiwatt.

I own various guitars but mainly use a Gibson Les Paul Standard and a Hayman 3030. The amp is so versatile giving incredible overdrive for rock numbers or smooth tones for quieter numbers. No wonder so many of the worlds top guitarists have used Hiwatts at some time or other.

Unbelievable reliability. In 32 years it is still original and has never let me down.

Only dealt with the old Hiwatt company whose customer response was second to none.

If it ever went missing I would be heartbroken it has been part of my life for 32 years. My ex wife wanted to get rid of it and now shes my ex so you can see which meant the most to me. I now have a new wife who understands and appreciates what these amps are all about and owns a guitar and keyboard herself. Would love one of the original Hiwatt combos for practicing with in the house but can't justify spending the sort of money people are asking for them.
If you are reading this and don't own a Hiwatt then just make sure at some point in your life that you get one.

This amp was made sometime around 72-74 timeframe, it is a REAL HIWATT DR 201. By REAL I mean it's the one that came with 4 KT88s. The REAL powerhouse model. This amp is the PERFECT arena amp! LOUD and CLEAR. If you EVER want th REAL DEAL, this is it!

The Who, Old RUSH, any LOUD ROCK n ROLL in your face style works perfectly with this amp! What you put in, is what you get out. No wonder Pete's deaf.

Build to military specs under the command od DAVE REEVES... this amp is completely reliable, as long you have it serviced by someone who knows what they're doing! Preferrably the owner who cares!

None, hey, it's vintage, classic! Whattya expect? Nothing good ever lasts forever... thanks GOD the music does though cause today's musicmakers have NO CLUE how to make GOOD music!

Been playing since 1981, the 1st time I heard QUEEN
If you looking for THE BEST area amplifier... Make sure you get a 4 KT88 tube HIWATT DR-201. I have two just because I love them so. I don't play arenas YET, but they're here when I'm ready to! Ahaahaahaa!

I think the amp was made sometime in the 70's. I feel sorry for everyone that doesnt have one of these amps. It is one of the only amps I've ever seen that puts out 200 watts of power. It has a normal and bright tone channels. It doesn't have a preamp but thats ok. it is very simple with bass, mid, treble, and prescence. You are all missing out. I looked through the list and i didn't see that anyone reviewed this and i decided that i should. It has 6 6ca7 el34 tubes when marshalls only have 4.

i am using a japanese strat it has a great bluesy sound i have it playing through a acoustic cabinet that houses 4 15" E.V. speakers that give off 400 watts a piece. if you want heavy you get a nice boss distortion pedal and you are all set

The amp has never broken down. it used to be my fathers amp and he handed it down to me. one of the tubes was blown and we had to replace it with a fender tube that didnt last more than 2 weeks. after we got a origional we had no problems since.

I have never had to deal with them i've never had problems.

i have been playing for 10 months and no one can believe me because i sound like ive been playing for 10 years.(thats what people tell me). i use a boss ds-1 distortion pedal and a vox wah. i just think that this is the over all perfect amp for me. i'm just thinking of getting 2 marshall cabinets for it. when i play gigs i never have any problems i dont even need to think about a backup. if you ever see a hiwatt head that says"HIWATT 200" on the front BUY IT!!!! you will not be dissapointed

This amp is a Hiwatt Dr201 made in 22-2-74.I play very Hard Rock,I use a boss heavy metal pedal with the distortion all the way down and just use the amps gain.The only problem I have with this amp is the fact there is no foot switch from gain to clean which sux.But it does have plenty of power 200 watts.

I have a les paul custom and a electra phoenix guitar.Believe it or not the electra sounds better than the gibson.But any how this amp is very powerful 6 El34 tubes.This amp carries highs, mids and bass great.Will never part with it.

This amp is used about 300 days a year,the only problem I have ever had is a preamp tube give out ecc83 Mullard and that was after the gig.And not the amps fault other than that nothing and that is in a 3 year period since I have owned it.

The owners of Hiwatt now have answered none of my questions.Hope you people buying the reissues have better luck.

I have been playing for 18 years and this is my favorite amp I also own a ampeg v-4,ampeg vt-40,Fender the twin,Randall century 170-2,This amp has such a sound quality I dont think I would give it up.If it were stolen I dont think I could afford another one,I got such a great deal on this one.And it was supposedly modified by Dumble I found out later,Who cares I love this amp.