Hiwatt SE-4122 412 Cabinet

The cabinet serial backplate is missing, but from the grill-cloth (so tattered it looks like an old hookers stockings..) I'd say late 60's.
I particularly like the rythm channel, which has the most balls. Hiwatts sound much louder than the power rating (in this case 50 watts) would suggest.

I play a Steinberger XP-2 bass through a Hiwatt Lead 50 guitar amp and the Hiwatt SE4122 cabinet, and this setup has, for me, a more satisfying bass sound than Marshall and Trace bass systems I've had. Hiwatt systems were pretty general purpose, and could handle bass, keyboards etc. Generally they can cut the mustard in most settings. For years I have tried to capture the sound of one of the UK's most under-rated bassists, JJ Burnel (Stranglers), who at one time used a 200 watt Hiwatt amp, and various 4x12 cabinets. His unique sound, a milestone in bass, is and always was an extremely aggressive distorted groaning sound, very ballsy and brutal, but at the same time melodic and moody. Even my 50 watt guitar amp faithfully reproduces his sound.
My Hiwatt 4x12 cabinet has 50 watt Goodmans Audiom 12-PG Power Range speakers, which were voiced for bass anyway, and fully complement the head. Nothings sounds as good as a Hiwatt system!

Hiwatts have a proven record for reliability, and has never let me down.

When I restored the cabinet (I know it's best to leave them alone, but it looked like hell), I tried all the leading suppliers of the correct vinyl and grill-cloth, and came up with nothing. In the UK, Music Ground, who now sell new Hiwatts, refused to sell me the material, even though they had it in stock.

I've been playing for ten years, and have tried or owned most brands of bass gear, but now only have the Steinberger, the Hiwatt head and cabinet. I may go back to Fender Precisions again though at some point...they have a unique sound. If the Hiwatt system was stolen, it would only be replaced by another Hiwatt...there's no point in serttling for second best.