HIWATT STORY DIRECTORY

A. - The modified DR103 units that Pete used were,in fact, CP103 "SUPER WHO 100" models,that were made specifically for his sound and style. The key differences between the DR103 that you have, and Pete's CP103s were: *The instrument inputs were linked together and boosted by and additional 10db. *The Middle and Presence controls were "neutered" at the factory,as Pete preferred just Bass and Treble controls. *Two additional Volume controls were added to give increased gain and flexibility at both the pre and post gain stages. *The output stage of the CP103 was boosted to deliver 120 Watts R.M.S.into an 8 Ohm load. A total of 7 CP103 heads were made for Pete between 1970 and 1976.He typically used 3 at a time in his stage set-up,2 for Mains and 1 for Back-up. As was customary for their higher profile customers, HIWATT would engrave the bands name on the control faceplate.(i.e. Dave Gilmours DR103s were engraved with "PINK FLOYD"). Pete's SE4123 Cabinets,(initially he used SE4122s), were loaded with 4 specially-designed 50 Watt Fane 12" speakers that were "voiced" for an increased Bass response to complement his "PowerChord" style.

Ed.Note - A more detailed profile of Pete Townshend and John Entwhistle's HIWATT set-ups will appear in an upcoming issue of THE HIWATT STORY -ONLINE- ___________________________________________________________

Q. - Did HIWATT ever make a Bass Amplifier?

A. - All HIWATT Amplifiers were AP or All Purpose Amplifier designation, which meant that they were suitable for use with Guitar,Bass or Keyboard. The models that HIWATT specifically "voiced" for Bass Guitar were the DR201 - 200 Watt All-Tube Head,the DR405 - 400 Watt All-Tube Head,and the NC108,which was the only "hybird" valvestate - style amplifier that HIWATT produced for a short time from 1976 to 1978.

Ed.Note - Reviews on all the above models along with the Bass Cabinets that HIWATT manufactured will be in an upcoming special edition of HIWATT RARITIES. ___________________________________________________________

Q. - Hi,this site is a great resource,keep up the good work. I just purchased my first HIWATT,(after playing 23 years),and I think it's probably the best amp I've ever owned. It's a Lead 30 model no. CS-30 serial no. 1021. I'm wondering when it was made and where,can you help? It says Sterling Imports on the back. Also,can you refer a good source for parts?

A. - Sterling Imports was an American Company that was HIWATTs U.S. Distributor from 1983 to 1984. They were also "Licensed" during this period to make HIWATT speaker cabinets for the U.S. market. Sterling started manufacturing Heads and Combos under the HIWATT name based on the last set of designs from 1982,when HIWATT started having ownership litigations. The unit that you have was made by Sterling at their Modesto,Ca. facility in 1984.Sterling mainly used U.S. manufactured components,which should be easily referenced for replacement parts should you need them. We will start posting the contact information for the suppliers of replacement parts for Vintage British-made units in the HIWATT FORUM and MESSAGE BOARD section of THE HIWATT STORY shortly. ___________________________________________________________