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Description

Step into the world of iconic sound with the Hiwatt Custom 100 CP103 Pete Townshend guitar amplifier head. This legendary piece of gear is a faithful recreation of the amplifier used by Pete Townshend of The Who, known for its powerful output and rich tonal versatility. Engineered with precision, the CP103 is built to deliver the unmatched clarity and punch that Hiwatt amps are renowned for.

The CP103 features a classic British design and offers a robust 100-watt power output, making it perfect for both stage performances and studio recordings. Its all-tube construction ensures warm, organic tones with a dynamic range that can effortlessly transition from subtle cleans to roaring overdrives. The amp head is equipped with four inputs, allowing for a variety of guitar connections and tonal options, making it adaptable to diverse playing styles.

Whether you're aiming for the signature sound of rock legends or crafting your own unique tone, the Hiwatt Custom 100 CP103 provides the sonic foundation you need. Its durable build and exceptional sound quality make it a staple for professional musicians and enthusiasts alike.

Key Features:

  • 100-watt power output
  • All-tube construction for warm, organic tones
  • Four inputs for versatile connectivity
  • Faithful recreation of Pete Townshend's iconic amplifier
  • Classic British design with robust build quality
  • Ideal for stage and studio use

Product specs

Amp Type tube
gearwire

gearwire

Hiwatt CP103 Pete Townsend Signature Model At Summer NAMM 2008

Video thumbnail for Hiwatt CP103 Pete Townsend Signature Model At Summer NAMM 2008 by gearwire

Hiwatt CP103 Pete Townsend Signature Model At Summer NAMM 2008

gearwire

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Video thumbnail for Hiwatt CP103 clone by shaktifan1977

Hiwatt CP103 clone

shaktifan1977

shaktifan1977

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hiwatt Custom 100 CP103 Pete Townshend.

Comparisons

  • The CP circuit is equated to the sound of the vintage blonde Bassman, highlighting the difficulty in finding affordable clones of either amp.

    Source
  • The DR20/0.5 is described as having a similar tone to the DR504 but doesn't break up until the preamp section is heavily pushed.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its ability to deliver high volume levels, the Hiwatt Custom 100 aligns with Pete Townshend's preference for loud setups.

    Source
  • The DR20/0.5's half-watt power cut feature is ideal for bedroom settings while still delivering significant volume when cranked.

    Source

User experience

  • The distinct CP sound is a signature tone that resonates with enthusiasts, often described as the quintessential sound they envision.

    Source
  • Owners find the DR20/0.5 excellent for pedal integration, with plenty of clean headroom at lower volumes.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners note that the current Hiwatt transformers are now made to the original Partridge specifications, improving from previous iterations.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The DR20/0.5 includes a built-in linked input for blending normal and brilliant channels, similar to the mod on David Gilmour's amps.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Pete Townshend uses Hiwatt Custom 100 CP103 Pete Townshend

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture you can see one of the Hiwatt CP103 amplifiers actually used by Pete Townshend on the road with the Who. This unit was apparently #25. These were custom made for Pete by Dave Reeves to replicate and improve upon the L100 amplifiers designed and built by Reeves for Arbiter's Sound City stores. The 4 channel preamp and simplified tone stack and control set were favored by Pete over the fully evolved DR103 Hiwatts produced for the mass market. The CP103 and L100 design is said to have more of a Fender type American voice than a stock Hiwatt. If anyone with Hiwatt experience is lucky enough to play an original in a place where they can turn it up to Pete levels without summoning the police, please let us all know if it sounds more like a Fender to you than a stock DR103.

See how Jus Oborn uses Hiwatt Custom 100 CP103 Pete Townshend

Jus Oborn

Singer, Guitarist

Electric Wizard

...
Verified via It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine

In a photo of the band from this interview, you can see what looks like this amp on top of his stack.

See how Roger Daltrey uses Hiwatt Custom 100 CP103 Pete Townshend

Roger Daltrey

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Thewho

1982

Roger played guitar for It’s Hard, Eminence Front. Amplifier was a Hiwatt CP103 through one Mesa-Boogie 4x12 cabinet.

Spare Schecter telecaster-style guitars Fender Esquire

Album Usage

The Hiwatt Custom 100 CP103 Pete Townshend has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Hiwatt Custom 100 CP103 Pete Townshend, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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