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Average Price: $252

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$300

$801+

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High-end

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Description

Step into a realm of authentic sound with the Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head, a stellar choice for guitarists seeking vintage tones with modern reliability. Designed to complement your musical journey, this amplifier head offers the versatility every guitarist craves. With its iconic Hiwatt clean and distortion channels, you can effortlessly switch between crystal-clear tones and gritty overdrive, making it perfect for a wide array of musical styles.

The 20-watt power output ensures you have enough volume for both practice sessions and small gigs, while maintaining the classic Hiwatt clarity. Its robust construction is built to withstand the demands of frequent use, whether at home, in the studio, or on stage. The intuitive three-band EQ allows precise tone shaping, giving you the control needed to create your signature sound.

Embrace the power of classic British engineering with the Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head, renowned for its ability to deliver warm, articulate tones that have defined countless legendary tracks. This amplifier head not only serves as a reliable partner for your performances but also as a gateway to exploring new sonic landscapes.

Key Features:

  • 20 watts of solid-state power
  • Clean and distortion channels for tonal versatility
  • Three-band EQ for precise sound shaping
  • Designed for use with mini half or full stack cabinets
  • Robust construction for durability and reliability

Product specs

Brand Hiwatt
Model Custom 20HD Head
Finish Black
Year 1990s
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 20
Power Tube Type None
Reverb None

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head?

The Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head is known for its clear, detailed clean tones that remain articulate even at higher volumes, making it ideal for rock, blues, and prog-rock genres.

Is the Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head suitable for gigging?

With a 20-watt output, the Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head is suitable for small to medium-sized venues, offering enough power for live performances while maintaining its signature clarity.

How many inputs does the Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head have?

The Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head features 2 inputs, providing flexibility for connecting different guitars or effects setups.

Does the Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head include a reverb feature?

No, the Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head does not include a reverb feature, focusing instead on delivering pure, uncolored tone.

What are the impedance options for the Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head?

The Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head offers impedance options of 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 4 ohms, allowing compatibility with a variety of speaker cabinets.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head.

Comparisons

  • Hiwatt Custom 20 is likened to amps with powerful clean tones such as Twin Reverbs and Steel String Singers, differing from the crunchy, compressed sound of Vox AC15/30.

    Source

Build quality

  • Vintage Hiwatts from the 70s are known for impeccable layout and construction, though quality declined in the 2000s before recent management changes aimed at improvement.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Hiwatt amps traditionally have a non-adjustable fixed bias, originally designed for Mullard tubes, potentially complicating modern tube replacements.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Hiwatt Custom 20 is designed for bedroom use, filling the market need for lower wattage amps, unlike their vintage counterparts which were 50+ watts.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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1 star
mattcampbellmusic

For Solid State, It's Incredible!

This amp is a funny thing. It's a solid state amp, not tube - the picture is wrong btw, I couldn't find one of the 20hd. But yet, it behaves more like a tube amp. It gains some headroom as you turn it up, like an old Marshall would. Is it the greatest simulation of a tube amp ever? No, the BIAS or Kemper or something like that would do that a lot better, but for the price, these things are rippers!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rick Beato uses Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head

Rick Beato

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

Thought the video, you can see this behind rick next to the Marshalls.

See how Rhett Shull uses Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head

Rhett Shull

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

This video centers around Rhett Recording with this amp and the first time you see it is at 0:50

See how Sturgill Simpson uses Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head

Sturgill Simpson

Singer, Guitarist

Sunday Valley

...
Verified via Hiwatt

Hiwatt themselve say Sturgill uses one in their April 2018 catalog, and can be seen in his Bonnaroo set. https://www.rollingstone.com/country/news/sturgill-simpson-plays-brace-for-impact-at-bonnaroo-2018-w521453

See how Takashi Mizutani uses Hiwatt Custom 20 HD Head

Takashi Mizutani

Singer, Guitarist

Les Rallizes Dénudés

...
Verified via Photo

Seen here playing with a visible Custom 20 head

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 20 HD Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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