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Average Price: $3,100
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
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Description
The Hiwatt DR103 Custom Head is a legendary piece of gear, revered by guitarists for its unparalleled tonal clarity and robust construction. Ideal for both stage and studio, this amplifier head is a staple among professional musicians seeking that quintessential British sound. Hiwatt's meticulous craftsmanship shines through in every detail, from the high-quality components to the durable finish, ensuring reliability and performance that stand the test of time. With its distinctive 11-tube chassis, the DR103 delivers an impressive 100 watts of pure power, offering rich harmonics and a versatile sonic palette that can handle everything from crisp cleans to roaring overdrives. Whether you're a classic rock aficionado or an experimental soundscaper, this amplifier head provides the dynamic response and tonal depth to elevate your playing.
Key Features:
- 11-tube chassis for rich, dynamic tone
- 100 watts of power for commanding performance
- Two separate channels with multiple input options
- Renowned for its tonal clarity and construction quality
- Versatile sound suitable for various musical genres
Product specs
| Brand | Hiwatt |
| Model | Custom 100 DR103 |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1970s |
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Categories | Guitar Heads |
| Color Family | Black |
| Direct Output | No Direct Output |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Impedance | 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 2 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 4 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 100 |
| Power Tube Type | None |
| Reverb | None |
FAQs
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What kind of tone can I expect from the Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100?
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The Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 is renowned for its clear, articulate tone with a robust low end and sparkling highs. It maintains clarity and definition even at high volumes, making it ideal for rock and prog-rock genres.
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Is the Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100, with its 100-watt output, is powerful enough for live performances, providing ample headroom and clarity in larger venues.
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How many channels does the Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 have?
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The Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 features two channels, allowing for versatile sound shaping and tonal variety.
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Does the Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 have built-in reverb?
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No, the Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 does not include built-in reverb, focusing instead on delivering pure tube-driven tone.
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What are the impedance options for the Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100?
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The Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 offers impedance options of 4, 8, and 16 ohms, providing flexibility to match various speaker cabinets.
Videos
Fractures In The Sky
Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 - Sound Demo
Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 - Sound Demo
Fractures In The Sky
Hiwatt Custom 100 DR103 - The worlds most MUSCULAR amp!
Johan Segeborn
HIWATT DR103 Custom 100 Head Handmade boutique amp demo
DoomBox StompBoxes
Reviews
PROS
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Pristine cleans with loads of uncompressed headroom
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Excellent pedal compatibility, enhancing drive/fuzz effects
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Maintains clean tone even at extremely loud volumes
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Crystal clear sound that reveals true character of pedals and guitars
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Perfect weight despite heavy transformers
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Exceptional build quality, nearly unmatched
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Unique voice, darker/smooth tone distinct from other British amps
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Natural tube overdrive provides rich sound
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Military-grade construction with top-notch components
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Compatible with modifications for personalized sound
CONS
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Original legs may be too short for some cabinet handles
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100.
Mods and upgrades
User experience
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Owners of DR103s from different eras (e.g., 1969, 1971, 1980) report satisfaction using the amp for both guitar and bass, praising its versatility.
Source -
The amp's extraordinarily loud clean tone is highly praised, making it an ideal pedal platform.
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Owners report that the amp's interior craftsmanship is exceptional, often described as a "work of art."
Source
Comparisons
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Some prefer the Biacrown-era DR103 over Hylight versions due to personal tonal preferences, despite the Biacrown being slightly louder for apartment settings.
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Old Laney amps with effective EQ and large output transformers can approximate the Hiwatt's loud cleans, though not perfectly.
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Hiwatt DR103 is closer to a Vox AC-50 or early '60s Fender than a Marshall, with its own unique sound profile.
Source
Features and functionality
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Owners highlight the DR103’s exceptional ability to handle effects, necessitating a well-curated pedal chain for optimal performance.
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Unlike cranked Marshalls, Hiwatt amps don't produce excessive hiss at high volumes.
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The DR103 maintains a sharp clean tone without low-end mush, even when the volume is maxed out.
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The DR103's lack of sag and reverb reveals every playing flaw, requiring precise technique.
Source
Use cases and applications
Build quality
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 15 Ratings
655
Beautiful, Powerfully Clean Sound!
My Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 is an original 1974 with the Linked Input modification done by Pete Cornish himself. I'm in line for another 1974 DR103 without the mod. All Hiwatts have Mullard late-70's (new badge) matched tubes installed.
146
Single Channel version
Late '70's early '80's version. Re-capped and re-tubed. Sounds great!
Artist usage
Add artist
Kurt Cobain is seen using the Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 amplifier in this photo.
Used as David's main amp from 1969 until 1987 and then reunited in 1994 and is still in use. According to Gilmourish, "During the Division Bell tour in 1994, David’s rig consisted of overwhelming six Hiwatt heads in two separate racks, – not mentioning all the spares he travelled with." Afterwords, he returned to using three heads.
"David is using a pair (and one extra) Hiwatt DR 103 amp heads. They are his original 1974 Hiwatts, with OLD tubes (well used but still work fine, as tested by Pete Cornish). He is running them through WEM 4x12" cabinets with Fane Crescendo speakers in one and the other has celestion 75s (clean speakers which don't sound so good alone but along with the Fanes he gets an awesome tone)." - Analogman website.
Kevin Shields live rig is covered in this Mixdown article. In one of the photos provided, it shows he uses 2 Hiwatt custom DR103 Amp Heads. The red variant of that amp head is a "Limited Edition" Model.
J Mascis disusses his HIWATT 100 in this Rig Rundown from Premier Guitar. At 29:28, he says, “I've kind of got into Hiwatt later on, but not within the last five years.”
Pete Townshend frequently uses the Hiwatt DR103 Custom Head for live performances, often referring to it as his favorite amplifier. This is evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on Dolphinmusic.
"Amp-wise, Eddie is using a vintage 4x10 Fender Super Reverb, but he may switch to a '72 100 watt Hiwatt. Eddie definitely has a Who/Pete Townshend fascination, hence the Telecaster/Hiwatt combination." Guitar World 4/95
A Guided Tour of PJ's Gear by Tom Beaujour
"Pete Townsend always used to use Hiwatt amps. See what I mean? Sentiment. The Hiwatt is an early 1970's "DR 504 Custom 50" 50w head. He also has a "DR 103 Custom 100" 100w." From “Pearl Jam Sinergy” (updated to 2002)
In this 1972 video of King Crimson live at the beat club, one can see Robert Fripp plugged into a Hiwatt DR103 100 Watt Head amp, at 0:35.
At the 5:33 mark, Pike is playing in front of a Hiwatt head. It is the left one of the stack.
Between 1968 - 1971, John played a customized DR103 as part of his setup.
Angus and Malcolm joined the ‘Ferrets’ on stage during a gig in 1979 at the Cremorne Motor Inn. This equipment, the Stratocaster and the Hiwatt is the ‘Ferrets’ equipment.
This article presents Ronnie Wood's usage of the 1969 hiwayy custom 100 DR103 during his time in the small faces onward. The pictures included on the website as well show the "small faces" monicker sundamaged into the side of the cab and head.
Album Usage
The Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 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 DR103 Custom 100, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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Similar
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