Hiwatt DR201 Custom 200

^# 40

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$5,200.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (2)

1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Hiwatt Custom 200 DR201

5 wishlisted

8 saved

Page last updated Jun 27, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 27, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (6)

$5,200.00 1 available New

View Deal

Average Price: $5,200

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

Price Tier

In the Bass Amplifier Heads category, Hiwatt DR201 Custom 200 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

The Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201 is a power-packed beast designed for bass players who demand nothing less than the best. Revered for its legendary British tone, this amplifier head offers a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern reliability. With a robust 200-watt output, it delivers a massive, clean sound that can fill any venue, making it ideal for both studio sessions and live performances.

Handcrafted in the UK, the DR201 is built to last. Its all-tube design includes high-quality components like Partridge transformers, which are renowned for their durability and superior sound quality. This amp head is equipped with a straightforward control layout, featuring bass, middle, treble, and presence controls to shape your tone precisely to your liking. A classic standby switch and master volume allow for seamless transitions between practice and performance settings.

This amplifier is not just about raw power; it's about versatility and tone quality. Whether you're playing smooth jazz, punchy rock, or heavy metal, the Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201 delivers the clarity and depth needed to make your bass lines stand out.

Key Features:

200-watt all-tube bass amplifier head
Handcrafted in the UK with premium components
Legendary British tone with vintage Partridge transformers
Simple control layout: bass, middle, treble, presence
Master volume and classic standby switch
Ideal for studio and live performances

Product specs

Brand	Hiwatt
Model	DR201 200w Bass Amp Head
Finish	Black
Year	1971
Categories	Bass Heads
Color Family	Black
Direct Output	No Direct Output
Electronics	Tube
Impedance	16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels	1 Channel
Number of Inputs	3 Inputs
Output Power (Watts)	200
Power Tube Type	KT88
Reverb	None

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201 use?: The Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201 uses KT88 power tubes, which are known for their high power output and clear, dynamic tone.
Is the Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201 suitable for live performances?: Yes, with its 200-watt output, the Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201 is powerful enough for live performances, providing a robust and clear sound that can fill large venues.
How many input options does the Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201 have?: The Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201 features three input options, allowing for versatile connectivity with different bass guitars and setups.
What are the impedance options for the Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201?: The Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201 offers impedance options of 4 ohms, 8 ohms, and 16 ohms, providing flexibility in matching with various speaker cabinets.
Does the Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201 have a direct output?: No, the Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201 does not feature a direct output, so external DI solutions would be needed for direct recording or PA system integration.

Videos

Add video

HiwattOfficial

Hiwatt DR201 - Jeff Matz (High on Fire) demo at Winter NAMM 2019

HiwattOfficial

HIWATT 200 1974 with Fender Precision Bass

Bauer Studio

Hiwatt DR201 Custom 200 - Sound Demo

Fractures In The Sky

Chris Slorach of METZ and his Hiwatt 200

HiwattOfficial

Hiwatt 200 and more...

Guitar-nBass Channel

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Iconic sound used by legends like John Entwistle and Roger Waters
Exceptional clean headroom surpassing many competitors, ideal for pedals
Superior build quality with a robust all-tube design
Impressive volume capable of filling large spaces effortlessly
Rich, smooth, and deep clean tones likened to a grand piano
Versatile for both bass and guitar, offering beautiful distortion when cranked
Vintage appeal with original Mullard tubes highly sought after
Renowned design by Dave Reeves and Harry Joyce, a hallmark of early 70s engineering

CONS

Minor technical issues requiring an experienced tech for corrections
Hard to find at a reasonable price due to rarity and vintage status

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hiwatt DR201 Custom 200.

Features and functionality

0 0

The DR201 uses four KT88 tubes, offering a classic 1970s 200-watt bass amp sound for modern players.
Source
0 0

The HIWATT DR20/0.5 half-watt cut feature makes it suitable for bedroom use without losing tonal quality at lower volumes.
Source
0 0

The DR201's inclusion of high-quality KT88 tubes is specifically highlighted for maintaining tonal consistency at high volumes, suitable for larger venues.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Compared to Reeves Amplification and Hi-Tone, the current Hiwatt company hasn't been around as long, but still receives positive feedback for their amp clones.
Source
0 0

The Custom 20 clean tone is described as having a chime quality, different from the voicing of the DR20, DR103, and DR504 amps.
Source
0 0

The DR201 amp head is noted for its consistent tonal quality, drawing parallels to the revered 1970s sound, but often compared to modern amps like the Reeves Amplification for clarity.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The current Hiwatt custom handwired models have improved transformer quality, now matching the specs of the original 60s/70s Partridge transformers.
Source
0 0

The DR201 features turret board construction, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance, a hallmark of the Hiwatt UK custom shop.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The linked input feature on the DR20/0.5 allows blending of normal and brilliant channels, a modification inspired by David Gilmour's amps, enhancing pedal compatibility.
Source
0 0

The DR201 is favored for its ability to maintain clarity and depth in complex band mixes, making it ideal for professional touring bassists.
Source

User experience

0 0

Some owners of the DR201 appreciate the distinct tonal separation between the normal and brilliant channels, which enhances versatility in live settings.
Source

Critic Reviews

Ask Amp Man: Taming a Hiwatt DR-201 - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

While the Hiwatt Custom 200 Bass Amp DR201 delivers a powerful, full-frequency sound akin to a grand piano, its overwhelming volume can be a significant drawback for many users. The review highlights the amp's impressive tonal capabilities but warns against modifications like tube removal, which could lead to dangerous voltage issues. Additionally, the complexity of the amp's design may pose setup challenges, especially for those who are not experienced with amp modifications. Overall, while it boasts excellent sound quality, the daunting power and potential risks may deter less experienced players.

negative

Full Review

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star