Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,750

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Meet the HiWatt Lead 100: the powerhouse guitar amplifier head designed for the musician who craves both clarity and control. This beast offers a dynamic range that can cover everything from gentle whispers to a roaring thunder, all while maintaining the signature warmth only a tube amp can provide. With its 100W of power, it's ready to command any stage, studio, or jam session. The HiWatt Lead 100 stands out with its versatility, featuring two distinct channels that cater to your clean and overdrive needs, each with separate control for precision shaping of your sound. Whether you're looking to articulate the nuanced phrasing of jazz or unleash the raw power of rock, this amplifier head has you covered.

Key Features:

  • 100W of tube power for commanding performance
  • Two channels (clean and overdrive) for versatile sound shaping
  • Separate overdrive control to dial in the perfect amount of grit
  • Master volume control for overall sound balance
  • Ideal for both stage and studio settings

Product specs

Brand Hiwatt
Model Lead 100 Head
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Hiwatt Lead 100 amplifier?

The Hiwatt Lead 100 is known for its clean, powerful tone with plenty of headroom, making it ideal for rock and classic rock genres. Its EL34 power tubes provide a warm, punchy sound that remains articulate even at high volumes.

Is the Hiwatt Lead 100 suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 100-watt output, the Hiwatt Lead 100 is more than capable of handling live performances, providing ample volume and clarity for gigging with a full band.

Does the Hiwatt Lead 100 take pedals well?

Absolutely, the Hiwatt Lead 100 is renowned for its ability to work well with pedals, offering a clean platform that enhances the effects without compromising tone quality.

What type of reverb does the Hiwatt Lead 100 feature?

The Hiwatt Lead 100 includes a built-in spring reverb, which adds a classic, natural reverb effect to your sound, enhancing depth and space.

How many channels does the Hiwatt Lead 100 have, and what are they used for?

The Hiwatt Lead 100 features two channels, allowing for versatile sound options. This setup enables you to switch between clean and overdriven tones, catering to different playing styles and genres.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The clean channel provides the classic Hiwatt sound, but the lead channel is often criticized for being less impressive.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Modding the lead channel is recommended for improved performance, as the original design is considered underwhelming.

    Source
  • Heyboer transformers, specifically the HTS-5912 and HTS-8206 models, are recommended as a cost-effective alternative to Mercury transformers for the Hiwatt Lead 100.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's been suggested to test transformers before replacement, especially if the power transformer is from a different voltage region.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 1988 model could be considered vintage, potentially boosting its resale value despite the need for repairs.

    Source
  • Heyboer transformers are considered a good value, especially in the context of the recent closure of Magnetic Components/Marvel Electric, which impacted availability and pricing in the market.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners with large collections consider keeping the Hiwatt Lead 100 due to its unique sound and potential value.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Mojotone transformers, made by Heyboer, are favored over Mercury for their reliability and cost-effectiveness, with many builders reporting positive experiences.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brad Delson uses Hiwatt Lead 100

Brad Delson

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via Emusician

A Hiwatt Lead 100, run through a Marshall 1960A cabinet, was miked with both a Sennheiser MD 421 and a Shure SM57, and was featured primarily on more dynamic songs such as “Waiting for the End.”

See how Alex Henery uses Hiwatt Lead 100

Alex Henery

Guitarist

Basement

...
Verified via YouTube

It's a HiWatt Lead 100R, which can be seen in this video. At 0:17 you can get a clear look at it.

See how Kunimitsu Takahashi uses Hiwatt Lead 100

Kunimitsu Takahashi

Guitarist, Composer

the cabs

...
Verified via Photo

used live during countdown japan

See how Hideki Yoshimura uses Hiwatt Lead 100

Hideki Yoshimura

Singer, Guitarist

Bloodthirsty Butchers

...
Verified via YouTube

Yoshimura can be seen using a HiWatt Lead 100 during this performance. Used prevalently during his time with Bloodthirsty Butchers as his main amp head.

See how Sergio Chotsourián uses Hiwatt Lead 100

Sergio Chotsourián

Guitarist

Los Natas

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "SERGIO CH. - AURORA" by SOUTH AMERICAN SLUDGE, Sergio Chotsourián is seen using a Hiwatt Lead 100 amplifier head, an '80s model made in the UK, known for its continued production by Reeves Amplification.

Album Usage

The Hiwatt Lead 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 Lead 100, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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