Hiwatt 100 DR103 + Hiwatt SE4123 4×12 100W Stack 1970/1975

The 1970 Custom Hiwatt 100 DR103 amplifier is a rare and prized example of British amplifier craftsmanship in its original condition. Hiwatt, founded in 1966 by David Reeves, quickly gained a reputation for producing amplifiers with unmatched durability, headroom, and tonal clarity.

Their early success was tied to Reeves’ meticulous designs and the precision hand-wiring techniques used by Harry Joyce. This attention to detail ensured consistency in sound quality, with amps able to deliver clean tones at high volumes, something that set Hiwatt apart from its competitors. The signature “Hiwatt roar” has made its mark on numerous iconic records across multiple genres.

The DR103 model, introduced in the late 1960s, is one of Hiwatt’s flagship amplifiers. It became a staple of British rock due to its robust construction and distinctive sound, characterized by punchy low-end, bright highs, and a massive midrange presence. This amp’s fame grew exponentially as guitarists such as Pete Townshend of The Who and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd adopted it as their weapon of choice, drawn to its powerful, precise sound that could cut through stadium-sized performances.

Over the years, the DR103 went through various iterations, with changes made to its circuits and materials, but the core of the amp remained rooted in Reeves’ original design. This 1970 DR103 stands out as a relic of that early period, with its pots and internals dating accurately to the year, demonstrating that this amplifier is an authentic survivor.

The matching cabinet features original Fane/Hiwatt 122231 speakers dated. The cab’s serial number indicates 1975, but the speakerts are all dated 1974. The SE4123 cabinet was one of Hiwatt’s premier models in the 1970s, known for its articulate low end, detailed midrange, and clear, uncompressed highs.

SPECIFICATIONS HEAD

Power Output: 100 watts RMS
Tubes: 4 x EL34 power tubes, 4 x ECC83 (12AX7) preamp tubes
Channels: Two channels (Normal and Brilliant), each with two inputs
Controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Mid, Presence (for each channel)
Construction: Hand-wired on turret boards with military-grade precision, aluminum chassis, Partridge transformers
Speaker Output: 4, 8, and 16 ohm outputs
History: Originally developed by David Reeves in the late 1960s
Evolution: Minor circuit changes in the early 1970s; later models featured master volume and slight component modifications

SPECIFICATIONS CABINET

Speakers: 4 x Fane/Hiwatt 122231 12″ speakers, 50 watts each
Total Power Handling: 200 watts RMS
Impedance: 16 ohms
Construction: Birch plywood, finger-jointed corners for durability
Grille Cloth: Silver woven fabric
History: Produced in the early 1970s during the height of Hiwatt’s popularity
Evolution: Later models saw slight changes in speaker selection and cabinet design