Hiwatt DR-103

The Hiwatt DR-103, also known as the Custom 100, is one of the most revered amplifiers in rock history, celebrated for its exceptional build quality, tonal clarity, and immense power.

History of the Hiwatt DR-103

• Origins (1968): The Hiwatt DR-103 was designed by Dave Reeves after founding Hiwatt in the mid-1960s. Reeves initially built amplifiers for Sound City but later focused on his own brand, creating amps with military-grade components and meticulous wiring. The DR-103 quickly gained a reputation for its durability and pristine sound quality.
• Development and Features: The DR-103 was a 100-watt amplifier featuring four EL34 power tubes and ECC83 preamp tubes. It offered two channels (Normal and Brilliant), each with independent volume controls, as well as shared Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, and Master Volume controls. Its massive Partridge transformers contributed to its clean headroom and punchy low-end response.
• Modifications: In 1970, the DR-103 was modified into the CP103 "Super Who 100" model for Pete Townshend of The Who. This version featured additional inputs and tonal tweaks tailored to Townshend's needs. The DR-103 remained in production through the 1970s and has since been reissued due to its enduring popularity.
• Legacy: Known for its reliability and tonal versatility, the DR-103 became a favorite for both live performances and studio recordings. Its clean tones could handle heavy pedalboards without losing clarity, making it a staple for many iconic guitarists.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Use the Normal channel with Volume at 10 o'clock for pristine cleans.
  • Set Bass at 4-5, Middle at 5-6, Treble at 6-7, and Presence at 4-5 for a balanced tone.
  • Ideal for genres requiring clarity and headroom.
• Overdriven Tones:
  • Engage the Brilliant channel with Volume at 12 o'clock or higher.
  • Set Treble at 7-8, Middle at 6-7, Bass at 4-5, and Presence at 6 for a bright yet punchy crunch.
  • Use a high-output pickup or overdrive pedal to push the amp into saturation.
• Channel Linking:
  • Combine Normal and Brilliant channels by linking their inputs with a patch cable.
  • Blend the volumes of both channels to achieve a fuller tone with added harmonic complexity.
• David Gilmour's Settings:
  • Gilmour often linked the high-sensitivity inputs of both channels and set Bass at 3-4, Middle at 6-7, Treble at 5-6, Presence at 4-5 for his signature clean yet powerful tones.

Notable Players

• Pete Townshend (The Who): Townshend used custom CP103 models based on the DR-103 throughout the 1970s and beyond. These amps became central to his powerful live sound.
• David Gilmour (Pink Floyd): Gilmour relied on Hiwatt DR-103s during Pink Floyd's peak years (1969–1974) and continued using them in his solo career. His clean tones paired with effects like delay defined much of Floyd's atmospheric sound.
• Ronnie Wood (The Rolling Stones): Wood used a '69 Hiwatt DR-103 for its robust tone during his tenure with The Faces and The Rolling Stones.
• Other Artists:
  • Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) used Hiwatts in early live performances.
  • Noel Gallagher (Oasis) employed them in studio sessions for their rich tonal character.
  • Bands like The Moody Blues also embraced Hiwatts for their clean headroom and dynamic range.

Summary

The Hiwatt DR-103 remains an enduring symbol of British amplifier engineering, prized for its clean tones that can be pushed into powerful overdrive when needed. Its association with rock legends solidifies its place as one of the most iconic amps in music history.