1972 Hiwatt DR201 200w AmplifierHead 4xKT88.

Purchased by me in March 2004,and used (via a Marshall 1960A Lead 4x12 Cab) just once when I bought it (band broke up). I've been the only owner since then.

It's been dry stored for the last 20 years, and I've recently got it out of storage to give it a dust off. I think the 4x matched KT88's were pretty new when I bought it (I haven't replaced them since I purchased it), but even so, the head has only had maybe 3 hours proper use since 2004, so hardly over worked, and I expect there to be plenty of life left in them. The KT88's are branded Valve Art - O&J. China. Preamp valves are 1 No. ECC81 and 3 No. ECC83. I didn't note the brand of these when I had it apart for photos. If anyone needs the specific brand, please let me know and I'll investigate.

I've booted it up and can confirm that it performs loudly and beautifully! I haven't been able to put it through its high-volume paces in a band situation, but all the rotary controls and inputs work as they should (I had a bit of an exploration of the Normal and Brilliant inputs, and it appears the lower Normal input is the loudest!).Note: I've only ever used a guitar through it - some may say it's a Bass amp - but I'd say it's capable of handling both nicely.

The amp's serial number is 3665 which puts it as a child of 1972.

I took the amp apart to be able to show that it still has its original Partridge transformers, which of course is very important of these Hiwatts from the early 70's.

As you'll see from the pictures,it's capable of running four outputs to speaker cabinets, but at present it's only wired for two. To be honest, even running one through a 4x12 is loud enough.

The amp is exactly in the cosmetic condition that it was in 2004 (due it being stored), but I'd like to give an honest opinion on its 'detailed' condition: Bad points: The tolex is tatty in places - nothing hanging off, ripped or gouged, but has obviously been used properly on the road in its long life. The handle is original I think, but a mismatched screw has been added at some point. The 4x screws/bolts that secure the chassis to the ply box on the underside are also mismatched. I also don't believe the Green and Red Standby / Mains indicators are original. It's always niggled me and I bought after-market replacements with the intention of changing them, but never got round to it (I'll include them in the sale). The rear mesh guard has had the fixing screws relocated due to - I assume- being removed and replaced so often over the years. You'll notice that the wooden batten on the back is a little tatty.

Also, the Volt selector, although original, is not in great shape and the Ohm selector is missing its cover. The mesh in the back has dents in it, but obviously doesn't affect the performance of the amp at all. It's also only got two of its four 'feet', but again, they are just a rubber donut and should be easy to source.

The good bits: It's a Hiwatt DR201! I'm a huge fan of Hiwatt, and have been since I saw Pete Townshend with a huge stack behind him on stage back in the 70's (well, him - not me!). These Harry Joyce / Dave Reeves DR201's are rare these days, but they are so well made that I think they'll survive anything! It's got both its original Partridge Transformers, it's extremely heavy (that's the heavy duty Marine ply) and earsplittingly loud.

When I fired it up, I let the valves warm for about 15 minutes or so before I plugged in, and I can report there was complete silence while they warmed. There's no crackle or pops when fully engaged, and it gives a beautiful, clean, warm sound. I would think you'd have to crank it right up to get any natural gain, so if you wanted a heavy metal / hard rock sound you'll need pedals. All rotary controls work as they should (Bass,treble etc). I have to say the clarity of the amp is astounding - pure, clear and defined.

Oh, an as a final piece of its history, I firmly believe that this amp used to belong to Danny Lunt. Two reasons: one is if you look closely at the end of the amp tolex, you can just make out 'Danny Lunt' which I'm assuming was on there as tape or a stencil, and also 'Lunt' is handwritten bottom right on the rear of the amp. A bit of internet investigation throws up some interesting history. Mr Lunt was apparently the one-time Bass Player for Pete Wylie (recommended to him by TheFarm) and there is also some Youtube songs recorded in the late 90's by Cammy from The La's - with Mr Lunt on Bass. This information is only my educated guess, but it seems to stack up!

The Marshall 1960A Lead 4x12 cabthat I used with this head is for sale separately within these pages - should you require a full rig.

So, although not a museum piece, here is an amp that has led a productive and interesting life, with a few scars and knocks to prove it. It can be used as it is now, or it could be refurbed to make it concourse condition and allow you to retire from work comfortably - should you decide to sell it. I would grade the amp as ‘Players Grade’ – with that coming from its life 1972 – 2004.

The amp is super heavy (it’s got to be 40+ kg), so I would prefer collection – but of course, the buyer is welcome to arrange a courier of their own choice and cost. And due to its value and rarity, you're welcome to test the amp in person at my home by arrangement.

Thanks for reading, and any questions you may have, please ask.