Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: marantz1300 on June 04, 2009, 08:59:51 PM

Title: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 04, 2009, 08:59:51 PM
I've been offered a 76 Marshall JMP 100 intrade for my 74 Hiwatt DR103. Both amps are stock,the Hiwatt has Mullards.How are the Marshall cleans?                                              (http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii98/marantz1300/100_0705.jpg)
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Denim n Leather on June 04, 2009, 09:01:51 PM
Marshall cleans are not better than the Hiwatt in my opinion.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 04, 2009, 09:21:13 PM
Marshall cleans are warmer I would say...hiwatt's usually have a lots of clean headroom..but are more hifi sounding to me
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: HTH AMPS on June 04, 2009, 09:24:39 PM
Hiwatt cleans are nicer imo and it's tough to find nice clean Hiwatts for a decent price these days.  You could pick up a serviceable 70s Marshall JMP head for around £500 easy if you keep your eyes peeled.

Only downside on Hiwatts is they need to be LOUD to sound at their best otherwise they tend to sound trebley (imo).  Also, I don't like the tone with Celestions either - Fanes are where it's at for classic Hiwatt tone.  I remember my DR103 rig with a Sound City 4x12 loaded with 50w purple-back Fanes - ahh!!!, those were the days.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 04, 2009, 09:26:58 PM
hiwatts did sound good with fanes....had the 50 with a 4x12 from the 70's
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 04, 2009, 09:28:34 PM
That is a 1x15 Fane cab.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: HTH AMPS on June 04, 2009, 09:29:38 PM
I'd say you're getting the worst end of the deal IF you swap.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 04, 2009, 09:31:22 PM
not sure on the trade...no idea prices....what don't you like about current rig..that tempts you to swap
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 04, 2009, 09:39:53 PM
I'v never had a Marshall and they are THE classic rock amp. I've only had three amps. My first were Mesa Boogies,Studio pre and 50/50. Then I found a 60's 7 watt Scala ,thats in my sons bedroom and the Hiwatt. It's the best sounding amp I've had. 
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Jonny on June 04, 2009, 09:44:58 PM
I'd love a Hiwatt, I'd choose it over the Marshall.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 04, 2009, 10:09:53 PM
Hiwatt. It's the best sounding amp I've had. 

yeah in this quote kinda gives the answer to me
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: d1dsj on June 04, 2009, 10:11:14 PM
Another vote for the HIWATT here!
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Lew on June 04, 2009, 10:24:26 PM
I may have mentioned it before but If you're selling the dr103 outright - please let me have a price (not that I could afford it this second).  8)

Get both and an A/B switch  :D
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 04, 2009, 10:25:43 PM
ain't there one for sale on here...a dr103
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Lew on June 04, 2009, 10:27:06 PM
Horseheads? We did chat but his is a modern Music ground model - not that that's bad (I've not tried a Musicground  one) :)
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 04, 2009, 10:28:14 PM
New one sound good..same circuit? as original
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Lew on June 05, 2009, 01:57:15 AM
New one sound good..same circuit? as original

You tell me, I have no idea!  :lol:

http://mhuss.com/php/pix.php?p=DR103_69guts

http://mhuss.com/php/pix.php?p=CP103guts
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: horsehead on June 05, 2009, 07:06:13 AM
I don't really want to get into the whole '70's are better than modern!' hiwatt thing. But Lew if your stil after one....come try it! I'll do you a deal son ;)
I love the hi-watt tone, but as Heavier said they do need to be played LOUD to enjoy them properly & with fanes they are nice, but with V30's the sound pretty good as well (more bass added!). I wouldn't swap personally
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Adam.M on June 05, 2009, 03:07:12 PM
Aye don't swap, you could sell your Hiwatt and get a JMP or nearly any Marshall except the absurdly priced vintage ones and still have plenty of change.

I'd be asking for at least the JMP + £200, bare minimum.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: HTH AMPS on June 05, 2009, 09:50:16 PM
I'd be asking for at least the JMP + £200, bare minimum.

^ +1

That would be absolute minimum too, £300 + the Marshall really.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: morgasm on June 06, 2009, 03:02:11 AM
i say keep the hiwatt!
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: horsehead on June 06, 2009, 09:34:52 AM
How come soooo many love Hiwatts...but I can't sell mine!!!!
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: HTH AMPS on June 06, 2009, 12:26:22 PM
How come soooo many love Hiwatts...but I can't sell mine!!!!

recession, and the original Hiwatts just sound better.  I think most people would rather have the real deal rather than a reissue when the price is similar.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Adam.M on June 06, 2009, 02:34:02 PM
How come soooo many love Hiwatts...but I can't sell mine!!!!

If it doesn't sell, your price is too high. Simples.

Looking right now, an old old one with a 4x12 cab went for £920

an 80's one went for £700

To be honest, they're only £1,200 new...
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: horsehead on June 06, 2009, 05:04:40 PM
OK...but apart from that! ;)
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Adam.M on June 06, 2009, 06:50:50 PM
OK...but apart from that! ;)

Heheh :)

If it were me, I'd just sit on it for about 6-12 months. Things will pick up, they always do.

Right now I don't see it going for any more than £700, and personally, I wouldn't want to pay more than £600.

Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: HTH AMPS on June 06, 2009, 07:19:54 PM
even at £1k2 brand new, you're gonna lose a big chunk of the value selling it in this market.  unfortunately, I cant see you getting any more than £650 (tops) since you can buy an original DR103 for that price and the majority of people buying Hiwatts buy a vintage one.

what don't you like about the DR103? - maybe a couple of mods could make it work for you.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: horsehead on June 06, 2009, 10:18:09 PM
too damn loud....that's it...nothing else. The cleans are lush, it's lovely but I can't get it past 2 without killing everyone. I've gotta admit that I don't like the idea of altering it so far that it'll drop the output so much.

I did consider the Jimmy Page mods a while back though.

& anyway I've got an amzing new amp now....an MJW Bassman.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Lew on June 07, 2009, 04:10:06 AM
too damn loud....that's it...nothing else. The cleans are lush, it's lovely but I can't get it past 2 without killing everyone. I've gotta admit that I don't like the idea of altering it so far that it'll drop the output so much.

I did consider the Jimmy Page mods a while back though.

& anyway I've got an amzing new amp now....an MJW Bassman.

There's a really easy and reversible mod that would help with that, just say if you want more info.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 10, 2009, 08:33:19 PM
Did the dirty deed.Moved over to the Darkside. Its a monster.                                                               (http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii98/marantz1300/100_0915.jpg)
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 10, 2009, 08:43:14 PM
looks cool...maybe upgrade cab if that is a 1936.....will notice huge change to sound
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 10, 2009, 09:00:16 PM
It is a 1936. Its ply with 75s. What do you recomend? My wife dont like the size of it,so I was thinking of getting a smaller cab.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Adam.M on June 10, 2009, 09:04:35 PM
She doesn't like the size of it... ? they don't get much smaller!

The one you had before looked a little smaller, but not much...
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 10, 2009, 09:11:36 PM
so ply 70's rather than the later chip ones(chip B ones a bit dark for me)....could sound good then...what speakers
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Ted 'N' Leo on June 10, 2009, 09:27:43 PM
Ooh, i like the Tele! Nice amp too! 100 Watt i assume?

Also, curly leads ftw!
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 10, 2009, 09:34:05 PM
the Martamp, matamp ones...are great
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 10, 2009, 09:43:51 PM
She doesn't like the size of it... ? they don't get much smaller!

The one you had before looked a little smaller, but not much...
If I get a slightly smaller cab,she'll think I've made an effort.Every ones a winner.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 10, 2009, 09:45:45 PM
Ooh, i like the Tele! Nice amp too! 100 Watt i assume?

Also, curly leads ftw!
Yep. 100 glorious watts.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Lew on June 10, 2009, 09:46:31 PM
She doesn't like the size of it... ? they don't get much smaller!

The one you had before looked a little smaller, but not much...
If I get a slightly smaller cab,she'll think I've made an effort.Every ones a winner.

Try a Martamp 2x12  8)
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 11, 2009, 03:17:50 PM
I just got lucky and bought this from a flea market today.                                                                                      (http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii98/marantz1300/pa100_4.jpg)               
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Ted 'N' Leo on June 11, 2009, 06:06:24 PM
Lol, holy cr@p, wheres this flea market?
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Lew on June 11, 2009, 06:12:21 PM
HA! Nice!!
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: Adam.M on June 11, 2009, 09:45:43 PM
Your wife really is going to kill you now...

Nice find :)
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 11, 2009, 09:48:14 PM
Can't see it what is it
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 11, 2009, 10:10:00 PM
A Hiwatt PA 100.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 11, 2009, 10:15:55 PM
Ahh makes sense..prob have matching case to my kelly P/A

(http://a662.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/22/l_667e05958bb9bea0421161e7806bbcb5.jpg)
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 11, 2009, 10:32:39 PM
Yes very similar. I had a Sound City PA 100 befor, I didn't like it .This sounds like my ex DR103. Great. Hows the Kelly?
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 11, 2009, 10:45:53 PM
Slightly modded 1st and second channel for more gain....very hiwatt sounding..but a bit of a beast in weight..and very loud(even with 2 valves removed)
(http://a730.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/77/l_a1c9aa5845cac36cd06645c43b063739.jpg)
(http://a594.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/118/l_75f9d65c742a93b517af4969c2765599.jpg)
(http://a685.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/39/l_c136ba6b38d7fa85b80fe50de161ec3c.jpg)
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 11, 2009, 11:17:16 PM
Very nice.I'm going to change to chicken heads.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 12, 2009, 05:15:06 PM
I like the ones on that..give us shout if you sell them
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 12, 2009, 05:40:52 PM
I'll swap them with your chicken heads ,if your up for it.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: sgmypod on June 12, 2009, 06:49:22 PM
was more for somthing else(sorry)..not touching the kelly's ones
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 12, 2009, 09:05:04 PM
I dont blame you.
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: horsehead on June 12, 2009, 10:04:42 PM
jeez what's with the kelly love in...it's all about me, me, me & the hiwatt don'tcha know
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: marantz1300 on June 12, 2009, 10:37:35 PM
Horsehead.Plug your guitar into your Hiwatt,turn it up and blow the cobwebs out of your neighbors ears. You'll miss it when its gone.Have you tried it with a Big Muff Pi?
Title: Re: Hiwatt or Marshall?
Post by: horsehead on June 13, 2009, 08:53:57 AM
nah, haven't got one....it's not the neighbours I'm worried about (they're deaf) it's my hearing :) If I could afford to keep it I would