AUTHENTIC BRITISH SOUND

HIWATT
Custom Shop

OWNERS MANUAL

Hiwatt.co.uk
 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please read these instructions carefully before
switching your amplifier on.
• Always use the supplied mains lead provided • Protect the power cord from being walked
with your amplifier. If a replacement is on or pinched.
needed, please contact your Hiwatt Dealer.
• Do not switch the amplifier on without the
• Never attempt to by-pass fuses or fit ones of loudspeaker connected. It is important that
incorrect value. the amplifier and speaker are matched at the
correct impedance. Failure to do so can result
• Do not attempt to remove the amplifier
in damage to the amplifier or speaker.
chassis, there are no user serviceable parts.
• Please ensure that the voltage selector/
• All servicing should be carried out by a
indicator matches the supply voltage of the
professionally qualified service technician.
country in which the amplifier is being used.
• Never use an amplifier in wet or damp
• Always ensure free movement of air around
conditions.
the amplifier to prevent overheating.
• Always unplug this amplifier during lightning
• Never modify or make changes to equipment
storms or when unused for prolonged
or use in an unapproved manner
periods of time.

WARNING – if used improperly or without proper safeguards this equipment can cause
hearing damage or loss of hearing.

Follow all instructions and warnings

Please keep instructions in a safe place
Register product online: Hiwatt.co.uk

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, with an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk to persons.

The exclamation point, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to
the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

IMPORTANT
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally or has been dropped.

Hiwatt.co.uk 2
 HIWATT CUSTOM SHOP MANUAL
Congratulations - you have purchased one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers ever Designed - the Hiwatt DR 103 Custom
100 Head. This amplifier was hand built in our Custom Shops in England using only top quality parts and original vintage
Hiwatt specification transformers, hand wired in England to our traditional standards.

This valve amplifier contains the original Hiwatt curcuit preferred by many guitarists from the late 1960’s to today. Legendary
headroom, clean and clear sounds, uniquely rich in the 3rd and 5th harmonics, Hiwatt has carved out a place in tonal history.
Rugged enough for use on the world’s biggest stages and immortalized on some of the world’s greatest albums - Custom
Hiwatt is truly professional quality Studio/Stage Gear.

Please read this manual in its entirety before using your amplifier to ensure you get the most out of your Hiwatt amplifier
in the safest possible manner. This Hiwatt amplifier is a professional guitar amplifier and is built to last a lifetime of playing
both on and off the stage if used responsibly and serviced properly.

Please register with us online at Hiwatt.co.uk and keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.

Front

Made in England by Hiwatt Electronics Ltd.

Back Panel

SPECIFICATIONS: *for Hiwatt Custom DR 103

Type: All Purpose Guitar/Bass Amplifier Head Speaker Outputs:

• 2 x Parallel Speaker output sockets on ¼” Jacks
Cabinet: 18mm Baltic Birch Ply head box
Power output: 100 Watts
Valve Complement:
• 4 x EL34 in the power amp Dimensions: H
 eight 280mm,
• 4 x ECC83 / 3 x ECC83 – 1 X ECC81 in the preamp Width 631mm,
Depth 280mm
Voltage: Switchable Voltage (100v, 115v, 230v, 240v)
Weight: 23.15kg
Impedance: Switchable Impedance (4 Ω, 8 Ω, 16 Ω)

Hiwatt.co.uk 3
 USER GUIDE
This Hiwatt amplifier is a relatively simple to operate. The front and back panels of
this amplifier are laid out in a logical manner so that the controls, switches and jack
connectors are easy to use and understand.

Illust. 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Front Panel
This amplifier has two channels, Normal Channel and Bright Channel, each with its own Volume control and two inputs. The
top input on each channel is brighter and has more level than the bottom input. The bottom input is typically used for linking
channels (see below) or if you prefer a cleaner and warmer sound. The other controls include Bass, Treble, Middle, Presence
and Master Volume. These controls are shared by both channels. Also included on the front panel are the Standby Switch
and Mains Switch and a Mains Lamp. Let’s go through the functions.

1. N
 ormal Channel: The Normal channel has less high frequencies and more bass when compared to the Bright channel. It is
typically used with brighter guitars including those with single coil pickups. It is also a great pedal platform channel due to
its “flatter” response and fuller sound. If you are using a bright overdrive pedal with this amp, you might consider using this
channel first. Plug into the top input of the Normal channel. Use the Normal Vol to control the sound level.

2. B
 right Channel: The Bright channel is more aggressive than the Normal channel. It has more highs, more upper mids and
less bass. This is great for cutting through on stage when playing with a full band. This channel loves humbucking pickups.
Plug into the top input of the Bright channel and use the Bright Vol to control the sound level.

Blending Channels: Many players blend

the channels. This is done by plugging your
guitar into the top input jack of the Normal
channel and then a short cable from the
bottom input jack of the Normal channel NORMAL BRIGHT
to the top input of the Bright Channel. Now
you can use both Volume controls and blend
the sound from both channels. For example,
set the Bright channel volume to the sound
level you want and then bring up the Normal
volume to fill in the bottom end.

NOTE ON THE TWO CHANNELS:

Your Hiwatt amp is one of the best amps for using pedals because of its high headroom and harmonically rich sound.
Since the two channels are voiced differently you have two tonal options to match the sound of your pedals, especially
overdrive and distortion pedals. Try your pedals in both channels to see which one sounds best for your particular pedals.
Then use the tone controls to further shape the sound.

Hiwatt.co.uk 4
3. Normal Volume: (Applies to Normal channel.)
Start with knob tuned fully anticlockwise. Increase volume by turning clockwise

4. Bright Volume: (Applies to Brght channel.)

Start with knob tuned fully anticlockwise. Increase volume by turning clockwise

5. Bass: As you would expect, this control is used to set the amount of bass.
Turn the control clockwise for more bass and anticlockwise for less bass. A
Hiwatt amplifier is capable of a very full sound and will remain tight and full
ARTIST SETTINGS:
sounding even at high sound levels.
Available @ Hiwatt.co.uk a quick
6. Treble: Guess what? Same goes for the Treble control. Turn up (clockwise) set guide to getting some of the
for more treble and down (anticlockwise) for less. most famous tone ever created.
Should you be inclined, send
7. Middle: Get the idea yet? Want more Mids? Set this control higher. us a video of you playing your
Hiwatt to Hiwatt.co.uk/videos.
8. Presence: The Presence control is used in conjunction with the Treble It may wind up on our website!
control to set the overall amount of high frequencies. Because the Presence Please include a pic of the way
control is in a different part of the circuit (Negative Feedback) it works in the amp has been set up!
a different manner and control some of the upper mids. Blend these two
controls to set the high-end tone you are looking for.

9. MASTER VOLUME: Once you’ve set the volume level and tone control settings to your liking, use the Master Volume
to control the overall level depending on where you are playing and how loud you want to amp. When the Master is
fully anticlockwise there will be no sound. (You should always have the master volume fully anticlockwise when turning the
amplifier on or off)

Approximate master volume setting: 10:00 for normal play/setup. 2:00 to full-on for onstage play.

Note: This Hiwat amplifier is not a high gain amp and therefore you will not get as much preamp distortion as you
will get with a higher gain amp. Do not expect to get much distortion by setting the Normal or Bright channel Volume
controls high and the Master Volume low. The famed sound of Hiwatt is achieved by setting the Volume controls high
and blasting your neighbors!

Warning! This amplifier can be loud! We do not recommend using the amp at high sound levels especially for
long periods of time. The amp can damage your hearing as well as that of your audience. Hearing protection is
recommended for you and your audience. It is not to be used as a “weapon of aural destruction”!

BEFORE TURNING YOUR CUSTOM HIWATT AMPLIFIER ON.

• Please read the Manual in it’s entirety first
• Check that the voltage selector (Back Panel #2) matches the voltage of the country you are playing in.
• Check that the fuses are correct for the voltage selected. see page 6 - (Back Panel #3) - ‘fuse plate’ for further info.
• Check that the Speaker Cabinet you are connect to is matching the impedance set on the impedance selector of the
Amplifier (Back Panel #5)
• Always have the master volume turned fully anticlockwise when turning the Amplifier On/Off. Adjust slowly
clockwise after tubes warm up.
10 Mains Lamp 11. Standby Switch 12. Mains Switch:
TO TURN THE AMPLIFIER ON, leave the Standby switch in the up position and switch the Mains switch to the down
position. The amp is now on in the “Standby” mode. The Mains lamp with light up to let you know the amp is on. Wait
a minimum of 60 seconds to let the valves warm up to operating condition, then switch the Standby to the down
position. This will ensure longer valve life.

Hiwatt.co.uk 5
Illust. 2

HT 3A

Made in England by Hiwatt Electronics Ltd.

MAINS 3A/230V

1 2 3 4 5 6

Back Panel
From left to right:
IEC Mains Socket, Mains Voltage Selector, Fuse Plate, Serial Plate, Impedance Selector and Speaker Jacks.

1. IEC Mains Socket: as with all equipment that uses wall voltage to operate, plug your mains lead from this IEC socket to the
mains socket in order to power up the amp.

2. Voltage Selector: As a highly professional amplifier that is commonly used by touring bands who travel, this Custom
Hiwatt includes a voltage selector so it can be used in just about every country around the world. This selector needs to
be set to the proper Mains voltage in your country. SETTING THIS SWITCH INCORRECTLY CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE
AMPLIFIER AND WILL VOID THE WARRANTY!
Note: when changing the voltage on the voltage selector the corresponding fuse must also be changed. See Back Panel
#3- Fuse Plate for more info.

3. Fuse Plate: This amplifier includes two fuses to protect the amplifier. One or both fuses will “blow” if there is something
wrong inside or outside the amplifier. If a fuse blows, please take the amplifier to a qualified amplifier technician
for service. Fuses with proper ratings should always be used. Do not use fuses of high ratings or bypass the fuse by
putting something in the fuse holder that will bypass the fuse. Doing so will potentially cause damage to the amp, can be
dangerous to operate the amplifier and VOID THE WARRANTY! HT 3A Warning - make sure your mains lead is unplugged from

the wall receptacle or IEC mains socket (back panel #1) while working with fuses.
HT 3A
Fuse Plate for DR 103 amplifier

• Please check the voltage selector is correctly set and adjust the fuses if necessary (see chart below)
• When selecting 230 or 240 volts on Voltage Selector (back panel #2) make sure the fuse in the MAINS Fuse
holder is a ‘time delay (slow-blow) MAINS Fuse rated at 3A or 3.15 A (T 3.15 ) - for 100w Custom
• When selecting 100V or 115V on Voltage Selector (back panel #2) make sure the fuse in the MAINS Fuse
holder is a ‘time delay (slow-blow) Mains Fuse rated at 6Aor 6.3A (T 6.3) - for 100w Custom
MAINS 3A/230V • The HT fuse in HT fuse holder is always a FAST BLOW 3A or 3.15A (F 3.15) - for 100w Custom

230V/240V FUSE RATING GUIDE 100V/115V FUSE RATING GUIDE

Custom Shop Model Country Supply Voltage Mains Fuse Rating (amps) HT Fuse Rating (amps) Custom Shop Model Country Supply Voltage Mains Fuse Rating (amps) HT Fuse Rating (amps)
20w Custom 230v / 240v 3A or 3.15A time-delay (T) 1A fast-blow (F) 20w Custom 100v / 115v 6A or 6.3A time-delay (T) 1A fast-blow (F)
LRD MKII 230v / 240v 3A or 3.15A time-delay (T) 1A fast-blow (F) LRD MKII 100v / 115v 6A or 6.3A time-delay (T) 1A fast-blow (F)
LRJ MKII 230v / 240v 3A or 3.15A time-delay (T) 1A fast-blow (F) LRJ MKII 100v / 115v 6A or 6.3A time-delay (T) 1A fast-blow (F)
LRP MKII 230v / 240v 3A or 3.15A time-delay (T) 1A fast-blow (F) LRP MKII 100v / 115v 6A or 6.3A time-delay (T) 1A fast-blow (F)
Studio Stage Custom 230v / 240v 3A or 3.15A time-delay (T) 1A fast-blow (F) Studio Stage Custom 100v / 115v 6A or 6.3A time-delay (T) 1A fast-blow (F)
50w Custom 230v / 240v 3A or 3.15A time-delay (T) 1A fast-blow (F) 50w Custom 100v / 115v 6A or 6.3A time-delay (T) 1A fast-blow (F)
100w Custom 230v / 240v 3A or 3.15A time-delay (T) 3A or 3.15A fast-blow (F) 100w Custom 100v / 115v 6A or 6.3A time-delay (T) 3A or 3.15A fast-blow (F)
200w Custom 230v / 240v 5A time-delay (T) 3A or 3.15A fast-blow (F) 200w Custom 100v / 115v 10A time-delay (T) 3A or 3.15A fast-blow (F)
400w Custom 230v / 240v 5A time-delay (T) 3A or 3.15A fast-blow (F) 400w Custom 100v / 115v 10A time-delay (T) 3A or 3.15A fast-blow (F)

Hiwatt Electronics Limited recommends the use of Ceramic ‘Anti-Surge’ fuses for the MAINS Fuse if available

4. Serial Plate: this is where you will find the model and serial numbers of your amp as well as some technical info.
Please register this amplifier hiwatt.co.uk .

5. Impedance Selector: The impedance selector switch allows you to set the amp to 4, 8 or 16 ohms. Set this switch correctly
depending on your speaker cabinet(s) impedance. Setting this switch incorrectly can cause damage to the amp and VOID
YOUR WARRANTY! There is more information on how to set impedance in the following section.

6. Speaker Jacks: There are two parallel speaker jacks for convenience in setting up your amplifier with your speaker
cabinets. There is more info on how to hook up your speaker cabinets on the next page.
Hiwatt.co.uk 6
 CONNECTING YOUR AMPLIFIER TO A SPEAKER CABINET

IMPORTANT: You should never turn your amplifier on without having it connected to a speaker load that matches the
impedance selected on the rear of the amplifier. If you do, you risk damaging the output transformer and thus voiding your
warranty.

NOTE: It is recommended that all audio cables, except for the speaker lead, used to connect to the amplifier are of a high-
quality screened type. These should not exceed 10 meters in length.

*Always use a non-screened speaker lead when connecting a speaker cabinet to this amplifier.

Illust. 2
5. I mpedance Selector: The impedance selector switch allows you to set the
amp to 4, 8 or 16 ohms. Set this switch correctly depending on your speaker
cabinet(s) impedance. Setting this switch incorrectly can cause damage to
the amp and VOID YOUR WARRANTY! There is more information on how to set
OUTPUT
impedance in the following section.

6. S
 peaker Jacks: There are two parallel speaker jacks for convenience in setting
5 6 up your amplifier with your speaker cabinets.

Impedance Information:
Before you decide to connect your amplifier to your speaker cabinet, you will want to know about impedance first!
Impedance is the electronic load that the speaker puts on the power amplifier and is measured in Ohms. (Ω)

RULE OF IMPEDANCE:
• When two speakers are wired, “parallel” the total impedance is cut in half and when two speakers are wired in “Series” the
total impedance is the sum of the speakers’ individual impedance.
For example: Two 8Ω speakers wired in parallel become 4Ω. Two 8Ω speakers wired in series are 16Ω.

• The actual impedance of your cabinets could be different than the individual speaker’s impedance.

• Make sure that the correct impedance is selected on the back of the amplifier to match the cabinet’s impedance (speaker
configuration) you are using. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommended impedance for the cabinets you are using
to avoid any damage to your amplifier and voiding your warranty.

• If you use more than one cabinet, the cabinets must all be of the same impedance.
For example: If you use two cabinets, then if one cabinet is 16 ohms (Ω), the other cabinet must also be 16 ohms (Ω).

If the cabinets are not of the same impedance then you will damage the output transformer and void the warranty.

Hiwatt.co.uk 7
 OUTPUT

AMPLIFIER

Single Cabinet
Connecting Your Amplifier to a Single Cabinet
CABINET
OUTPUT

OUTPUT AMPLIFIER
IMPORTANT : always match the impedance of your amplifier with the
impedance of the speaker cabinet(s). INPUT
Single Cabinet
• The connections are made with a 1/4” unshielded speaker cable CABINET
• Connect one of the amplifier outputs (back of amp) to the correct
input on the speaker cabinet (rear terminal plate) OUTPUT

INPUT

Connecting Your Amplifier to OUTPUT

Two Cabinets in Parallel

AMPLIFIER

OUTPUT (if speaker cabinet has parallel extension output)

OUTPUT
Single Cabinet
AMPLIFIER AMPLIFIER CABINET
IMPORTANT : always match the impedance of your amplifier with the
impedance of the speaker cabinet(s).
OUTPUT

CABINET 1 • Both connections are made with

CABINET
INPUT
1 unshielded speaker cable
a 1/4”
OUTPUT OUTPUT
• Connect one of the amplifier outputs (back of amp) to the correct
OUTPUT input on the speaker cabinet (rear terminal plate)
AMPLIFIER AMPLIFIER

INPUT • Many speaker cabinets INPUTcome with a convenient parallel extension

output for connectingCABINET

additional
1
cabinets in parallel. The second CABINE
cabinet is connected by running an additional speaker cable from
the parallel output of the first cabinet to the input of the second
OUTPUT
cabinet.
CABINET 2 INPUT
CABINET 2 INPUT

OUTPUT

INPUT INPUT

OUTPUT
CABINET 2 OUTPUT
CABINE

AMPLIFIER AMPLIFIER
OUTPUT

2 Cabinets in PARALLEL 2 Cabinets

INPUT
SINGLE 1/4” Connection INPUT

CABINET 1 CABINET 1

Connecting Your Amplifier to

OUTPUT

Two Cabinets in Parallel INPUT

2 Cabinets
(if speaker cabinet does not have parallel extension output)in PARALLEL INPUT
2 Cabinets SINGLE 1/4” Connection

IMPORTANT : always match the impedance of your amplifier with the

impedance of the speaker cabinet(s).
CABINET
• Both connections are made with a 1/4” unshielded 2
speaker cable CABINET 2

• Connect one of the amplifier outputs (back of amp) to the correct

input on the speaker cabinet (rear terminal plate)
OUTPUT

• Connect the second of the amplifier outputs (back of amp) to the

INPUT INPUT

correct input on the second speaker cabinet (rear terminal plate)

Hiwatt.co.uk 8
2 Cabinets in PARALLEL 2 Cabinets SINGLE 1/4” Connection
 PEDALS LOVE HIWATT
“ The sound of Hiwatt amps is bold, with plenty of headroom and bottom end.
They are especially great platforms for a pedal based rig.”
NORMAL BRIGHT
 - Guitar Aficionado magazine 2015





Setting-up a Pedal/Pedal Board
NORMAL BRIGHT
into a Single Channel 
• Normal Channel - plug in pedal(s) or pedal




NORMAL BRIGHT


 with this
board for effects that sound good
channel’s warmer tone like some bright




Overdrive and Distortion Effects.


• Bright Channel - plug in pedal(s) or pedal
board when you need the extra punch to
cut through the rest of the band
V1: guitar - pedal(s) - input
NORMAL BRIGHT







Setting-up a Pedal/Pedal Board
into a Linked Channel
NORMAL BRIGHT
• The link allows you to blend the Normal and
Bright Channels 



NORMAL BRIGHT


• Experiment with your pedals to obtain your

unique sound 





V2: guitar - pedal(s) - input with linked channel

Setting up a Foot-switchable A/B

box so you can Switch Channels
NORMAL BRIGHT

A - Normal channel will be warmer

B - Bright channel will be brighter (for






example, set this up louder than the Normal

channel so you can instantly switch between
two very different sounds and levels)
/
NORMAL BRIGHT

V3: guitar - pedal(s) - A/B BOX - Normal Channel and Bright Channel
NORMAL BRIGHT







Hiwatt.co.uk 9





/
 HIWATT Product: Made in the Custom Shops England.

• Tip-Top: Your hand built Hiwatt Amplifier has been thoroughly inspected and rigorously ‘soak tested’ prior to leaving
our Workshop in Doncaster England. Your Hiwatt product is guaranteed to be performing to it’s desired and correct
specifications. Custom Hiwatt is truly professional Studio/Stage ready gear.

• Hiwatt amplifiers are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 3 years. Speakers, speaker
enclosures and reverb tanks for 1 year, tubes/valves for 90 days.

• Note - it is your responsibility to use/operate the equipment safely and properly without modification and with a safe
power supply - failure to do so is dangerous and will result in voiding your warranty - always read, reference and follow the
‘important safety instructions’ before turning on or operating your amplifier.

• Note - the Limited Warranty provided is to the original purchaser and is non-transferable. It is an important responsibility of
yours to register your product online with us (Hiwatt.co.uk) and to retain your sales receipt and original packaging.

• Authorisation needs to be obtained by Hiwatt Electronics (Hiwatt.co.uk) before any service work is completed by a
Professionally Qualified Service Technician.

• Shipping costs incurred obtaining warranty service are the responsibility of the purchaser and the purchaser must obtain
permission to ship any/all product before doing so.

• Authorised returns are subject to a restocking and shipping fee.

• Note - Any damages incurred in all shipping matters must be reported to the shipper and Hiwatt Electronics immediately
upon receipt of the product.
Visit Hiwatt.co.uk - for more product info and setup instructions
Phone: +44 (0) 1777-717-525
  Hiwatt Electronics Limited

Once you have registered your product online at Hiwatt.co.uk,

please record your serial number in the spaces provided below for future reference.

Serial Number:
__________________________________________________________________________________
Date of Purchase:

__________________________________________________________________________________
Store Contact Info:

__________________________________________________________________________________

If the unit purchased develops a fault, you will need to contact the store you purchased the unit from. You will need to
provide your serial number along with your date of purchase. Please retain the original packaging materials and purchase
receipt, as these will be required for any warranty repairs.

Store manual in a safe place for future reference – it contains important information for the safe operation of this equipment.

@Hiwattofficial @Hiwattuk @HiwattampsUK @HiwattampsUK

Hiwatt.co.uk
10