Ceriatone Hiwatt?

[jads57]

Hi , Is anyone familiar with Ceriatone Hiwatt clones? Nik at Ceriatone said he can build one based on an early 70`s 2 input model. I was just wondering how it might compare to a real one or a Reeves Custom 50 model. I know that he has the tranny`s made for him,not sure of the other parts. He gets great reviews on a lot of different forums. Thanks for any input you may have

[sliberty]

Early 70's model DR103's had 4 inputs. I know, I have a 1972 DR103 right here.

I was not aware that Nik made HiWatts, but generallym he does excellent work.

[Tubetwang]

believe me.

If Nik says he can build a Hiwatt...Nik can build a Hiwatt...

[jads57]

A member of "The Gear Page" forum (Tripower 455) had suggested to make sure the the Tranny`s were made to run at 120 volts, and that when he had a Marwatt kit( Marshall clone 36 watter?) from Nik, that he ran into voltage problems w/his kit. I always thought all the british amps had a plug in the back that could be adjusted for different countries around the world.

[mhuss]

Most of the old original British amps do indeed have a voltage selector on the back. Some of the old ones have 110v or 115v settings for the Americas, which is a bit lower then current reality.

HOWEVER, not all modern clones have this feature!

That said, this is the only instance I've heard of where Nik's transformers don't have the appropriate voltage set.

--mark

[jads57]

Mark, Nik at Ceriatone informed me that his amp is based on


a early 70`s 2 input Hiwatt. Does that sound correct? I`m assuming that the 2 inputs are normal and bright. He also said his output transformers go to 50k not a 120k as in the originals. Would this make a significant difference in tone or output? I`m also wondering if the 50 watt model could accept 6550`s or KT88`s to increase clean headroom if it was neccesary. Thanks again for all of your help on this matter . Rgards, John D.

[mhuss]

Not exactly right. Hiwatt didn't start making 2-input (vs. 4-input) models until the late 70s. Of course, he could still be using the older preamp circuit with just two inputs.

50k is plenty high enough for a guitar amp. I still maintain that the Partridge transformers are not a requirement for the 'Hiwatt sound,' as the Biacrowns with Drakes and Sowters sound just fine to me.

--mark

[jads57]

Thanks Mark, I just sent you a P.M. Being a guitar player rather than an amp builder, all of this info. really helps me decide which amp to choose.