FAQ

What fuses should I use in my Hiwatt Amplifier?

Reference the following chart to find the correct fuse values for your Hiwatt amplifier.

Which footswitch should I use with my Hiwatt amp?

FS201-LJPB: Universal Footswitch. This footswitch has independent polarity switches so will replace any 2-function footswitch (FS201, FS202, FS203).

*When used with the Super Leeds amplifiers which use a 3-function footswitch (FS301) the FS201LJPB will switch the Gain & Channel, OR the Reverb function.

What does a Hiwatt amp sound like?

The Hiwatt sound is famously known for stunning cleans and seemingly endless headroom. When someone tells you that ‘only a Hiwatt sounds like a Hiwatt’ there is truth in that statement — whereas most amplifiers trace their roots to Leo Fender’s electric guitar amplification circuit, Hiwatt’s founder, Dave Reeves, came up with something truly original.

How come my original Hiwatt does not come with an effects loop?

Hiwatt can truly claim to be the ‘Original Pedal Amp’. Artists quickly found that a Hiwatt with its ‘Max Headroom’ could readily accept pedals plugged in between the guitar and amp without distorting the true nature of the pedal effect. Hiwatt offers the artist the truest tone from their pedals – it always has.

How do I use the 4 inputs on Custom Shop amps?

The idea behind the design was to have low and high sensitivities on each channel depending on which guitar/bass is used (or pickups).

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. Plug into the top input of the Normal channel and use the Normal Vol to control the sound level.

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.

Many players also blend the two channels by plugging their guitar into the top input jack of the Normal channel and then a short cable from the bottom input jack of the Normal channel to the top input of the Bright Channel. Use both Volume controls to blend the sound from both channels.

My speaker cabinet grille cloth is dented. Can it be repaired?

Yes! Carefully sponge hot, soapy water onto the dented area, avoiding contact with the speaker, and leave to dry.

How do I obtain spare parts for my Hiwatt amp/speaker?

Some spares such as knobs, feet, handles, speakers and transformers are available from the Hiwatt Custom Shop. Faceplates and badges are only available when pictures of your amp’s serial number and proof of purchase are provided. Contact our tech department at sales@hiwatt.co.uk for further information.

What valves/tubes should I use in my Hiwatt and when do I have them replaced?

Typically we recommend that you replace your power valves/tubes based on the manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal performance and to reduce the risk of failure.

Hiwatt recommends replacing your tubes/valves if:

• Your amplifier is not functioning as expected.
• You experience excessive noise/hiss/feedback.
• You experience unexpected changes in volume/tone.
• You experience a loss of high end content/detail.
• You experience an unclear or unresponsive bottom end.

Always take your amplifier to a qualified technician. Never service, repair or modify your amplifier yourself.

Do I need to re-bias my amp when replacing valves (tubes)?

Hiwatt amplifiers designed to function below 50 watts are cathode-biased. Yes, it is highly recommended to have your amplifier re-biased when replacing your power valves. This should only be done by a qualified amp technician.

Failure to correctly bias power valves can affect the tone of your amplifier, reduce valve life and cause damage to your amp.

Valves should always be purchased in matched pairs or quartets. Matched valves have been specifically chosen for optimum performance. Always use quality branded replacements.

Always take your amplifier to a qualified technician. Never service, repair or modify your amplifier yourself.

Can I modify my Hiwatt amplifier?

No you may not — Hiwatt doesn’t recommend or support the modification of Hiwatt products in any way. For any/all repairs always take your amplifier to a qualified technician.

My amp is no longer under warranty, where can I get it serviced?

Consult your nearest Hiwatt Dealer or contact sales@hiwatt.co.uk to locate an authorised technician near you.

Always take your amplifier to a qualified technician. Never service, repair or modify your amplifier yourself.

How do I obtain a Hiwatt schematic?

We only supply schematics and technical information to Hiwatt dealers and authorised repair centres. Contact our tech department at sales@hiwatt.co.uk for any questions you may have about your product.