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Hiwatt Custom 200

If the Ampeg SVT hadn’t come out in the 70s, the Hiwatt Custom 200 would most likely have become the tube bass amp standard. Based on Hiwatt’s traditional designs, it employs KT88 output valves to deliver its thundering power. It can produce pure loud clean tones but it can also deliver a sweet crunch with distinction and class, always maintaining a great level of definition even at high SPLs. It works just as well with guitars but its power makes it a better match for bass in nowadays live music conditions.

This particular example was in much need of a recap to be able to deliver its 200W while keeping its definition. There have been several preamp designs along Hiwatt’s history but it seems that this one beneficiates from the best of them with just enough bass end presence for everybody’s needs. If it had one weak point, it would be its weight but that is the price to pay for quality tube bass amplification.