Hiwatt & WEM Amplifiers At Chicago Music Exchange!

Unleash Iconic Sound: Shop Hiwatt & WEM Amplifiers at CME!

Chicago Music Exchange is proud to carry Hiwatt and WEM amplifiers, two iconic brands that have shaped the landscape of rock music for decades. Known for their bold, powerful tones, Hiwatt amps have been an essential part of the classic British rock sound since the 1960s, thanks to their clean headroom, precision, and durability. Legends like The Who, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin have all turned to Hiwatt for amps that can handle massive volume without losing clarity, making them a go-to for musicians who crave presence and definition in their sound. More modern bands like King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, IDLES, Shiner, and more have turned to Hiwatt, as well. With their military-grade build quality and distinctive voicing, Hiwatt amps continue to captivate players who want to experience British rock's authentic grit and power.

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Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 100w Valve Amp Head Amps / Guitar Amps / Guitar Heads

Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 100w Valve Amp Head

$4,900.00

Legendary Hi-Headroom, crystal-clean tonal character, instantaneous response, sonic depth and detail have made this classic Dave Reeve's circuit a recording and performance giant for more than 60 years.

The iconic British sound trusted by musicians and engineers for generations.

FEATURE OVERVIEW

Faithfully hand-wired according to Dave Reeve's original late 60's circuit design.
Hiwatt is the premiere Pedal platform prized for clarity and Headroom. Presents Pedals true to your sound — no effects loop requiRed.
Normal and Bright channels with independent High and Low impedance inputs for each channel. Versatile and intuitive, perfect for bringing life out of dark pickups or taming shrill high end in bright pickups.
Link the two channels for extra punch and dynamic control of your EQ via the independent channel volumes. Unleash the ’jumped’ channel sound Hiwatt is famous for.
All the clean Headroom you could want.
AP / Truly All Purpose Amplifier. Historically used by the world's most influential artists on a wide range of instruments in the studio and on stage. Ideal for amplifying bass, keys, synthesizers, guitars and other full-range and acoustic instruments.

Specs:

wattage: 100W
channels: Normal, Bright
inputs: Normal Hi, Normal Low, Bright Hi, Bright Low
output: 2 x 1/4" Speaker Out
preamp valves: 4 x ECC83 (12AX7)
output valves: 4 x EL34
controls: Normal Volume, Bright Volume, 3-Band EQ shared by both channels — Bass, Treble, Middle, Presence — Treble Boost shared by both channels, Master Volume, Standby — On/Off, Mains — On/Off
impedance: Switchable using Impedance Selector on the rear panel — 4 Ω, 8 Ω, or 16 Ω

View Details

Alongside Hiwatt, we’re thrilled to offer amplifiers from WEM, another British amp icon known for its rich history in rock. Created by Watkins Electric Music, WEM amps were a favorite of artists in the ‘60s and ‘70s, famed for their robust sound and reliability. From small clubs to large festivals, WEM powered some of the most memorable performances in rock history, and their gear continues to offer that same dependable, vintage tone for today’s musicians. Whether you’re searching for a classic British sound or a unique addition to your gear collection, WEM amplifiers offer timeless character and rich, warm tones perfect for all styles of music.

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Orangewood | Del Sol Baritone

Meet the Del Sol: Orangewood’s First Electric Guitar—Now at CME! Known for quality, affordable acoustics, Orangewood breaks into electric territory with the Del Sol Baritone, a bold collab with boutique builder Josh Forest of TreeTone Guitars. Featuring a chambered mahogany body, roasted maple neck, P-90 pickups, and a 27.5" scale length, the Orangewood Del Sol blends vintage tone with modern playability. A phase switch adds tonal versatility, while locking tuners and premium hardware make it stage-ready out of the box. Shop the Del Sol and the full Orangewood lineup today at Chicago Music Exchange!

Introducing | Strandberg Guitars

Explore the cutting edge of electric guitar design with Strandberg Guitars, now available at Chicago Music Exchange! Renowned for their headless construction, ultra-lightweight builds, and ergonomic EndurNeck profiles, Strandberg guitars deliver maximum comfort and precision for today’s most adventurous players. From 6, 7, and 8-string models to signature artist designs, these multi-scale instruments combine futuristic tone, innovative hardware, and sleek aesthetics—perfect for prog, metal, jazz, and beyond. Shop the full lineup of Strandberg guitars online or in-store and experience modern guitar mastery at CME.

Introducing | Sunn Amplifiers

The wait is over—Sunn Amplifiers are back, and Chicago Music Exchange is proud to be one of the first U.S. retailers to carry this legendary brand. A sonic powerhouse reborn, Sunn is ready to take center stage once again.

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Unleash Iconic Sound: Shop Hiwatt & WEM Amplifiers at CME!

Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 100w Valve Amp Head