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
Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 100w Valve Amp Head
Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 100w Valve Amp Head
Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 100w Valve Amp Head

Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 100w Valve Amp Head

$3,499.00

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
     
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WEM WEM112F 1x12 Amp Cabinet w/ Fane F75 Speakers
WEM WEM112F 1x12 Amp Cabinet w/ Fane F75 Speakers
WEM WEM112F 1x12 Amp Cabinet w/ Fane F75 Speakers
WEM WEM112F 1x12 Amp Cabinet w/ Fane F75 Speakers

WEM WEM112F 1x12 Amp Cabinet w/ Fane F75 Speakers

$973.00

Awesome and prolific - WEM is more than great amplifiers, original Loudspeakers, & PA systems - pedals, guitars, keyboards - WEM was an incredible force in the British music scene. We are starting to reintroduce WEM through the legendary STARFINDER speaker cabs made famous for their retro cool looks and great sonic properties.

Speakers: Fane F75 Speakers
Speakers Configuration: 2x12

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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SHOP HIWATT GEAR

Hiwatt Leeds 25R 1x10 Guitar Combo Amp
Hiwatt Leeds 25R 1x10 Guitar Combo Amp
Hiwatt Leeds 25R 1x10 Guitar Combo Amp
Hiwatt Leeds 25R 1x10 Guitar Combo Amp

Hiwatt Leeds 25R 1x10 Guitar Combo Amp

$154.99
Hiwatt Filter Fuzz MKII Effects Pedal 1.1 Edition
Hiwatt Filter Fuzz MKII Effects Pedal 1.1 Edition
Hiwatt Filter Fuzz MKII Effects Pedal 1.1 Edition

Hiwatt Filter Fuzz MKII Effects Pedal 1.1 Edition

$199.00
Hiwatt Custom Filter Fuzz Effects Pedal Black
Hiwatt Custom Filter Fuzz Effects Pedal Black
Hiwatt Custom Filter Fuzz Effects Pedal Black

Hiwatt Custom Filter Fuzz Effects Pedal Black

$333.00
Hiwatt T20/10 20w/10w Tube Series Guitar Amp Head
Hiwatt T20/10 20w/10w Tube Series Guitar Amp Head
Hiwatt T20/10 20w/10w Tube Series Guitar Amp Head
Hiwatt T20/10 20w/10w Tube Series Guitar Amp Head

Hiwatt T20/10 20w/10w Tube Series Guitar Amp Head

$649.99

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