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.

11.06.24 - Hiwatt Amplifiers -03.jpg__PID:c7b7cdeb-f4b8-4124-8e86-a6596c082444

11.06.24 - Hiwatt Amplifiers -14.jpg__PID:cdebf4b8-f124-4e86-a659-6c082444fd7c

SHOP HIWATT AMPLIFIERS

SHOP WEM GEAR ARRIVALS

Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 100w Valve Amp Head

Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 100w Valve Amp Head

£2,664.00

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.

11.06.24 - WEM 2x12 _Little Rig_ - WEM212FLR-2.jpg__PID:f4b8f124-8e86-4659-ac08-2444fd7c3e9b

11.06.24 - Hiwatt Filter Fuzz MKII Effects Pedal-4.jpg__PID:f1248e86-a659-4c08-a444-fd7c3e9b4e58

11.06.24 - Hiwatt Amplifiers -10.jpg__PID:fd7c3e9b-4e58-47fb-bbfc-f8202884facd

SHOP HIWATT AMPLIFIERS

SHOP WEM GEAR ARRIVALS

SHOP HIWATT GEAR

Yamaha Guitars | 2025 Revstar Additions

Rev up your engines—the Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS20 and RSS02T have arrived at Chicago Music Exchange, bringing performance-minded design, expanded versatility, and unmistakable style to Yamaha’s modern electric guitar lineup. Inspired by the stripped-down efficiency of café racer motorcycles, the Revstar Standard series blends premium tonewoods, chambered bodies, carbon-reinforced necks, and upgraded electronics to deliver lightweight comfort and powerful sonic character. Whether you’re after the articulate punch of Alnico V humbuckers (RSS20) or the warm, expressive bite of P90-style pickups (RSS02T), each model offers refined playability and a dynamic tonal range perfect for stage, studio, and everyday inspiration. Shop the full Yamaha Revstar Standard collection at CME and discover the next evolution of Yamaha’s performance-built electric guitars.

Gibson x Loog Guitars at Chicago Music Exchange

Meet the Gibson x Loog Collection—where legendary tone meets beginner-friendly design. These three-string guitars are made to empower kids to start playing right away, with simplified learning, top-tier sound, and timeless Gibson flair. As the only brick-and-mortar retailer for Gibson x Loog Guitars, Chicago Music Exchange offers a rare opportunity to plug in and play these in person—shop the collection today!

Introducing | Voltage Cable Co.

Introducing Voltage Cable Co.—premium Australian-made coiled guitar cables now available at Chicago Music Exchange. Known for their iconic colorways, road-ready durability, and patented ISO-COAT® anti-corrosion technology, Voltage Cable Co. has redefined what a modern “vintage-style” instrument cable can be. From the original Surf Green classic to our exclusive CME Chicago Cream colorway, these high-performance cables deliver clean tone, long-lasting reliability, and standout stage style. Shop Voltage Cable Co. at Chicago Music Exchange today and experience cables designed to be played—and built for a lifetime.

Item added to your cart

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

Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 100w Valve Amp Head