This isn't a vintage amp, but it was a bit of a puzzle like some old amps can be.
Googling the model number came up with no leads whatsoever. All searching for a Custom 20 led to 2x10" combos, so I emailed Hiwatt to see what was up.
It turns out that this particular amp is one of the first Custom 20 amps built with a 12" Fane speaker.
Here's the reply I received from Hiwatt - I love the opening!
"Hi Chuck - who did you buy this from - we have started to build as 1x12 combo's - it is one of the first out there and is a fantastic amp. we went to a 12" speaker as the new 10" speakers always seemed lacking when compared to 12's .
Watch for the reissue of the custom 20 with original transformers and a limited number of the original 10" speaker cones found during the fane factory move last year. The only 10 inch speakers I have heard with the custom 20 that rival a 12" speaker."
I could tell it was something different from the factory when I opened it. Hiwatt mounts their chassis to a plywood plate, which slides into the cabinet (a really smart design). The plywood was drilled twice, and the first time must have been the pattern for the 2x10" combo.
All that aside, this is simply a killer amp. The circuit is impeccably wired - check the pics. The tube compliment is a favorite - everyone should have an amp with two EL84s! This amp is complete in every way - a tonal beast and a compact, portable package.
Switchable power supply allows use in other countries.
- Cover: Yes, soft bag
- Color: Black
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 20"x20.25"x10"
- Weight: 46lbs
- Watts: 20
- Date: 2019
- Speaker 1 brand/model: Fane 12"
- Speaker 1 Code: 1221759.16
- Extension speaker out?: No
- FX Loop?: No
- Reverb or other effects?: No
- Power tubes: (2)xEL84 JJ's
- Preamp tubes: (3)x12AX7 JJ's
- Pedal: No
- Pots: Original
- Tolex: Original Black
- Grille: Original Black and Wheat
- Knobs: Original
- Handle: Original
- Power cord: Original
