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Quick answer: The Hiwatt The Custom 20 is a Hiwatt guitar amplifier head with valve (tube) power. Sold brand-new by Victory Musical Instruments, a veteran-owned authorized retailer in Miami, FL. Questions? Call 844-687-4208.
Classic British tone, built to be played.
Overview
The Custom 20 circuit is designed for not just the usual Hiwatt sweet cleans but to also get fat, harmonically complex overdrive when driven; the twin EL84 power section handles both as well and everything in between at useable volumes. A simple, intuitive amplifier which can be pushed into natural compression and overdrive in response to your guitar controls and playing dynamics - the OTHER great Hiwatt sound. For 2025 we have made some revisions to the circuit by adding a Bright switch and an extra gain boost for even more control options. The Bright switch gives you the option for adding sparkling treble to your clean tones at lower volume, or to tighten up gain tones when wound up; the gain boost works with both High and Low inputs and is designed as a natural boost of the amp's voicing, introducing extra harmonic thickness into the preamp. These two controls are interactive, alongside the High and Low impedance input, to offer new and exciting variations on earlier Custom 20 sounds.
At a Glance
| Brand | Hiwatt |
| Model | The Custom 20 |
| Series | Custom |
| Category | Guitar Amplifier Head |
| Color | Black |
| Country of Origin | Canada |
| Power | 20W (120V / 2A) |
| SKU / MPN | SA20H-U |
| Condition | New |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer warranty |
| Sold by | Victory Musical Instruments — veteran-owned authorized retailer, Miami FL |
Key Features
- NEW Transparent Boost via Push/Pull Gain Pot
- NEW Sparkling Cleans via Bright Switch
- Chimey clean and classic overdrive.
- Good grind at low volume.
- Touch sensitive.
- Lightweight, reliable, and plug and play. Ideal volume and footprint for the gigging musician.
- Independent Hi and Low inputs. Versatile and intuitive, perfect for bringing life out of dark pickups or taming shrill high end in bright pickups.
- Simplified controls for quick and effortless tone shaping.
- Set it and forget it.
Specifications
| Power output | 20W |
| Inputs | Hi, Low |
| Preamp valves | 3 x ECC83 (12AX7) |
| Power valves | 2 x EL84 |
| Speaker outputs | 2 x 1/4" speaker Out |
| Impedance | Switchable using Variable Impedance Outputs on the rear panel — 4 Ω, 8 Ω, or 16 Ω |
Why Hiwatt?
Hiwatt amplifiers are prized for headroom: the ability to stay clean, clear, and dynamic as you turn up. That clarity is also why they are loved as a pedal platform, presenting your effects honestly instead of coloring them. Whether you chase pristine cleans or push the amp into natural breakup, this model gives you that classic British voice in a road-ready package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hiwatt The Custom 20 come with a speaker cabinet?
No. This is an amplifier head, so it needs a separate speaker cabinet to make sound. Hiwatt pairs naturally with matching guitar cabinets, and the head works with any cabinet at a compatible impedance and power rating.
Is the Hiwatt The Custom 20 a tube amp or solid-state?
It uses valve (tube) power, which is where the classic British warmth and natural breakup come from.
Is the Hiwatt The Custom 20 a genuine Hiwatt product?
Yes. Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned, authorized retailer based in Miami, FL. Every unit is brand-new and covered by the full Hiwatt manufacturer warranty.
Can I get help choosing or setting it up?
Absolutely. You will talk to real people, not a call center. Call us at 844-687-4208 and we will help you spec the right rig and get it running.
Why Buy from Victory Musical Instruments
Victory Musical Instruments is a veteran-owned authorized retailer in Miami, FL. Whether you are outfitting a home studio, a touring rig, or a rehearsal room, we will help you spec the right gear and stand behind the sale. Save through our ID.me military discount program for active duty, veterans, reservists, and eligible family. Questions? Call 844-687-4208.