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.
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.
SHOP HIWATT GEAR
Related Posts
Bad Cat Amplifiers | CME Exclusive Mod Shop Hot Cat 50
Dating back to 1999, Bad Cat has brought in talent from all corners of the amp world, most notably Matchless founder Mark Sampson. Their dedication to building Class A amplifiers with a British-inspired growl has drawn praise and use from players as varied as John Rzeznik, Nick Johnston, and Bonnie Raitt. That's why we're excited to team up with Bad Cat on our newest CME Exclusive amplifiers: the Bad Cat Mod Shop Hot Cat 50 1x12" Combo Amp and Amp Head in Black Levant. We started with the Hot Cat 50, added Marshall-inspired visual touches and a gold chassis, then built in a vintage/modern gain switch and EC Collins Pinstripe Grill Cloth for a tone-shaping experience you can't find anywhere else. Call us today at 773-525-7773, chat with our sales experts, or come into our Lincoln Avenue Showroom to grab yours!
Read more
Introducing | Recording King Guitars Is Back!
One of the most trusted names in value-packed vintage instruments has returned.Recording King, first introduced in 1929, built its reputation on incredible value and a direct line to Gibson's own craftsmanship. Now, with St. Louis Music behind it, the brand is back — flattops, parlor guitars, and resonators, all built with period-correct specs and all-solid tonewoods. Call us at 773-525-7773, chat with us online, or come into our Acoustic Room to be among the first to play them!
Read more
EarthQuaker Devices | 2026 One-of-A-Kind Series
For the fifth consecutive year, Chicago Music Exchange has partnered with EarthQuaker Devices to bring players a collection of one-of-a-kind pedals featuring exclusive, never-before-seen graphics. Built from EarthQuaker’s trusted circuits — the same pedals relied on by musicians worldwide — each piece in the 2026 collection carries a unique visual finish you won’t find anywhere else. Since 2022, this annual collaboration has given players an easy way to put as much personality into their pedalboard as they put into their playing. Once these one-of-one EarthQuaker pedals sell out, they’re gone for good, so shop the 2026 CME Exclusive collection today.
Read more