Bogner Amps

[Josh Koropchak]

Well I'm thinking about selling my Mesa Triple Rec and I'm looking into Bogner's. I've listened to the clips on the Bogner site of the Shiva and the Uberschall. What I want to know is which is a better sounding amp overall. I know that the Uberschall head goes for around $2400 new, but what does the Shiva head go for?

[Phil Macino]

Two different amps all together and I can't say one is better than the other. The Shiva could be the best "Clean and Crunch" combination out there, IMO. Bogner uses MAP pricing for their dealers and recently went through a price increase. A Shiva head with reverb should be just over $2200, subtract $300 for Non-Reverb.

The Uberschall has been recently revamped with a gain taper pot modification, and a revoiced clean channel that is very nice (but not as lush as the Shiva). You can tell the new version by the handle, the new ones have a leather handle, and to old ones use a vinyl/rubber handle.

I have found that the Uberschall can do *very* heavy distortion, while not compressing the sound or having "buzz in the tone), as well as a very good "hot" Marshall sound.

The key to this is a very dynamic presence control on channel 1. The Uber now runs about $2600 street, add $140 for the metal grille option.

I've had mine about 6 months now and *love* it.

[angeldust]

Did you check out the Ecstacy? Another good Bogner amp. :cool:

[Scott Peterson]

Bogner gooooood.

The Uber is the high gain amp; okay cleans.
The Shiva is the clean/crunch two channel amp of choice. The cleans are the class of most any channel switcher; and not just in the Bogner lineup. In the world. There are other tastes; but no one argues that the Shiva is a monster.
The Ecstasy is the three channel monster; cleans are okay; the blue channel is to *die* for, the Red channel is killer.

Don't forget the Metro; simpler amp, but killer tones.

I have owned the Ecstasy Classic and three Shivas. Shiva is my preferred flavor. I have had one for 2.5 years now. It is my amp.

[Black 'n Tan]

I love my Shiva 1x12 combo.

Unless you're very manly, you should plan on investing a little dough in a luggage cart thing to move it around cuz it's a back breaker to move.

[Ron M]

Been playing for 20 years and until I got the Shiva I never liked any amps. Shiva is the best combo out there.

[wsaraceni]

Im thining along the same lines as you. i might be selling my dual rec and getting a shiva when my tax return comes in. I thought about trying to keep the dual rec but it just isnt there for me i dont think. so ill probably get the shiva. I figure if i need the high gain i can always come back and try to pick up an uber a few years down the road but the shiva is everything i need right now.

[Jo]

Is there any benefit to getting a shiva head and cab, over getting the combo???

[phoenix]

Is there any benefit to getting a shiva head and cab, over getting the combo???

Jo,

I understand the combo can be a beast to move around. The Shiva head in itself is pretty heavy. I'd rather make two trips to the car than get a hernia with one. But other guys don't seem to mind this as much. The head-cabinet set up is also a little bit easier on tubes and electronics than the combo in terms of the amount of sound vibration they're subjected to. Also, when recording, you can keep the head with its loud fan separate from the cabinet, so your mics don't pick up that fan whine.

[bullfrogblues]

Is there any benefit to getting a shiva head and cab, over getting the combo???
Jo, I bought a Shiva combo, love the sound, but my back sure could feel it. I have to take it to a jam every week, so it was becoming a problem. I ordered a head shell from Stu, and an Avatar 212, and it's much easier to tote. If I could find just the amp for sale, I'd pick one up and put it in the combo and leave it at my friend's house where we jam. The combo weighs almost 80 pounds, but they do sound fantastic. I do believe I get a more full sound with the 212, but not much more.

Allan.

[encorerb]

Bogner gooooood.

The Uber is the high gain amp; okay cleans.
The Shiva is the clean/crunch two channel amp of choice. The cleans are the class of most any channel switcher; and not just in the Bogner lineup. In the world. There are other tastes; but no one argues that the Shiva is a monster.
The Ecstasy is the three channel monster; cleans are okay; the blue channel is to *die* for, the Red channel is killer.

Don't forget the Metro; simpler amp, but killer tones.

I have owned the Ecstasy Classic and three Shivas. Shiva is my preferred flavor. I have had one for 2.5 years now. It is my amp.
Scott, Can the Shiva do both vintage and modern tones? DO you use any dirt pedals with it? trying to decide between SHiva and Ecstasy Classic and am having a hard time since I can't play any before purchasing . Thanks Ralph

[Scott Peterson]

Scott, Can the Shiva do both vintage and modern tones? DO you use any dirt pedals with it? trying to decide between SHiva and Ecstasy Classic and am having a hard time since I can't play any before purchasing . Thanks Ralph
This strictly my opinion - nothing more or less.

The Shiva has a nice vintage/modern tone. It is not Mesa or Soldano type of modern; more like a modded Marshall type of modern.

I use the V-Stack pedal with mine; I have also had great success with the Tech 21 Double Drive. The V-Stack gets you that modern Soldano/Marshall tone with no problems. Best pedal for that tone I have ever heard.

If I were you, I'd buy a used Shiva at a good price and try it. If you like it; done. If not, then sell it and look for a used Classic and try it. If you like it, done. If not... next amp. :D

Or you could do what I did; buy a Shiva and love it. Get a shot at the Ecstasy Classic and go for it, selling the Shiva. Love it; but cannot stop tweaking it endlessly over 4 months of ownership. Sell it and buy another Shiva. Bliss.

It is all just personal taste; you and *only* you can decide by playing the amp. If you can't try them side by side, try the cheaper one first and be honest with yourself.