Any Bogner Ecstasy/Shivas around?

[JackGriffiths]

Unfortunately, I've not quite scraped together the funds for one of these just yet (still have stuff to sell for that), but I'm really keen to try out as many as possible to narrow down on exactly which model I feel I should be looking for. I think I'm set on the Ecstasy as the Shiva just sits too close to the hard rock amps I already own and I would love something completely different with much more to offer. It seems 101Bs are the most readily available as opposed to Classics or 20th Anniversaries, but even that 'availability' is scarce (I'm talking about second hand here). I did get to try one through Vintage 30s and thought there was far too much upper mid content - same with the Shiva. A mix with G12s would probably work well.

The purpose of this message was to see if there are any owners around the SE Kent area who'd be kind enough to let me give it a try sometime. I can't afford repeat trips to Epsom or Romford (nearest Bogner dealers). Or at least, to see if anyone can offer any opinions on these amps and how happy you are with them (just try not to rub it in).

Thanks,
Jack

[leerocker]

have you ever tried an evh 5150 iii?


i went from a 20th xtc to one of these and to me its just as good if not better, fx loops on the bogners are awful except the goldfinger one , im not the only ex bogner player on here to go over to the 5150 iii.

[Viz]

Good luck in finding the ecstasy, i've been looking for years

[JackGriffiths]

have you ever tried an evh 5150 iii?

The 5150 III is an amp I've been meaning to try, but I've grown quite keen on the flexibility of the Bogner, including the various power stage arrangements - being one who likes to crank amps up, the half power switch and Class A options are something I'd value highly!

[leerocker]

The 5150 III is an amp I've been meaning to try, but I've grown quite keen on the flexibility of the Bogner, including the various power stage arrangements - being one who likes to crank amps up, the half power switch and Class A options are something I'd value highly!

the 5150 iii is the most versatile amp ive ever used, fender cleans low gain plexi on ch1 cranked/hot rodded plexi on ch2 and balls to the wall gain on channel 3 its easier to dial in than the xtc and the fx loop is the best, dont let the evh moniker put you off like it did me at first, should have bought an evh first instead of losing a shedload of cash on bogners mesas and the like...

[rockmonster]

Ha ha I've had 2 ecstasy's one anniversary 6L6 and standard EL34 head. 3 shivas including an anniversary and a Cameron CCV and got rid of them all but kept my EVH 100 III. I now have 2 EVH half stacks - great amps. Great clean great drive and very versatile. I'm not a huge Eddie fan and it doesn't make me sound like him (no gear in the world would!) as Lee says in a band mix it sounds awesome- great loop too save your money the Bogners are too fussy the loops are shit and to me are overrated. Just my 2 penneth!

[JackGriffiths]

Thanks for putting me on to the EVH. I'm going to try one out but I'm just not convinced it'll be as versatile, organic or appropriate for me as the Ecstasy. I'm not after extreme gain, and I'd really appreciate the Plexi mode of the Bogner. I tend to avoid effects loops anyway apart from maybe running a constant reverb through it, but that'll most likely be in the front due to my lower gain requirements. Regardless, I'll try an EVH when I can. I know that they're very different but I did used to own a 6505 and didn't get on with it at all. A TS boosting a more vintage flavoured amp suits me better for metal tones.

[fastboy]

The other bogner whore here.

I've owned the xtc, shiva el34 and and 20th plus the goldfinger and agree with lee and rod, the fx loops on them are shite and the real weak points on the amps.

Ironically, out of all the bogners, the xtc is the one I'd recommend the least. It's very difficult to dial in and sounds totally different in every room. I think they do sound great apparently but literally if you can run them at arena type volume !! If you're a pub type gigger, forget it.

The shiva and goldfinger are much easier to dial in.

Personally, having been through a shed loads of amps of multiple makes, I've just gone back to my old favourite, the marshall jubilee. It's a total one trick pony it just happens to be my favourite trick

[Dazza1004]

I'm going to offer an alternative experience to the above, had a 5153 and hated every minute of having it.

Currently got a 20th anniversary XTC (el34) and 20th Shiva. I've never had any difficulty getting the xtc to sound amazing at home and gig levels (same with the shiva), it does take more work than the Shiva which is more plug and play, the xtc has more options and therefore a wider tonal palette which can take a little more time to get right. I've never noticed an issue with the loop but I only run a pedal delay through it.

You're a bit out of luck mate, I used to live near maidstone and would have welcomed you to come and have a blast with both but in Blackpool now so a bit of a trek.

To compare the two, from my experience the xtc is smoother and more complex than the Shiva where as the shiva is more aggressive and shouty if you like. Both have that amazing Bogner feel though

[JackGriffiths]

I'm going to offer an alternative experience to the above, had a 5153 and hated every minute of having it.

Currently got a 20th anniversary XTC (el34) and 20th Shiva. I've never had any difficulty getting the xtc to sound amazing at home and gig levels (same with the shiva), it does take more work than the Shiva which is more plug and play, the xtc has more options and therefore a wider tonal palette which can take a little more time to get right. I've never noticed an issue with the loop but I only run a pedal delay through it.

You're a bit out of luck mate, I used to live near maidstone and would have welcomed you to come and have a blast with both but in Blackpool now so a bit of a trek.

To compare the two, from my experience the xtc is smoother and more complex than the Shiva where as the shiva is more aggressive and shouty if you like. Both have that amazing Bogner feel though

Thanks for the insight and offer to try them out, like you say Blackpool is just a stretch too far.

For me, I feel the Shiva is probably too similar to my Thunderverb in its feel and response, so I'm more or less dead set on the Ecstasy. 101b vs 20th Anniversary is another matter. Unfortunately, there aren't many around at all.

Jack