Any Bogner Shiva users?
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Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
A lot of people will chime in about the amp either being
a) perfection, brilliant, can cover any style up to hard rock, not good for metal, the old model's FX loop sucks, lol and that no one has heard the new one. I haven't heard the new one and I have been down at Bogner three times, and I am going today. Sooooo maybe I hsould go hear it?
b) people will say it's not really a Marshall. The gain is too "fuzzy" or fuzz like (no one ever says it's horrible or fizzy), and that they hate the fact the clean channel doesn't really break up.
Both are somewhat correct.
One thing is for certain, it covers Fender and Marshall territory quite well, it's reasonable in weight and size, and will work comfortable in anything from R&B/Jazz on up to hard hard rock a la Jerry Cantrell, who uses one here and there.
The one thing people don't say about the Shiva often enough regards it's utter simplicity. You just set it and rock. It's pretty much set and ready to go, and that INCLUDES the studio environment, where some V30s and a mic and boom you have your album. The shocking thing is that the gain is very clear, more so than you would think. Record it and you will realize it soudns huge and articulate, lot so harmonics, and it sounds plain rude. I am amazed at how heavy it can sound. In the studio people don't realize that smaller amps/cabs, and clarity factor in a lot. Metallica got a much richer sound with Bob Rock using small combos vs stacks.
It takes pedals well. The tube layout is rather perfect, as is the reverb. However, I have found I prefer JJ's in some of the sockets (vs the recommended chinese), and I chose one without reverb, I prefer the TC Elec G Major esp on the gain channel. Lastly, the Master Vol is amazing! I happen to be OK with the FX loop, but it could be better. The Serial Loop allows you to use the G Major as a very powerful solo boost.
A/B'd with a NMV Marshall it will never have that kind of ugly huge sound or the dry mids (it has sweeter mids). No Marshall enthusiast will ever sneeze at the Bogner's tone, it is very rich and gets quite creamy as you turn it up. Sits PERFECT in the mix of any band.
These amps also get different feel with different cabs, so experimentation mattres. Bogner has beautiful cabs that sound 3D. V30s work for this amp as do many other speakers.
A lot of people will chime in about the amp either being
a) perfection, brilliant, can cover any style up to hard rock, not good for metal, the old model's FX loop sucks, lol and that no one has heard the new one. I haven't heard the new one and I have been down at Bogner three times, and I am going today. Sooooo maybe I hsould go hear it?
b) people will say it's not really a Marshall. The gain is too "fuzzy" or fuzz like (no one ever says it's horrible or fizzy), and that they hate the fact the clean channel doesn't really break up.
Both are somewhat correct.
One thing is for certain, it covers Fender and Marshall territory quite well, it's reasonable in weight and size, and will work comfortable in anything from R&B/Jazz on up to hard hard rock a la Jerry Cantrell, who uses one here and there.
The one thing people don't say about the Shiva often enough regards it's utter simplicity. You just set it and rock. It's pretty much set and ready to go, and that INCLUDES the studio environment, where some V30s and a mic and boom you have your album. The shocking thing is that the gain is very clear, more so than you would think. Record it and you will realize it soudns huge and articulate, lot so harmonics, and it sounds plain rude. I am amazed at how heavy it can sound. In the studio people don't realize that smaller amps/cabs, and clarity factor in a lot. Metallica got a much richer sound with Bob Rock using small combos vs stacks.
It takes pedals well. The tube layout is rather perfect, as is the reverb. However, I have found I prefer JJ's in some of the sockets (vs the recommended chinese), and I chose one without reverb, I prefer the TC Elec G Major esp on the gain channel. Lastly, the Master Vol is amazing! I happen to be OK with the FX loop, but it could be better. The Serial Loop allows you to use the G Major as a very powerful solo boost.
A/B'd with a NMV Marshall it will never have that kind of ugly huge sound or the dry mids (it has sweeter mids). No Marshall enthusiast will ever sneeze at the Bogner's tone, it is very rich and gets quite creamy as you turn it up. Sits PERFECT in the mix of any band.
These amps also get different feel with different cabs, so experimentation mattres. Bogner has beautiful cabs that sound 3D. V30s work for this amp as do many other speakers.
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TattooedCarrot
New member
Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
I had one, great amp. But for me it sounded more American voiced than British voiced (and mine had EL34's). I think Marshall's are a little grittier whereas the Bogner is smoother.
I wanted more gain so I ran a Rat on the clean side and it was pretty cool. It takes pedals well.
I had one, great amp. But for me it sounded more American voiced than British voiced (and mine had EL34's). I think Marshall's are a little grittier whereas the Bogner is smoother.
I wanted more gain so I ran a Rat on the clean side and it was pretty cool. It takes pedals well.
That90'sGuy
DyzaBoyzologist
Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
This is my experiences as well. Fuzzy is NOT the Shiva. If you're looking for a gritty overdrive channel go for a Bad Cat Hot Cat, the Shiva is a refined Marshall (it's smooth and sweet, ballsy, but not raw, fuzzy or gritty). I got sick of amps that always had gritty, muddy overdrive with harsh frequencies, so within literally seconds of demoing a Shiva I knew it delivered what I was looking for. I just love how punchy, fat, and smooth it is and it's darker character is refreshing (so many amps have an annoyingly bright tone to them). Like Olin said, the overdrive channel has a funny way of always being able to sit in the mix beautifully.
A lot of people hate the FX Loop and I agree, it was stupid to have to make a special cable, but with the right resistors you can use the amp's FX Loop and it sounds just as good as without the FX Loop. I use the FX Loop all the time, nobody else I know actually does. I always use a clean boost to cut through with extra volume for leads.
I'm obsessed with the Shiva, for me it is THE amp (nothing has floored me as much, even the new boutique "flavors of the month"). However, I have very specific needs for an amplifier and while it fits me, it won't fit everyone (no amp will). The cleans are wonderful for the musician who wants to keep his cleans together at loud stage volume (I got sick of the cleans always breaking up on my lesser wattage amps). The cleans are like a sweet Marshall plexi, not like a Fender like some people generally classify it as. They're fat, smooth, warm with a little topend chime and have a little compression to them. If you're looking for the thinner, more open sounding cleans like Fenders have with the 6l6 tubes, don't look at the Shiva, you probably won't be happy.
A lot of folks look at the specs of the Shiva and when they see "80w tube" run away. I was like that originally until I played one in a store and got really great tones at very low volumes. Bogner definitely designed one of the best master volumes ever conceived. The amp sounds so good at lower volumes, you'd have thought it was a 5w. I live in an apartment, so volume is everything and getting the tone I want at low volumes and being able to have plenty on tap for any live applications is what makes this amp a true keeper for me.
That's a ton of info right there to help you decide if the Shiva is what you're looking for. It's a very unique sounding amp! It's naturally going to end the tone search for some people like me and others are going to listen to it and go "that's not voiced anything like I wanted it to be". Most people either love or hate the amp, not too many people are in the middle.
This is my experiences as well. Fuzzy is NOT the Shiva. If you're looking for a gritty overdrive channel go for a Bad Cat Hot Cat, the Shiva is a refined Marshall (it's smooth and sweet, ballsy, but not raw, fuzzy or gritty). I got sick of amps that always had gritty, muddy overdrive with harsh frequencies, so within literally seconds of demoing a Shiva I knew it delivered what I was looking for. I just love how punchy, fat, and smooth it is and it's darker character is refreshing (so many amps have an annoyingly bright tone to them). Like Olin said, the overdrive channel has a funny way of always being able to sit in the mix beautifully.
A lot of people hate the FX Loop and I agree, it was stupid to have to make a special cable, but with the right resistors you can use the amp's FX Loop and it sounds just as good as without the FX Loop. I use the FX Loop all the time, nobody else I know actually does. I always use a clean boost to cut through with extra volume for leads.
I'm obsessed with the Shiva, for me it is THE amp (nothing has floored me as much, even the new boutique "flavors of the month"). However, I have very specific needs for an amplifier and while it fits me, it won't fit everyone (no amp will). The cleans are wonderful for the musician who wants to keep his cleans together at loud stage volume (I got sick of the cleans always breaking up on my lesser wattage amps). The cleans are like a sweet Marshall plexi, not like a Fender like some people generally classify it as. They're fat, smooth, warm with a little topend chime and have a little compression to them. If you're looking for the thinner, more open sounding cleans like Fenders have with the 6l6 tubes, don't look at the Shiva, you probably won't be happy.
A lot of folks look at the specs of the Shiva and when they see "80w tube" run away. I was like that originally until I played one in a store and got really great tones at very low volumes. Bogner definitely designed one of the best master volumes ever conceived. The amp sounds so good at lower volumes, you'd have thought it was a 5w. I live in an apartment, so volume is everything and getting the tone I want at low volumes and being able to have plenty on tap for any live applications is what makes this amp a true keeper for me.
That's a ton of info right there to help you decide if the Shiva is what you're looking for. It's a very unique sounding amp! It's naturally going to end the tone search for some people like me and others are going to listen to it and go "that's not voiced anything like I wanted it to be". Most people either love or hate the amp, not too many people are in the middle.
Bludave
New member
Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
I own a Shiva 1 12" combo, and for the most part it can be more articulate than my other guitar players 800 with vintage 30's. The Bogner cleans IMHO are the best I have ever heard. And they break up beautifully. Its really a matter of using the volume and the master to get the amount of tube saturation needed ffor the guitar being used. I use a modded TS9 in the clean channel to give it a little push, but I have the gain on the TS9 all the way down, its more of a clean boost. The drive channel does not really need much help. It has much more bottom than my Marshall 900 does, but the Marshall is a little more gainy and slightly tighter. By comparison the Bogner has a looseness to it and really strong low end. Prior to me buying my Bogner I was using either a SF Super Reverb or Deluxe Reverb and a Marshall 900 A/B'd. This worked extremely well for what I needed. The Bogner covers almost all I need on its own. I really don't like effects loops in any amp. In the Bogner if I use the effects loop it cuts some volume?? but I really just use a chorus, delay and a Wah so I usually go straight in and I have no issues with this. The Reverb will also increase/decrease volume a little when you turn it on/off. These are all minor issues imho. The Shiva is a fantastic Amp!
I own a Shiva 1 12" combo, and for the most part it can be more articulate than my other guitar players 800 with vintage 30's. The Bogner cleans IMHO are the best I have ever heard. And they break up beautifully. Its really a matter of using the volume and the master to get the amount of tube saturation needed ffor the guitar being used. I use a modded TS9 in the clean channel to give it a little push, but I have the gain on the TS9 all the way down, its more of a clean boost. The drive channel does not really need much help. It has much more bottom than my Marshall 900 does, but the Marshall is a little more gainy and slightly tighter. By comparison the Bogner has a looseness to it and really strong low end. Prior to me buying my Bogner I was using either a SF Super Reverb or Deluxe Reverb and a Marshall 900 A/B'd. This worked extremely well for what I needed. The Bogner covers almost all I need on its own. I really don't like effects loops in any amp. In the Bogner if I use the effects loop it cuts some volume?? but I really just use a chorus, delay and a Wah so I usually go straight in and I have no issues with this. The Reverb will also increase/decrease volume a little when you turn it on/off. These are all minor issues imho. The Shiva is a fantastic Amp!
Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
BLUDAVE, how do you AND your friend perceive the Shiva to take on the JCM800? I have never taken mine against an 800 or the like as yet, and I am dying to know how it sat in the mix, and how other players felt it sat with the band?
Another thing. I felt the Shiva was a little loose and not gain-y enough for very hard rock (Chunk Chunk or Recto) until recording with it recently. I felt it's voicing made it shockingly articulate while coming off VERY NICE AND GAINY a la Rnandy Rhoads on Flying High Again with the Shiva set to 1 oclock Gain with the boost on and V30s.
I also found a FD2 to add a lot of gain for metal-ish stylings giving you all the Alice in Chains attitude. These findings made me quite happy with the abilities of the amp.
Anyone have my same findings?
BLUDAVE, how do you AND your friend perceive the Shiva to take on the JCM800? I have never taken mine against an 800 or the like as yet, and I am dying to know how it sat in the mix, and how other players felt it sat with the band?
Another thing. I felt the Shiva was a little loose and not gain-y enough for very hard rock (Chunk Chunk or Recto) until recording with it recently. I felt it's voicing made it shockingly articulate while coming off VERY NICE AND GAINY a la Rnandy Rhoads on Flying High Again with the Shiva set to 1 oclock Gain with the boost on and V30s.
I also found a FD2 to add a lot of gain for metal-ish stylings giving you all the Alice in Chains attitude. These findings made me quite happy with the abilities of the amp.
Anyone have my same findings?
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Bludave
New member
Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
I have a 1 12" combo and it easily keeps up with the 800 with a 4 12 loaded with vintage 30's. Now I do most of the lead work so he is mainly playin rythum and he keeps his volume under control. I would bet if he cranked it it would probably be louder because of the 4 12". The Bogner is much more versatile than the 800 thats for sure. The 800 is pretty much a 1 trick pony. What it does it does very well, but the Shiva is more articulate and has cleans that are stunning. The 800 really don't have a whole lot of clean!
I have not recorded with the Shiva as of yet, but plan to sometime in the future. I also feel the gain is looser than the Marshalls is, but in a good way. I think the Marshall 800 and even my 900 has more gain than the Shiva, but I am pretty much a Blues/Rock kind of player. The drive channel has more gain than I will use. I tend to use the clean channel more and as I said earlier I use a modded TS9 mainly as a clean boost. That really helps add a little sustain and saturates the tubes a little more. Its intersting as the night progresses I find that I don't need the TS9 as much. Once the tubes warm up it does everything I need. I also feel the Shiva really sounds best with Humbuckers. This is not to say singles don't work because they do. The bottom can almost kick a drum its so powerful. What I love most about it is when I play my 335 thru it the harmonics can be pulled out of the guitar at will. I can do the same with my Strat or my Les Paul. Very usabel gain and OD!!!
I have a 1 12" combo and it easily keeps up with the 800 with a 4 12 loaded with vintage 30's. Now I do most of the lead work so he is mainly playin rythum and he keeps his volume under control. I would bet if he cranked it it would probably be louder because of the 4 12". The Bogner is much more versatile than the 800 thats for sure. The 800 is pretty much a 1 trick pony. What it does it does very well, but the Shiva is more articulate and has cleans that are stunning. The 800 really don't have a whole lot of clean!
I have not recorded with the Shiva as of yet, but plan to sometime in the future. I also feel the gain is looser than the Marshalls is, but in a good way. I think the Marshall 800 and even my 900 has more gain than the Shiva, but I am pretty much a Blues/Rock kind of player. The drive channel has more gain than I will use. I tend to use the clean channel more and as I said earlier I use a modded TS9 mainly as a clean boost. That really helps add a little sustain and saturates the tubes a little more. Its intersting as the night progresses I find that I don't need the TS9 as much. Once the tubes warm up it does everything I need. I also feel the Shiva really sounds best with Humbuckers. This is not to say singles don't work because they do. The bottom can almost kick a drum its so powerful. What I love most about it is when I play my 335 thru it the harmonics can be pulled out of the guitar at will. I can do the same with my Strat or my Les Paul. Very usabel gain and OD!!!
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Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
I'd say the Shiva is more like an old Marshall with extremely souped up gain. The 800s and 900's will always have a more crunchy top end, where the Bogner is more round and buttery like an old Marshall with an OD pedal.
Where the Ecstasy excells is that it can be all of the above, just by flicking switches. For example, you can configure the gain on the Ecstasy about 4 different ways just on one channel. And if you need the Red channel to have more bite like a JCM 800's, I just flick the structure switch to sound more crunchy, and assign a spare presence knob to the red channel. The Ecstasy is very expensive, but the payoff is the big smile on your face, everytime you dial in a tone that kicks ass.
I'd say the Shiva is more like an old Marshall with extremely souped up gain. The 800s and 900's will always have a more crunchy top end, where the Bogner is more round and buttery like an old Marshall with an OD pedal.
Where the Ecstasy excells is that it can be all of the above, just by flicking switches. For example, you can configure the gain on the Ecstasy about 4 different ways just on one channel. And if you need the Red channel to have more bite like a JCM 800's, I just flick the structure switch to sound more crunchy, and assign a spare presence knob to the red channel. The Ecstasy is very expensive, but the payoff is the big smile on your face, everytime you dial in a tone that kicks ass.
Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
I love the Ecstasy, but the Shiva is so easy to use and sounds oh so open.
Sometimes I feel the Shiva is a tad too buttery. When I plug in my Marshall I realize I find them a little more raw and nasty. Therefore, I am still pondering the fact that I believe I would rather have a Marshall AND a Bogner than to have just a Bogner for $2 - $3k.
I also find a lot of pro acts use Bogner. I was down at Bogner the other day, and when you see how many big time acts CHOOSE Shivas when they could afford and XTC, I am prrof positive it is about personal taste.
Worst thing for me, I am still jonesing for a JCM800 and a small box 50w. I also love Matchless amps - so I don't think one amp will ever keep me happy.
I love the Ecstasy, but the Shiva is so easy to use and sounds oh so open.
Sometimes I feel the Shiva is a tad too buttery. When I plug in my Marshall I realize I find them a little more raw and nasty. Therefore, I am still pondering the fact that I believe I would rather have a Marshall AND a Bogner than to have just a Bogner for $2 - $3k.
I also find a lot of pro acts use Bogner. I was down at Bogner the other day, and when you see how many big time acts CHOOSE Shivas when they could afford and XTC, I am prrof positive it is about personal taste.
Worst thing for me, I am still jonesing for a JCM800 and a small box 50w. I also love Matchless amps - so I don't think one amp will ever keep me happy.
suislidE03
New member
Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
Do people still run two amps in stereo? Just a thought kicker.. (olin)
Do people still run two amps in stereo? Just a thought kicker.. (olin)
Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
Ah, yes - I can impart more pain and deafen more people
yes
Actually, the Bogner sits perfectly in any mix. The Marshall has the capability of washing out drummers, esp when NOT Hot Plated. I did a few rehearsals at Sound Arena where I unleashed at 4 and just had run of the place on the Marshall.
Just tried a Tung Sol 12Ax7 in the Bogner, WOW, in positions V1 & 2 it makes it a little more focused and a little more bright, in position 1 alone, it makes the amp shimmer more, take pedals better, and makes the amp more responsive to my Duncans. I am pretty impressed folks. Had to share!
Ah, yes - I can impart more pain and deafen more people
yes
Actually, the Bogner sits perfectly in any mix. The Marshall has the capability of washing out drummers, esp when NOT Hot Plated. I did a few rehearsals at Sound Arena where I unleashed at 4 and just had run of the place on the Marshall.
Just tried a Tung Sol 12Ax7 in the Bogner, WOW, in positions V1 & 2 it makes it a little more focused and a little more bright, in position 1 alone, it makes the amp shimmer more, take pedals better, and makes the amp more responsive to my Duncans. I am pretty impressed folks. Had to share!
Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
Yes, the clean is very plexi like, but is slightly brighter, I think. As for the OD channel, let's just say that the Shiva is more dynamic and is more polished than JCM800.
Like others have mentioned, the Shiva is almost like a plug and play amp. It already sounds good with guitar+amp combination, and is good up to grinding hard rock. No metal.
Yes, the clean is very plexi like, but is slightly brighter, I think. As for the OD channel, let's just say that the Shiva is more dynamic and is more polished than JCM800.
Like others have mentioned, the Shiva is almost like a plug and play amp. It already sounds good with guitar+amp combination, and is good up to grinding hard rock. No metal.
Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
Would you mind listing a bunch of examples of what Hard Rock is to you, so I can get an idea of what it can do? I know Cantrell was mentioned with a boost of some sort. Anything else?
Thanks!
Would you mind listing a bunch of examples of what Hard Rock is to you, so I can get an idea of what it can do? I know Cantrell was mentioned with a boost of some sort. Anything else?
Thanks!
Re: Any Bogner Shiva users?
TONE - just go get a Shiva already - trust me it's a good amp whether or not it ends up being your perfect choice.
I avoided one forever and bought every cheap version - Mesa Heartbreaker, Rivera Knucklehead etc etc - then I found a good cheap used Shiva and it's a hell of a machine.
TONE - just go get a Shiva already - trust me it's a good amp whether or not it ends up being your perfect choice.
I avoided one forever and bought every cheap version - Mesa Heartbreaker, Rivera Knucklehead etc etc - then I found a good cheap used Shiva and it's a hell of a machine.
