Re: Attention Bogner Owners
Well, I always say it's kinda like a JCM800 meets a Rodded Plexi.
Cantrell has gain, but a Shiva on Boost MAX'd or with a pedal gets those tones. I feel plexi's always have the EVH brown vibe. My MArshall has a nasty mojo. The Shiva has some of that grit a JCM800 has, with the 3D kinda richness of a PLexi. Pedals really make this thing gain up and nasty with that same JCM800?Plexi vibe.
I am careful on the JCM comparisons because I feel that it doesn't do Randy Rhodes Zakk Wylde tones which to me are the classic JCM tones. Nor does it do CC Deville or RATT mid to late 80s Metal so well as an 800. IT CAN do them, but if you want that saturated mid 80s tone, I would mix an 800 with an ADA first.
The Bogner is more tonesful and rich in the mids a la the classic Plexi tones of Jimi (sans Fuzz) and Paul Kosoff. Does that help? hehehehe
I say all this because I see the criticisms people have of Shivas, esp on the PlexiPalace page. I agree that it is NOT a Marshall - no duh, right? Marshalls are an ALWAYS nasty sound (SLP, 800, 900, DSL, TSL). If you want that tone, nothign beats a Marshall. Buy it and mod it to taste. Bogners are a litte refined with elements that are geared to sitting well in any mix, sounding sweet, and getting good gain. Marshalls are naturally freak nasty. With Bogners, it might not always "feel" fast and easy, or you might want more gain - but that is partially technique. Shivas, esp. hide nothing. You can't slop much on them. Believe me. They are the easiest amp to EQ and record.
I had a Marshall 6100 that I loved for versatility. I had someone play my amps for me while I stood back. The 6100 and Shiva were sooo similar, exc the Shiva was a little clearer and richer, with sweeter cleans. If you want refined Marshall, get a Shiva or XTC. IF you want brutal gain AND tone, get a Splawn, XTC, Soldano - or just get into anything that saturates too much after that.
Shivas retain some of that brown plexi mid, clarity, and sparkle. 800s sometimes lack that. the "hair" some people complain of (or LIKE) on Shivas, gives you that nasty top and sweet sizzle that sit perfectly in the mix. Some cats are too creamy - like Mesa Mk users. I like some attitude.
I posted on the Gear Page that as a singer, I also have preferred tones to sing with. Bogners and Marshalls make singing FUN.
If it helps at all, ummmmmmmmm if you check out my new recordings I am using the Shiva a lot with an SM57, a little EQ, and some post compression. I think it's accurate. Of course, I am NOT trying to plug myself.
