Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

[OlinMusic]

Ok here is an interesting new dilemma...

I am so utterly blown away by my Bogner Shiva, I pretty much don't care much for any other amp. I think it does it ALL in the studio - the idea there could be something more out there - higher gain, more bass perhaps? - intrigues me to NO END!

Here is the question -

1) Do I just stick with the Shiva?
2) Sell the Shiva and another amp and get a Bogner Ecstasy?
3) Sell my 73 Marshall and somethign else and have a Shiva AND an Ecstasy?
4) Forget it, just sell my Framus and get a VHT and have a Bogner and a VHT.

Here is some additional info:

I play a lot of gigs with pop/rock, r&b singers, some country, etc, and the Shiva clean really replaces my need for a Fender amp(IMHO). I like to generally have 3 amps(MAX), because my tastes and needs change.

I fear selling my Marshall, as they are harder to find in good condition with good tone. Many feel ONLY a Marshall sounds like a Marshall. I do NOT want to spend any money on guitars that was not ALREADY spent, IE selling or trading ONLY.

 

[3'scompany]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

Have you given the Ecstasy a proper run through? If not I think you'll find your answer after you do. If you have and still don't know, I'm not sure what to tell you. I know that the Ecstacy is a fine amp, in fact, the best I've personally played through to date. I don't think that you'd be disapointed if you got one. An ecstasy is gonna be my next purchase. Either that or an Ubershall if that head really floors me.

As far as what to do? Dunno. That's hard. I also think that if you got an ecstasy you could cover a lot of bases with out much, if any, compromise.

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

I have tried it but... trying an owning are 2 different worlds.

It reminds me more of a Marshall han even the Shiva. I like the high gain options A LOT, the clean is good but NOT to die for like the Shiva.

Criticism? I wish the amp had a MIDI and a less annoying footswitch. I can't see it as being easy to set like a Marshall or a Shiva.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

It sounds like you like your Shiva, but want more options, so why not run an XTC along with it and use a head switcher to change your tones on the fly? The XTC pretty much nails every Marshall you could want in one box, so if you're looking for a Marshall replacement, that's definitely the way to go.

The whole reason I bought a Shiva was because I wanted an amp with an amazing clean channel and an inspiring rhythm overdrive channel. It does both for me and with a good pedal or two, I can get killer lead tones at the same time. The XTC has more going on with the overdrive, but cleans are equally important for me and they didn't hit home like on the Shiva. Since it sounds like you're doing serious session work, I think you'll appreciate the options that the XTC will give you.

 

[34029324079]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

my 2 cents:

having a good 2x12 combo is key; since you can just show up to a gig with guitar in one hand, amp in the other - no hassle, and less chance of theft at the show because you are not going back and forth in the car-unload-process. If you like the shiva - keep it - that is an awesome amp. I personally am considering the mesa roadster for a far-future-purchase because it is a closed back cab and extremely versatile. When I think estacy I think joe satriani and alot of soloing as the key function of that amp - I know it is very versatile... heavily recorded amps like the shiva, uber, dual recto, mark iv are kinda key for people trying to break...when you are in the studio recording it may be beneficial to think this way...

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

for my taste ,keep the Shiva and buy a VHT as you ment before.You can still use a amps switch or MXR Kerry King Equalizer and use as amp switch as well.
The Shiva serves you well as i see ,so why to buy another Bogner.?Go with the VHT and be happy!!!

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

Do I sell the Marshall in any of these equations?

I am starting to think NO.

Sure it doesn't get as much use since buying the Shiva, but then again NOTHING does. I sold a lot of stuff because the Shiva was killer. BUT THE MARSHALL 73 is a real nasty beast.

 

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

Do I sell the Marshall in any of these equations?

I am starting to think NO.

Sure it doesn't get as much use since buying the Shiva, but then again NOTHING does. I sold a lot of stuff because the Shiva was killer. BUT THE MARSHALL 73 is a real nasty beast.

As you stated ,the Marshall has it's own place in your heart.So why to brake your own heart?:smokin:

 

[muttonchopsrule]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

don't sell the marshall!!

a little off topic, but i was in bruce egnater's shop the other day since he's right here in town, and he had an ecstacy in there that he was modding for some guy to have all the little toggle switches on the front panel to be footswitchable. pretty cool.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

Man, did you see that 100B white chassis metalfront on Ebay recently. It sold for $2600. I almost wanted to fork over some of my savings for that one, just as an investment, but I passed on it. The one I have is the most loaded white chassis 101B they made. It's the only amp I've ever owned that I love more and more everyday. I'll never get bored of the Ecstasy, because quite frankly it'll never be surpassed, unless Reinhold Bogner pulls something even more amazing out of his hat. The Ecstasy does everything that any EL-34 amp out there can do, but better. Even though it's a crushingly loud amp, it's got the ability to sound great, even at bedroom levels. I know the amp inside and out, and am convinced that Reinhold is the best amp designer that ever lived.

 

[Simon_F]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

Do I sell the Marshall in any of these equations?

I am starting to think NO.

Sure it doesn't get as much use since buying the Shiva, but then again NOTHING does. I sold a lot of stuff because the Shiva was killer. BUT THE MARSHALL 73 is a real nasty beast.

Whatever else you do, DON'T sell the '73 Marshall! As a Marshall fan I would probably say that anyway, but your post above tells me you would seriously regret parting with it sooner or later. If it was a DSL, you could pick up another one easily, but a '73 that's a real nasty beast?! Keep it!

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

Some advice not yet given: Make no decision for at least two weeks; maybe even wait a month. Go to the store and play it during that time, but don't buy it or even put money down on it for that long. The XTC ain't goin' nowhere, bro. That's enough time for you to see if this is something you really and truly want, or if it's something you're starry-eyed about for the moment.

I know this isn't popular advice, but it's meant to keep you happy for the long term without the fear of buyer's remorse.

- Keith

P.S. The two- (or four-) week clock starts ticking today, not yesterday or last week.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

I haven't played thru a Ubershell or an Extacy, but I own a Shiva and the cleans on the Shiva are the best I've ever heard. I also own a Deluxe Reverb, and a Super Reverb which are both pretty awesome clean amps. THe Shiva blows them both away. The Drive channel I am still dialing in a little. Its been a little more challanging to get what I am after from the drive channel, but the cleans are amazing. I will get there it is just taking some time.

I would agree that you need to take your time and play thru a variety of "other" amps before you decide. If you are looking for more gain than the Shiva take your time and play thru a variety of amps bfore you decide.

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

So, JOE AND SIMON - Ecstasy or NOT?

Joe, you want the real killer? I was in line for an XTC here in the valley for $2000 on tuesday. ALAS, I had no cash available. I have everything ear marked to work on some of my OWN music, and I do NOT want to sacrifice that.

My main concern is, as I track and re-track my OWN music, I am wow-ed by the Bogner sound. It even makes the Marshall sound better when double tracked. I already know a Bogner goes good on any for hire work, but for ME, MYSELF, and I - well the three of us are very impressed.

I went to GC to mull over their overpriced XTC Classic, and got into long convo with a dude about old Marshalls and Vox's. I felt very wrong about using anything else when he was done - hehehe. However, Ch. 2 and the Plexi mode are enough to make a great album.

As someone said though, the cleans on the Shiva I think are superior. Also, it is an easier amp to play casuals - theft IS an issue in clubs, and I do take my amps to nice places and DIVES.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

I'd say go after it by scraping together the money, but don't sell the 73 Marshall. It's a loud beast, but it's a classic you should just hang onto.
I had a 72 Superbass that was modded to the hilt by Alan Cyr at the Amp Shop, but with no extra holes drilled.
I still regret letting that one go. If I could have any other amp back, it'd be that one.

I sold that, and 2 Blues Pearl combos to get my rig.

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

I think THAT might be my answer JOE.

Also, if I buy for the right price I can TRY it and if I don't like it I can sell it.
I LOVED THE XTC Classic. I could never really get enough time in with the 101b to make it sound a little more open - I am splitting hairs here.

I have to admit, I have always LOVED THE SHIVA CLEAN, and I rather prefer the Shiva open tone, but it does not go Heavy as well. Also, the Plexi mode on the Bogner really feels like a sweeter sounding version (meaning prettier mids and more bass) of a 1968 Plexi I once played.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

I know I'm the devil sitting on you shoulder, but the Ecstasy is the end of the road. Even for cleans, it leaves most of my "clean amps" in the dust. It leaves my Jubilee in the dust as well, although the Jubilee has a crunchy thing going on that is hard to duplicate. I've been setting up my amps for recording all day, and it's clear that the Bogner just kills everything. As much as the Valvetronix is cool for highgain, the Bogner sounds richer. As good as the Jubilee is for crunch, my red channel will do it even fatter. The Matchless and Goldtone are amazing, but the Bogner's clean is just as good. No matter what amp you put next to the Ecstasy, it gets eaten alive. I've put other amps next to it and watched the Bogner kill them.....Mesa Recs, Marshalls, H&K Triamp, Peavey, and even handwired JTM 45 clones. If I ran the amp through Fender Jensen cabs, I could kick the crap out of Fenders too. They cost big money, but at least they live up to the reputation.
I really wish I was rich, because I would have snapped up that 100B last week on Ebay for $2600. I'm even watching that Bogner Mojo #2 auction, because that's another killer tone machine that will rise in value.

 

[Stratcat]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

The Ecstasy is a great choice, and worth every hard earned cent.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

week on Ebay for $2600. I'm even watching that Bogner Mojo #2 auction, because that's another killer tone machine that will rise in value.

Yep... if I could own one amp, I think it would be that Bogner Mojo. Just looking at the bells and whistles, you know it's something special.

I do love the Shiva overdrive channel, but more gain and a dedicated lead channel would be a fantastic addition (pedals fill that void, but I know the average consumer probably doesn't want to invest in a pedal or two after spending $2400 on an amp). The XTC's overdrive channels just can't be beat.

It should be interesting to see what Bogner will make in the future. Hopefully someday there will be an amp that will combine the Shiva cleans with the XTC overdrive channels. They really are the end of the road. Not everyone will like the refined and compressed nature of Bogners amplifiers, but they are simply amazing.

 

[spacecaptain21]

Re: Bogner Ecstasy - do buy or not to buy?

I'd say go after it by scraping together the money, but don't sell the 73 Marshall. It's a loud beast, but it's a classic you should just hang onto.
I had a 72 Superbass that was modded to the hilt by Alan Cyr at the Amp Shop, but with no extra holes drilled.
I still regret letting that one go. If I could have any other amp back, it'd be that one.

I sold that, and 2 Blues Pearl combos to get my rig.

Selling Blues Pearls? Blasphemy!!! :laugh2:

If the Bogners are everything they are said to be, I think it might be worth dumping something...but NOT the '73 Marshall. Could you knock the Framus for the Ecstasy?

Funny I say that, as the Framus is the only amp out of the ones in question that I've actually played...

Whatever you do, keep the Marshall.