Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

[RGN]

I have a Bogner XTC 101B available localy for $2500, almost new condition, footswitch, new tubes installd by Bogner a week ago. I DO NOT need it (I already own a Diezel and a VHT) but for $2500 (maybe offer $2400) can I go wrong? I can almost justify buying it as an investment since I could probably sell it later for more money (NOTE: this is important in explaining it to the wife who will clearly NOT be pumped about this proposed purchase. But, my break-the-bank 10 year anniv. trip to Jackson Hole should help me out).

BUY IT OR NOT??:eek13:

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

I'd do it, for sure. You just might want to sell the VHT and Diezel after you get it .


Not likely, but hell, it might work a bit on your wife!

 

[aleclee]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

It's a good deal but not exceptional, IMO. I don't know that the upside as as great as you think: $25-2600 was about the going rate for XTCs last year as far as I could tell. XTC Classics pulled a couple hundred more.

Depending on what you're looking for, it may or may not displace the VHT or the Diezel. A lot of folks on TGP have cooled on the XTC because they came to find the clean tones underwhelming. Folks rave about its plexi mode and the lead channel is praised though some find it overly compressed.

If you've played one and dig it, then you're looking at a pretty good deal unless tax/shipping are too pricey. If you're looking to try/buy, I'd suggest doing more research and checking out more clips before pulling the trigger.

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

I'd buy it .

You already have 2 great amps, don't know what features they have but I don't think the Bogner can do anything those 2 can't.

On the other hand if you still want it despite the fact that you have a lot of great gear already go get it, it sucks to regret things further down the road.

If you get it, check out the features as there are a lot of options on that amp that should be standard IHMO.
Check for the class A/AB switch, which is a must for good cleans out of this thing.

 

[flank]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

the value of those amps are great, so why not just get it, and see if you dig it, and if you dont, know that you can at least get your money back on it? it would be like renting it for free

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

I'd see how low he's willing to go for cash today, then after getting it, liquidate all the stuff you don't really need ie. VHT, DSL50 etc. If you can recoup half the cost, it'll be a lot easier on your wallet.

Owning a Diezel and Bogner.......basically, the end of the road for great amps.

 

[RGN]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

Thanks for all of the opinions guys. I ended up getting it for $2400 out the door. It has new tubes installed by Bogner while they checked it out. It has custom cloth on the front to match a Marshall salt&pepper cab. They are ordering me a regular Bogner cane weave front to match my Bogner 2X12 cab (for free). I can upgrade to a metal front for $150 but don't see that adding to the value that much on the back end so I'm going with the cane for free. Haven't even plugged it in yet but everything: footswitch, tolex, looks brand new!! I'll post a review/clips later!!

 

[SoCalSteve]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

You should send the money to an orphanage, your wife would love that. (oops, I forgot the smilie!)

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

I'd sell off one of your other amps. I don't think there's a real need for all three of those. See which two stand out the most and chuck the other.

Good deal.

 

[Davey]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

only under 1 condition.. you give me the VHT =P

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

Jesus...

 

[RGN]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

First, I really dig the 101B. It is a keeper. It has less gain than my other heads but is very organic sounding. This is what a Marshall should sound like. If you want death-metal tones I'd grab a Ubershcall. I have barely touched the surface I think. My favorite thing so far is that this head is far more forgiving than the Diezel or VHT. With both of those head ANY small mistakes jump out and sound awful. Recording an instrumental piece with a Diezel will make you have your chops together. The Bogner isn't really like that from what I have heard. Normally, I hate playing without a little bit of reverb. It really doesn't bother me at all with the Bogner. I can't explain that.... I haven't even hooked up the rack yet and it isn't bothering me. The blue channel in Plexi mode with a pedal infront sounds great- very Lynch-like 80s tone. The red channel is a great sounding lead tone which can get into the Dokken/Megadeth arena with no problem. I have used the clean channel for under 5 minutes so I'll reserve comment. The 101B seems to work great with my OS Bogner 2X12 cab- an awesome duo! The Bogner likes to be cranked. The louder you crank it the better it sounds. More in the days to come......

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

First, I really dig the 101B. It is a keeper. It has less gain than my other heads but is very organic sounding. This is what a Marshall should sound like. If you want death-metal tones I'd grab a Ubershcall. I have barely touched the surface I think. My favorite thing so far is that this head is far more forgiving than the Diezel or VHT. With both of those head ANY small mistakes jump out and sound awful. Recording an instrumental piece with a Diezel will make you have your chops together. The Bogner isn't really like that from what I have heard. Normally, I hate playing without a little bit of reverb. It really doesn't bother me at all with the Bogner. I can't explain that.... I haven't even hooked up the rack yet and it isn't bothering me. The blue channel in Plexi mode with a pedal infront sounds great- very Lynch-like 80s tone. The red channel is a great sounding lead tone which can get into the Dokken/Megadeth arena with no problem. I have used the clean channel for under 5 minutes so I'll reserve comment. The 101B seems to work great with my OS Bogner 2X12 cab- an awesome duo! The Bogner likes to be cranked. The louder you crank it the better it sounds. More in the days to come......

Glad you like it, you've got yourself a great amp!

With a good OD pushing the red channel you 'll get in the Ubershall ballpark too.
Does it have te class A option? It'll sweeten the overall sound especially the clean channel.

 

[RGN]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

No Class A option... MY VHT has it and I rarely use it. I usually just keep it in A/AB mode most of the time.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

It takes awhile to know how all the mini switches effect the EQ and Gain, but once you do, you'll like the amp even more.

For max gain, set the switch above the gain knob to the hotter setting, set the structure switch to the hotter setting, turn on the boost, make sure it's in modern mode on back panel, and if you want more bite, use the assignable presence switch for the red channel and turn it up. That will put the gain at extreme levels like a Uberschall.

A couple things you should know.....
If the boost is ON on the head, the LED and boost are defeated on your footswitch...it's not broken.

You can assign either the blue OR red channel to plexi mode, and it defeats all the mini switches and simplifies the circuit. That means you could use the blue channel as your highest gain and the red channel as a plexi, or visa versa. The switches won't effect whatever's in plexi mode.

The assignable presence can be off, 1st channel, or 3rd channel. If you want more bite out of the gain channel assign the presence to red. If you want more sparkle on the clean channel, assign it to green.

The FX loop output knob is great for getting the amp to sound better at lower volumes.
I usually keep all the cabinet damping switches to the neutral/middle position.

 

[RGN]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

It takes awhile to know how all the mini switches effect the EQ and Gain, but once you do, you'll like the amp even more.

For max gain, set the switch above the gain knob to the hotter setting, set the structure switch to the hotter setting, turn on the boost, make sure it's in modern mode on back panel, and if you want more bite, use the assignable presence switch for the red channel and turn it up. That will put the gain at extreme levels like a Uberschall.

A couple things you should know.....
If the boost is ON on the head, the LED and boost are defeated on your footswitch...it's not broken.

You can assign either the blue OR red channel to plexi mode, and it defeats all the mini switches and simplifies the circuit. That means you could use the blue channel as your highest gain and the red channel as a plexi, or visa versa. The switches won't effect whatever's in plexi mode.

The assignable presence can be off, 1st channel, or 3rd channel. If you want more bite out of the gain channel assign the presence to red. If you want more sparkle on the clean channel, assign it to green.

The FX loop output knob is great for getting the amp to sound better at lower volumes.
I usually keep all the cabinet damping switches to the neutral/middle position.

Thanks for the great info. I was surprised to hear everyone bag on the 101B at Gearpage.net. So far, I have nothing but good things to say about it. I am going to try what you suggest about getting higher gain on the RED channel. That is a pretty nice footswitch!

How do you use the FX loop know for lower levels? I haven't messed with the FX loop let at all.

 

[Davey]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

It takes awhile to know how all the mini switches effect the EQ and Gain, but once you do, you'll like the amp even more.

For max gain, set the switch above the gain knob to the hotter setting, set the structure switch to the hotter setting, turn on the boost, make sure it's in modern mode on back panel, and if you want more bite, use the assignable presence switch for the red channel and turn it up. That will put the gain at extreme levels like a Uberschall.

A couple things you should know.....
If the boost is ON on the head, the LED and boost are defeated on your footswitch...it's not broken.

You can assign either the blue OR red channel to plexi mode, and it defeats all the mini switches and simplifies the circuit. That means you could use the blue channel as your highest gain and the red channel as a plexi, or visa versa. The switches won't effect whatever's in plexi mode.

The assignable presence can be off, 1st channel, or 3rd channel. If you want more bite out of the gain channel assign the presence to red. If you want more sparkle on the clean channel, assign it to green.

The FX loop output knob is great for getting the amp to sound better at lower volumes.
I usually keep all the cabinet damping switches to the neutral/middle position.

this sounds more like piloting a spaceship to me

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

 

[HolyDirt]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

Yes. One of my top 3 favorite amplifiers ever.

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Bogner XTC... should I buy it?

Ummm wow I wish I had your DILEMMA.
Same to you GEARJONESER.

Umm uhhhh I am gonna go sit over here and play by my lonesome with my little Marshall. Uhhh yeah, ummmm see ya!