EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

[esandes]

so i've been thinking about a new toy and this one is it. however, i've never tried one out. i've heard so many good things about it here. i did a search and did some reading.

so i'm wondering, in particular, how it sounds when you play a 6 string chord with the volume at a decent level. does each note chime through clearly? or does it get muddy? how would you compare the sound of the shiva against a 1987x? i am a treble nut so i like that the shiva has the bright switch.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

It's got one of the best master volumes ever. Seriously. I kinda wish my Tweed Deluxe inspired amp was as good at lower volumes.

I haven't played a 1987x, but from what I remember comparing the Bogner to some of the Marshall circuits like the DSL and the Vintage Modern, the Bogner was fatter, warmer, darker, with a low mid emphasis and more compression. The clean channel has some serious chime to it, but don't expect it to be open sounding like the Fender Twin you'll constantly find people claiming it sounds like. There's a feel to the amp, a sag and compression that is unique to it that you'll love or hate. I found myself gravitating to the feel of Fenders so it got sold.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

Agree with That90sGuy.

I miss my EL34 Shiva and have been considering selling my Engl Powerball II and picking up another Shiva. The Engl is awesome for modern rock/metal, not to mention being the most versatile amp I've ever owned. But for classic rock and country it's hard to beat a Shiva for clarity, vibe, clean headroom, etc. Just a great amp all-around for those styles and since I'm moving away from metal, I find myself wanting to go back to the Shiva. Wish I could try a 20th Anniversary Shiva though. I like the right-side-up layout versus the very hot-running layout of the regular Shiva.

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

It's a magical amp. It has warmth, definition, the perfect amount of compression, growl in crunch mode, beautiful-singing lead tone, and a clean channel that you rarely find in EL34 amps. It has an emphasis on the low mids which makes it kind of thick, but it never loses clarity. It comes alive in every note so you never get tired of playing it.

I agree with the post above because it does have a great master volume. It can be pretty full and singing at home volume. There is a 6L6 version which is also great. People say that it's better clean with 6L6's and the dirt channel is better with EL34's; however, I think that 6L6's aren't better or worse. It's just a different flavor. I will say that I don't like TOO much low end and the 6L6's do add slightly more bass and reduces the low mids a little. The Shiva already has more than enough bass for me so I like it with EL34's better. However, if I could own both versions, I would.

The Shiva comes with a mid shift button which they say scoops out mids. However, I think it chops a bit off of the low mids and leaves something more of a Marshall tone which has a bit more emphasis on high mids. When they say it scoops the mids, it's not losing mids in the sense that it's losing the midrange cut. I personally prefer to leave the mid shift on and turn the mids up a little to suit so the low mids won't be too strong. However, with P90's and single coils, the low mids can make them sound very full.

 

[uOpt]

Re: EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

It's hard to answer the original question directly.

All I can say is that the magic of this amp for me is that it has both good clean and drive and (more importantly) that it still sounds good with both in reasonably low volumes. I use a Power Soak but even without it the Shina is better than most.

Not sure about the fan thing, though.

 

[NT02]

Re: EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

I've had 2 EL34 Shivas and now own a 20th with KT88s.

All notes ring through clearly on full chords, no matter how much gain is used. Great clarity in these amps.

It's kinda hard to compare the Shiva to a 1987. It's apples to oranges, really.
The 1987 needs to be cranked to rock out. The Shivas are master volume amps using preamp gain for dirt. Unlike the 1987, you can rock out at bedroom volumes. They won't feel as reactive to your playing.

The clean channel on the Shiva is a big, open clean channel like my blackface Fender Dual Showman, but maybe a bit more compression, sustain and harmonics. Lovely clean channel.

EL34s have warmer mids and hazier cleans and highs, less bass than the KT88s. KT88s have extended bass and highs, tighter low end with more sizzle in the highs if that's your thing.

 

[mwalluk]

Re: EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

What you really want is my VHT Deliverance Sixty. So I can pick myself up a Shiva. (see what I did there).

 

[papersoul]

Re: EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

My favorite amp of all time. I have a 20th Anniversary with El34s. LOVE IT! I much prefer this amp over the original EL34 Shiva.

 

[NT02]

Re: EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

I'm thinking about trying some EL34s in mine. I like the tightness and gain. Like the lows n highs, but am missing some of those warm mids. I think the EL34s will do the trick. I can live forever without them, though. It's a great amp.

 

[esandes]

Re: EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

thanks for the info. i noticed bogner make two models of the shiva w/ EL34's. one is in a jet tolex cover with no reverb ($2100) and the other has reverb and a normal tolex cover ($2500).

although i like the jet tolex i'll have to go with the one with reverb.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

thanks for the info. i noticed bogner make two models of the shiva w/ EL34's. one is in a jet tolex cover with no reverb ($2100) and the other has reverb and a normal tolex cover ($2500).

although i like the jet tolex i'll have to go with the one with reverb.

Having owned a Shiva w/ reverb and a Shiva w/o... I can tell you that the non-reverb version actually sounds a bit better. All in all, it's a bit punchier sounding, but if you're a big reverb fan, the trade-off will be worth it for you.

 

[esandes]

Re: EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

Having owned a Shiva w/ reverb and a Shiva w/o... I can tell you that the non-reverb version actually sounds a bit better. All in all, it's a bit punchier sounding, but if you're a big reverb fan, the trade-off will be worth it for you.

hmmm...jet tolex it is!

 

[Bludave]

Re: EL-34 powered bogner shiva...let's talk about it

I love my shiva. When I was planning on buying it i was playing thru a Marshall & a Fender.... The best of both worlds but a lot to lug up and down stairs. The. Shiva solved many of my concerns but it wasn't my "perfect" amp. It has reverb that is 2nd to none, the cleans are just beautiful. The drive took me some time to dial in a good tone but now it works well for me. The fact is I have never used it at a gig. I usually gig with a 67. Deluxe reverb(we are a blues band). Although the Shiva could handle many of the gigs we do. I play fairly loud at home so I definitely can hear that the Amp has what I need. That typed I still felt something was lacking with the cleans. It was reminiscent of a Twin but it Broke up Better yet it didn't have the clarity of note definition. Now overall I was very happy with my. Shiva and still am. About 3 or 4 years ago I bought a Komet 60 and A/B it with my Shiva. It is utter the best sound for me and has cured my need to find something else(although we still look don't we). The Komet is the best raw amp I have ever played through