Bogner Alchemist 112 Combo

I am extemely pleased with the features of this tube amp! I like all 4 modes stand alone and with the built in effects. Each mode of both channels has its own distinct personality and the toggle switches add a huge amount of versatility above and beyond just the regular gain and EQ knobs of most tube amps. I find the two modes offered in each channel "work very well with each other" without having to make major EQ adjustments when switching on the fly. While using this amp live, all I have to do is adjust the gain and volume of a particular channel for the very different and great sounds that I am looking for from each mode of both channels.

This amp offers 20W or 40W power modes. Both can be very loud and sound great BTW! The included high quality footswitch offers channel switching, boost function, delay on/off and reverb on/off and it does it seamlessly with no hesitation or popping. The built in delays and reverbs are very usable for live situations and it is nice that Bogner only included the most important effects (i.e. delay and reverb) and left all the other stuff out. Please note that I only use effects to add a little color to a sound with any amp setup. I find that when setting the delay and reverb moderately, I can get just the right amount of reverb or delay for a particular sound. Often times I opt for just going with the amp sounds without using internal or external effects. It sounds great stand alone!

It would be nice to have an additional knob on the amp to be able to adjust the amount of "boost" offered. I feel this is the only benefitial feature that could have been added. Note: The boost function does a great job for "fattening" the sound, but doesn't really boost the volume of the sound unless you are playing a fairly clean sound. This isn't a real problem for me, but just thought I'd let other readers know for your information.

I find the sound quality of this amp to be exceptional! I have 2 Fender American Deluxe Strats with the S1 pickup system (one HSS and the other SSS pickup configuration). Both sound fantastic in all modes and it didn't require much time on my part to get great sounds using all pickup configurations out of both guitars. I am in a band that covers classic rock, pop country and blues and the sound quality I am able to get from this amp delivers is exceptional for the music my band plays. I particularly like the "Clean and Crunch" modes of Channel 1 and the "Punch" mode of channel 2. While this amp can also get "metal" type sounds, I do not feel it would be the best pick for this style of music. Not a problem for me because a metal sound is not what I am after.

I have only owned this amp about 2 months, but have used it for all band practices and a couple of gigs since I purchased it. I have had no problems whatsoever thus far and do not expect to have any based on its solid quality build! I would gig using this amp without a backup. In fact, I just did for a wedding reception of 500+ people.

I have not had any problems with this amp so have not contacted Bogner. I do hope that tube biasing is painless when it becomes necessary to replace the power tubes.

I have been playing guitar for 20+ years with several bands and have had numerous gigs in my life. I do not consider myself to be an exceptionally good guitar player, but have always been anal about my tone! I have played through and owned several quality tube amps in my life. All of them having their own pluses and minuses. I will say that this amp delivers the type of sounds that I have never been more pleased with my overall sound quality and versatility. I have received very nice compliments regarding my tone while playing this amp live. Not just from audience members, but also from good guitar players in other bands! The only other item I wish it had is an adjustable "boost" knob on the amp, but it is really not a big deal for me.

I would replace this amp in a heartbeat. Grinning ear to ear!