Bogner Metropolis 30W 112 Combo

Simple amp. Mine has a 3 band EQ, presence, gain and volume controls. There is also a schizo control that's basically has like five presets. Some of the presets have more gain than others. A couple are good for cleanish tones, a couple good for gainier sounds, and one sounds better with single coils. Pretty straight-forward and easy to get a great sound.

These are LOUD amps though. A lot of people assume that because they're 30 watts that they're good for home practice; however, the Metropolis wasn't designed for low volume playing. Let me tell you though, once you get some volume on it, the tone is incredible.

It's not loaded with features, but for an amp designed to do what it does, it's adequate.

Not a high gain amp. You have to dial in the dirty and clean sounds. I personally prefer to use the low input with pedals for high gain sounds. It takes pedals well but you still have to know how to dial them in. You can't just crank up the drive and get a good sound. You have to dial in the overdrive little by little while making minor adjustments, however, high-gain sounds can be had with OD pedals.

This amp has THE tone. It has that unmistakeable Bogner quality and feel. When going between it and my Shiva, there are a lot of similarities although they both have very different power sections (EL34 vs EL84), but similar pick response and tonal qualities.

This is by far one of my favorite amps on the planet. It's absolutely incredible. Humbuckers and single coils both sound phenomenal. You just have to take some time to dial it in and feed it a little volume and you can get the greatest damned tone.

A little tip for low-volume players. Turn the EQ knobs all the way down and you will be able to get better tone at lower volumes.

Damned fine amp. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.

Reliable as I've seen.

I've talked to the folks at Bogner on several occassions, not for service or repair, but just with questions. They were always very informative and willing to help. I imagine if there was a problem that they would take care of me. So far their service is fantastic.

Just a damned fine amp all around.

This Bogner Metropolis 30-watt 1x12 combo has a class-A circuit design driven by four EL84 power tubes, class-A EL84 tube driven reverb, reverb tone and drive controls, and green tolex. It was made in November of 2003.

This single channel amplifier is extremely versatile, especially because it comes equipped with a 5-position "schizo" knob which changes the tone and gain structure of the pre-amp. The control panel is pure simplicity, but gives you everything you need to shape your tone to perfection. From left to right: reverb, schizo, gain, bass, treble, volume, and presence. The reverb tone and drive controls are located on the back of the chassis. This amplifier has two inputs - a reverb input ("r"), and a dry input ("d") which completely bypasses the reverb circuit. When plugged into the reverb input you have the option of turning the reverb on and off via footswitch.

Let me clarify the differences between the reverb and non-reverb models. The non-reverb model has a middle tone control instead of the reverb control. It also has two inputs, but they serve different purposes - an "x" input which is voiced normally, and a "y" input which is more open sounding. I definitely do not miss the middle tone control that the reverb model is lacking. The amplifier is voiced as though it were set to the 12 o'clock position, which seems like where it should be left anyway.

As far as power is concerned, this amplifier has plenty of it. Anyone who thinks that a 1x12 combo can't get the job done hasn't heard a Metropolis. I just played a 1,600 seat venue and the sound man asked me if I could turn my stage volume down. Enough said.

I think that features are all about necessity and effectiveness. I can't imagine this amplifier having one less control, because every single feature plays a vital role in shaping your tone. I also can't imagine it having one more control, because that just wouldn't be necessary. In my opinion, the design of the Metropolis is flawless.

I play two guitars through my Metropolis, and it brings out the best in both. One is a Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster with Samarium Cobalt Noiseless pickups, and the other is a Paul Reed Smith McCarty with McCarty humbuckers.

This amplifier is a tone machine. From chimey cleans to throaty blues, chunky rhythm to dirty leads, the Metropolis does them all with a spectacular vintage flavor. Not only that, but it responds wonderfully to every nuance of your playing, allowing the details of your pick attack and finger movement to come alive through the single 12" Celestion Vintage Series 30-watt speaker. Did I mention that you can crank the volume all the way up without degrading the tone? This amplifier just has to be heard to be believed.

There are a few reasons why such a vast array of tones can be achieved with this amp. The gain control sits between the schizo knob and the tone controls in the sound chain, and therefore doesn't just affect the amount of gain, but also interacts your tone controls. The volume knob is unique in that it works as a volume control in the first third of its range, and more like a tone fatness control in the last two thirds of its range. The 5-position schizo knob acts as a midrange contour adjustment with "schizo 1" being full and bright (neck pickup lead), "schizo 2" being midrange cut (classic clean tone, spanky funk), "schizo 3" being low and high boost (jangle crunch, middle pickup lead), "schizo 4" being midrange boost (fat strat, humbucker growl), and "schizo 5" being low and mid boost (bridge pickup cranked).

The reverb on this amplifier is incredible. The reverb tone and drive controls on the back of the chassis give you complete control over the sound. The tone control makes the sound brighter or darker and sweeter, and the drive control makes the reverb time shorter or longer. The reverb knob on the front panel mixes your reverb sound into the dry sound.

Bogner craftsmanship is second to none. They use top-quality components, and top-quality construction techniques. I have been using their products for years, gigging regularly without a backup, and not once has a Bogner amplifier let me down.

I can't say enough about the guys at Bogner. They are easy to get on the phone, very friendly, and always willing to spend a few minutes talking with you.

They are also open-minded about doing custom modifications on your amplifier. I didn't think that the boost on my Shiva was loud enough, so I called and asked them if I could get a knob installed to control the volume. They said sure, and they did it for $150.

Although I've never had to have a repair done, I did have a rubber handle wear out on my Shiva before they switched to the new heavy-duty leather handles. The thing was, I bought the amp used from a private party. No problem, they sent me a brand new handle free of charge, no questions asked.

All Bogner products have a lifetime warranty.

I have been playing guitar for 7+ years. I have owned a Bogner Shiva 1x12 combo with 6L6's, a Shiva 1x12 combo with EL34's, and a Shiva EL34 head with both a Bogner 4x10 cabinet and a Bogner 4x12 cabinet. I have owned and played amps by Matchless, Dr. Z, Bad Cat, Vox, Budda, Fender, Marshall, Mesa-Boogie, etc.

The Bogner Metropolis is my favorite amp of all-time. If it were lost or stolen I would have no other choice but to replace it immediately. It is pricey, but well worth it. With the purchase of this amplifier you get unbeatable Bogner reliability and customer support, a lifetime warranty, and tone to die for. If you are serious about your gear, you owe it to yourself to check one out.

2003 model with reverb, schizo, gain, bass, treble, volume, and presence. The schizo control gives the amp a variety of sounds. Like the other reviewers here, I think the amp is very straight-forward.

The clean on this amp will shame a Fender blackface. The gain in conjunction with the schizo can give you just about any tome you want. If you're trying to get the infamous Robben Ford tone, this amp will do it. It'll also give you chimey cleans.

Just bought it ... its solid built so I think it will last.

Haven't had to contact Bogner.

I've been playing over 30 years ... old R & B, blues, Jazz. The amp is perfect for all these styles and more. It has plenty of gain for anything but metal, and because its only 30 watts you can push the tubes and get some beautiful, creamy tones without blowing your eardrums out.

Other amps I have or had include Fender Custom Vibrolux (a very underated amp), other assorted Fenders, Mesas, and Sunns. This amp is the most expensive amp I've ever owned, but it is also without a doubt the most toneful.

2000 model with reverb, schizo, gain, bass, treble, etc. X and Y inputs for your guitar. X is a "channel" for single coil or thinner sounding guitars so it provides more bass and Y is a "channel" for Thicker HB's and cuts back a bit on the bass. But if you talk to Bogner they will tell you to experiment with both to find the sound you like. The schizo switch is a "tone shaper" of sorts. 5 selections that basically thicken up the sound as you go higher. The Metropolis is more of a retro sounding all tube amp. This is the 15 watts version so you can really feel the tubes working at low level volumes which is what I mostly play at. At church I'm mic'ed so there again I like the low level manipulation of that tube sound. I play Jazz, worship music and some blues. So i like it Clean, big, and full. Not alot of features as it is made for a specific purpose... to achieve your own sweet tone... not model some other amp. In my opinion this amp over achieves... it makes my soul smile. As for it's sole purpose, I guess it has creative features but was not made for features.... so

I play a custom Gibson 346 (classic 57's) and a custom Heritage Sweet 16 with an HRW HB at the neck (not a floating pickup). This amp feels my chest and my head with a full meaty Wes Montgomery type sound. I like the tube sound much better than my 40 watt Fender that i have modified. In defense of the Fender I never can play it at levels to where the tubes can have a real effect on the sound... Hence the 15 watt Bogner. If you want distortion I would reccommend the Shiva as it is tailored towards harder rock (according to the techs at Bogner. Personally I have not heard of a better sounding amp FOR ME than the Metropolis. Again it fits my needs. At church I couldn't get the Fender above two. I could play a solid state amp and get a better sound at that level. At home I maybe play at 2 or 3 unless the wife and kids are out so..... I have tried/owned a line 6 modeler, yamaha modeler, and a peavy modeler. NOTHING can touch that real tube driven sound....NOTHING. When I ran across the Metropolis, I hoped I had at last found the grail......... I have chosen wisely.

I haven't owned it long enough for wear and tear. But there is a LIFE time warranty. Will Line 6 give you that?

I have had one conversation with Bogner and they were very amiable and informative.

I have been playing 24 years. I have an assortment of guitars from the old Van Halen Kramer to Taylor acoustics. I have an assortment of pedals too but I wouldn't dare hook them up to my Bogner. I bought the pedals to help shape my "tone" but I was always left disappointed. I use protone cables running straight from instrument to the Bogner...CONSTANT VIGILANCE!!!!.... minimal tone loss that is. I did compare this amp to an assortment of Fenders, tophats, polytones, and none of them should be allowed in the same room with the Bogner. AGAIN it is perfect for lower volume venues from your bedroom (without losing your hearing) to rooms that hold 250 to 300 people. I highly reccommend the tube reverb as well. It is significantly and noticeably better than my Fenders, Polytone, Peavy, Pignose, and Yamaha's. If stolen, I would lament horribly and there would be much nashing of teeth. Honestly, If you are a tone crazy guitarist, you owe it to yourself to check out the higher end amps like bogner, victoria, carr, callaham, Holland, Matchless... One's tendency is to get the baddest mofo you can afford but at these prices it really makes you think... "what do I need?" For me two things 1)Great tube sound at lower volumes 2) price. I got lucky (I Feel or orchestrated by God) at what I got this amp for (look to pay closer to 2K with the newer models w/ reverb. Westwood music in Calif. has good prices on the Bogners. I will never buy another amp of lesser quality after hearing me play thru this 1x12, that much is certain.

This amp was built in 2000. It's the 30 watt version with 4 EL84's and a single Celestion vintage 30 speaker.This is a single channel amp without an effects loop, but with reverb. The controls are Gain, Schizo, Bass, Treble, Reverb, Master, and Presence.The version without reverb has a Mid control; the way the amp is voiced I don't miss it. There are 2 inputs marked X and Y (!), respectively. This amp is very straightforward yet is capable of a very wide range of sounds- all of them excellent.

I play a range of styles from alternative to jazz to blues and back. This amp suits pretty much any style I could think of except Metal; it has more than enough gain but doesn't really go into that super saturated zone. I play a '64 ES345, a Tom Anderson Classic T, and a Scippio "Coodercaster"(for slide) through this amp. I use a pedal board with a Fulltone Fulldrive2, Line six Delay modeler, Hughes & Kettner Tube rotosphere, Fulltone SupaTrem and Coloursound ToneBender.
This amp is extremely versatile and is a VERY loud 30 watts. I got the single 12" version because I wanted a great sounding rig that I could get in the back of my car and have room for the groceries. The 2 inputs have different eq curves X (the top) seems tighter and more focused, while Y (the bottom) has a looser low end feel. The Schizo switch has 5 positions; It goes from 1 which is rather bright to 5 which has a very thick lo-mid emphasis. The Bass and Treble controls are very interactive also. The presence control seems pretty subtle to me, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of range there. You have a lat of cabability for tone shaping here, but really this amp sounds great pretty much anywhere you set the controls-it's not tweaky. The Reverb is the only aspect of this amp that I think could be improved; it's a little metallic and ringy sounding for my taste, I talked to Reinhold about it, they're working on an update.The Master Volume works really well on this amp, which is great because even though it's only 30 watts, this guy gets loud! Tonally, it reminds me a little of a Matchless DC 30, but it definitely has its own thing going, it doesn't mush out as much as the Matchless when you crank it. Butter!

I've had this amp for a couple of months, and have gigged with it a lot. No problems yet. Bogner builds these things like tanks, the only thing I worry about in this category is my back.

Since I live in the area, I've been able to get to know allthe guys there. Reinhold, Jorg, and Sean are all fantastic. They have always been right there if i needed anything tweaked or looked at(I have a couple of their other amps).

I've been playing over 30 years, and I've owned every kind of amp imaginable. This amp is the perfect combination of flexibility, tone and gain. I would like to emphasize that the tone coming out of this amp is really incredible; it's my fave. If it got stolen, I'd replace it in a minute.