Bogner Shiva Head

Here's an update after having this thing over 11 years! Original 1998 EL-34 head, no reverb. I mounted the amp into a 1 x 12 combo shell because I was tired of lugging two things to gigs. Had to mod the cab because this early head had a bigger transformer than the later ones.

The newer Shiva's updates are a great addition, having the separate output volume for the gain channel would have been great but I've been okay without it.

FX loop is next to impossible for almost all floor pedals. You can use line level effects through it if you want.

I've played Strats, Pauls, Semi Hollows and then some through it. There would be nights I'd fall out of love with it then times I'd still feel like this was the best amp ever. This amp is always present in the mix, it just cuts through pleasantly. Clean tones are great yet unforgiving so this amp can make you a better player. Crunchy rhythms are hard to beat out of this amp, you can even get 3rds and more complex chord voicing. It does not have that over the top smooth compressed distortion for leads if that's what you want.I wish I could have a 30 watt version of this thing for most of the gigs I play. It doesn't do everything but what it does do it does exceedingly well. Outdoors and bigger venues make this amp shine and other players always comment on the tone.If you want a bedroom amp or small gig amp get something with less power because this thing is loud and proud.

11 years moderate gigging. Footswitch strain relief broke, I've had a couple wire ties on that for at least 8 years. Cooling fan started to rattle at some point on low notes. Power tube sockets getting a little worn, actually had a tube fall out in the trunk.. but all of this is just wear and tear. This amp has never died on me. In fact I only just replaced the power tubes recently. By the way use the Svetlana powere tubes and better quality chinese pre amp tubes. Tried a lot of other tubes but what came in the amp was best.

Only had to call them once or twice with a question so no real rating here.

I'm currently looking for a lighter and lower powered amp for most of my gigs.. but the Shiva is a hard act to follow so I still use it for now.

It has el37 tubes, a clean and an overdrive channel with footswitchable boost for each channel. It also has a seperatr boost vol for a higher solo vol on channel 2...really cool !!! Master vol and presence

The clean is a very lush fendery type sound. This is one of Bogners better clean channels. You Can Get A bright or darker voicing easily and it sounds absolutely delicious ! It is very rich in harmonic overtones. The 2nd Channel goes from mild overdrive to Great crunch tones. When you engage the boost on this channel, this bad boy sings with natural sustain and rich bogner tone that is very suductive !! It has a darker voicing than a marshall so if you want more of a brittish tone, crank the mids way up and add some treble (above 6) and presence above 5 and you are about there. If you need a little more agression, go old school & kick it with a good overdrive pedal as this amp accepts pedals very well. This amp has a real warm tube tone and although other amps have more gain on tap, they dont get close to the complex overtones of this fine tube amp. With the boost on, it will do eighties and Evh Tones but wont get brutal unless you add a pedal in front of the amp.

Built with top quality parts, never ever had a problem with this amp in 3 years since I had it !!!

I have not seen a perfect amp yet. get a few of your favorites !!! This is a very versatile amp with great tones on both channels unlike the ectascy which has no clean, a very unimpressive crunch channel but an ultra sweet lead channel. I went with the shiva because it rocks on both channels and if I need more juice I kick it in the balls with my favorite stomp box overdrive. Great amp !!!

My amp is the newer version with FX loop, no reverb, el34 tubes.
It suites my style very well. A simple amp with all the features I need.
2 channels with a master volume, clean volume bass and treble, Believe me you won't miss the lack of a mid control. The second channel: treble, mid,bass,gain, volume. 2 speaker outputs, fan control, fuses, ohm switch.

The sound quality is what make this baby worthwhile. Ik have owned so much different amps over the 17 years i play. Marshall Slash head, Fender bassman, ENGL powerball, ENGL sovereign, Vetta.. but nothing and i mean really nothing comes even close to the sound of the Bogner SHIVA. I also own a SHIVA combo 1x12. The main reason to purchase a head is to use al larger cabinet and the wheight. The SHIVA combo in a flightcase is a backbreaker, too heavy. The quality of both is super. But i prefer the head voor easier handling and versitality in cabinets. i use a openbak 2x12 for smaller gigs, small rooms in pubs etc.. but for grand open stages i prefer the closed back with 4 vintage 30 celestions. The headroom seems unlimited, the sound is as good as everyone discribes. Every time i turn on this amp i think "YES, this is it" never had that with any other amp i played. Harmonics, richness, cuts trough the mix... feels like a naddition to my sound.

Never had any problems with the head or combo.

I asked a quesion regarding the cabinets lineup etc.. very quick and fiendly respons

I play a long time, and really really think that good gear is important. If there is a better amp I would buy it no matter what it costs. But to me SHIVA is the best. That is my personal opinion.

This is more of an amp that you have to adapt to, than one that will adapt to you. You need to make a few compromises, but you can get 4 distinct sounds from this amp, plus if you don't use the reverb, you can have the circuit in for rhythm, then footswitch it out for lead, as you will get a volume boost when it is disengaged.

The fourth sound comes from using the boost on the clean channel, which disengages the EQ. This can result in a slight boost, or cut, depending on your EQ setting, and can be used to kick in some mids for clean lead work.

It's a high wattage tube amp, with no power reduction options, so it needs to be cranked to sound it's best. You'll want a speaker attenuator if you don't want to disturb the neighbors.

It also takes to pedals VERY well, on both channels. The clean channel could be used alone with an arsenal of distortion and overdrive pedals, and the gain channel really takes to overdrive boost pedals. The FX loop also has an optional send specifically for pedals, so you can use your delay pedal in the loop after the preamp gain.

This amp has two pretty distinctive sounds: glassy full clean tone, and tight overdrive. It has a fantastic sound, but I wouldn't want it as my only amp. It doesn't clean up very well, or respond to picking dynamics as much as some amps I use. For classic rock tones, it can do it, but not with as much character as my Deluxe Reverb, THD Flexi, or Carr Mercury. For classic metal and high gain 80s/90s rock, this amp can deliver though. I'm not saying I couldn't gig with only this amp, but it's not a sound that makes me think "i've found my tone...I'm done".

It seems to be built well, and I use it with an attenuator, so I am hitting the power section hard. It's uses printed circuit boards, so repairs will be a little more tricky. I haven't biased it yet, but I believe the bias control is external, so you simply need a tube socket style bias meter (I wish it had external bias points).

Warranty is lifetime, and I've heard Bogner is great, but I have no experience.

It's a great amp, but it's pricey, and it's not the be all end all as far as versatility. If all you need to gig is a JCM 800, then this amp could be the last one you buy. If you are the type of player that can adapt to what is put in front of you, then this is also a great and fun amp. If you have a specific set of duties for an amp, you will need some time with this thing before you decide if it is the right amp for you.

My biggest problem is the fact that when I crank the clean channel to get that compressed chunky Fender tone, it is louder than the high gain channel on full. I cannot level match the two channels unless I bring back the clean gain to about 2:00. I can use it this way, but I would love to be able to get the cranked clean sound, as it really suits my style rhythm style.

I'm a bit of an amp slut. I'm not the one amp type. I usually size an amp to a gig, and may switch up just for variety. I cannot say that this amp is the be all end all, but OTOH, I have no regrets for buying it. It certainly has a very nice, distinctive sound.

2004 model with EL34's. I understand that not all amps have to do all things, and I can definitely appreciate what Mr. B was going for, but this is really the area where the amp fails me. The stuff that I play covers a very wide range - I need the sparkling chime, the dirt, the rhythm crunch, and the holocaust distortion. While the Shiva can get there (except for the holocaust), you either have to stop what you are doing and tweak with it, or get really good with that volume pedal to do so. Also, tone shaping abilities are extremely minimal; the clean channel doesn't even have a midrange control for god's sake. I've heard about the quirky FX loop, but I usually put everything in front of the amp anyway. The only reason this thing gets even a decent score here is because, well, you probably won't really NEED to shape those tones too much ...

I mainly use a '93 LP Custom, but I have a Strat and a Tele that both get more than occasional use.

The sound ... oh, the SOUND of this amp! There is a way I've come to think about amps, and it has to do with how much they TAKE OVER the sound you are making. Kind of hard to explain, but here goes: Jack White said that A Fender Twin Reverd cannot be improved upon as an amp, because "that is just what an electric guitar sounds like". Not to say I necessarily agree, but I know what he's talking about - that classic Fender sound is just so damn NATURAL, it feels like everything you are trying to express as your hands hit the strings is passing unhindered through the amp and coming out the speakers. In other words, the amp's interference with your playing is 0; it taking what you are doing and making it sound better, not different. The opposite would be something like, oh, say a 5150. Whether you like the sound of it or not is irrelevant; the fact is, when you play through it, its like it really wants the people hearing you to know you are using s 5150, and a lot of the nuances and expression in your playing gets buried under that specific tone. OK, enough of that :) My point is, the Shiva is what a big fat Marshall would sound like if it could do what the Fender does. All that overdrive, all those harmonics, but at the same time it feels like its all YOURS, all under YOUR control and not the amp doing it. Listen to the solo on Alice in Chains' Man in the Box - there is a big weird chord that Cantrell hits near the end of it, followed by a little lick where you can hear the wood of the guitar coming through all that distortion, which is the miracle of the Bogner (I think he used a differeing Bogner item to record it, but the shiva has the same effect).

For the record, my score would be a 9.7 or 9.8 because of the little bit of missing gain, but that rounds to a 10, so there you go.

Haven't exactly put it through the ringer with gigging or anything, but has been moved/setup numerous times without so much as a whimper. Just has that FEEL of rock-solidity.

Can't comment on customer support, which I guess is the situation you hope for.

Playing 13 years, not many gigs, mostly just home recording stuff and the occasional jam.

For what it is, its a 10; no question. Just so happens that what it is isn't what I need right now. Looking at a Mesa Roadster, which is about 500% the versatility minus 20% of the tone. I'm not a tone freak, so that works out OK for me. If you are looking for the ultimate straight forward rock amp though, DO NOT buy anything until you try a Shiva.

I put in the review(s) below stating the Shiva needed a facelift. I have owned many Bogners, my favorite brand by far, and had played the Shiva for years before Bad Cat and other modern amp makers were around. The Shiva needed updating, and Bogner did it. End of story, the new ones are a slam dunk. The bright switches might not mean anything to those expecting messy high gain distortion and multiple integrated effects to cover up their lousy playing, but it is essential for getting a better Plexi tone with the gain up. And the boost volume knob is perfect, now you don't have to worry about sacrificing lead tones by adjusting the master volume for the clean tone ... the boost volume can be set independently. And the effects loop has been updated, no special cable needed. The best 2 channel amp has regained the crown. Does Bogner rock or what?!

Features are tied to sound quality, whether that is obvious or not, because shared master volumes limit how much one channel can be turned up without effecting the other. But having a lead boost with its own volume control makes this essentially a 3 channel amp now. And the cleans were always the best spanky cleans of any channel switcher ... the gain channel has a very organic tone that will piss off those looking for rocks to crawl under to hide their sloppy playing, but it will insprire those who are ready to move their playing onto the next level. Please note, you will need a pedal to do serious finger tapping, I have done it on Shivas without pedals, but most players would prefer a pedal to make it easier. As far as tones go, this amp has the best Fender clean/Marshall distortion 1-2 punch in the business.

As good as any amp, fan in the back to keep tubes in good shape, tranny big enough to anchor a tugboat. Tubes are tubes, you can't blame any amp maker for those. I have had 4 Shivas, this is as solid an amp as you can buy.

I call these guys for info etc.. and know they will either 1) Pick up the phone and help me 2) Call me back and help me.

That is all she wrote.

The new Shiva, with its added boost volume knob, bright switches for both channels, and updated effects loop that requires no special cable, has regained the top spot for 2 channel amps. This amp is really a 3 channel amp now! Most 3 channel amps have a seperate 3rd channel that shares controls with the 2nd channel. Adding the volume knob for the boost makes this 3 channels, and now you start seeing what a great value these new amps are. Tone-wise and feature-wise, this is as good as it gets in the channel switching arena. but be warned this is not a messy high gain amp, so make sure you can actually play guitar before you buy one.

6L6 non-reverb. 2 channels, with independent EQ and volume, gain for ch.2. Master volume. It has a wierd EFX loop, but I run all my pedals in front. There is also a gain boost on ch.2 which comes in handy.

I play in a pretty serious band (100+ shows per year) and I use this amp live. The best "feature" in my opinion is how well the channels match eachother. Some amps you will be playing a clean part, and then when you switch to your gain channel, you hear a very distinct and unwanted change in tone. Its hard to exlain, but the 2 channels switch seamlessly.

This is where this amp blows other amps out of the water. I have owned and played nice equipment in the past (VHT, Soldano, Orange, Marshall) and none of them come close to delivering the same sound as the Bogner. It has the thickest, beefiest, most full and lush sounding drive I have ever heard. If you like the Mesa Rectifier sound of scooped mids and thin grainy drive, this is not for you. It has a fairly prominent mid-range voicing, even with the 6L6, but trust me, you will fall in love with the way this amp sounds. It is almost impossible to make it sound bad, and it is always easy on the ears, and never harsh or shrill. There is pleny of gain available, but if you are looking for a harder sound, a Fulltone Fulldrive is perfect for giving it more of a "high-gain" feel. For playing live, this amp is amazing. It always punches through the mix perfectly clear and articulated without having to set it at very high volume. The clean is also very good. It is smooth and full, but doesnt really break up at all. Also, this is one of the quietest amps I have played. Even on ch.2 with a fulldrive engaged, there is very little hiss or hum. The thing that I love most about the sound is how thick (not muddy at all though) it sounds.

I have never had a problem with it at all. It seems to be well constructed, and I dont have the money to gig with 2, so no backup for me.

I have never had to deal with them.

Hands down, this is the best amp I have ever played. And again, I am not a novice, untrained ear. I have played other really great amps, but to me, this one seems to be a step above the rest. It makes it a real pleasure to play guitar, becuase it interacts so well with your playing, that it really is part of your instrument. I would buy another in a second if it were stolen. The only real complaint I have is the price, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and in this case even more.

6l6/reverb head and all the typical options. Basic summary here for me but I have to agree with most of the other reviews that this amp is one of the finest guitar amplifier's in the world. Essentially 2 channel and basic but the different types of tones you can get from only slight changes to the knobs is quite impressive.

shimmering glassy fender cleans and warm liquid overdrive is the best way I can describe the sound of my shiva here. I play it through my Marshall 4x12 stereo cab and many say this is not the best option for the sound of the Bogner's but I tend to disagree. Again the overdrive/lead channel is quite wonderful and will sustain for an amazing amount of time. Very loud and is the what I have been searching for many years.
Try a Shiva and you'll never go back to anything else again.

no issues so far.

never had to ask for customer support so obviously no rating here.

10 and I can't express enough just how wonderful this amp is. I play an Ibanez RG, Gibson 56 and Washburn nuno and all guitars sound beautiful through this thing. Again if you come across a Shiva for a good price then buy it cos they are worth every penny.

2006 el34/reverb head with bright switches and adjustable boost volume on channel 2,with effects loop (although i don't use it).best box if you are looking for awsome cleans and the gain of a jcm800 80watts of loud power.

i have always been a fender/marshall tone fan ,and because of that could never get a 2 channel amp that did both very well,so i always used 2 amps to make that happen.now enter the shiva!done some research for over a year to see what was a good 2 channel boutique amp that would make me happy, the shiva kept appearing almost always. although i'm sure there are as good, maybe better(i said maybe!!)such as the carr slant 6v, bad cat and matchless. but the shiva is the package for me.the cleans are as i said awsome!! i really cant see how you could get much better ,very crisp shimmering sound. the gain channel is in the range of a jcm800 but with a little darker or fatter sound, this is a very versatile amp for anyone who would want the "classic" sounds in a 2 channel amp

looks well built, no issues with it......but it "is" a tube amp..so anything can happen!

haven't had to use support so no comment

i think this is the "cats meow" as far as a 2 channel classic sounding amp goes .i have always used marshall/fender in the past and will still continue to ,but the shiva is the ultimate giggers amp!i will have to say that although i use the gain channel the most, iwas most impressed with the way the cleans sound,hate to say but i think bogner has out fendered fender!!and are giving marshall a hard run for the money!
i would probably not sell this but if it was lost or stolen i would replace it

2006 Shiva 6L6 w/Reverb. I've had it about a year. Played through a 2x12 shiva cabinet.

Very nice channel switching master volume features. The tone controls are as good as everyone says. It's hard to find a setting that doesn't sound good. The boost is a nice bonus. I haven't used the effects loop, effects are between me and the input.

Two problems: the boost is a predefined set amount on the clean channel. It would be much more useful if it had a control. Also, no bias points. What's up with that? On a $2400 head no bias points?

Otherwise, I enjoy both the simplicity and the wide useable range of the controls and footswitch.

I'm in love with it. Like everyone, I've had fender, marshall, boogie, etc., etc., and this is the cat's meow. The sound is clear, punchy, throaty, immediate, and warm. It really is the sound I've been searching for all these years.

I agree with the general concensus that channel one is fender-ish and channel two is plexi-ish. But not exactly. On both counts I think I prefer the Bogner version, at least for my sound. YMMV.

It's also strangely easy on the ears. Even fairly loud with a band, hours later it still sounds nice and the ears don't hurt. No one in the band asks me to turn it down. It just rubs you the right way. Very cool.

The two channels sound distinct but dovetail nicely so that you can transition from one to the other without sounding jarring. I actually like the second channel with medium low gain (around 11:00), it's a beautiful punchy warm sound. Both channels are not just useable but fabulous.

I play funky jazz rock music, and it's a perfect fit. Nothing too heavy, but warm and strong. Guitar is PRS CE24 with Seymour Duncans. I use a compressor (analogman) and a distortion (Zim) in front of it (among other effects) and they sound great. An RMC Wah through the clean channel with a little bit of compression, wow. Takes effects well, IMO.

Too soon to tell. (I've had it a year) Seems well built, and I hear good things. So far so good, no problems at all.

They were friendly but not overly enthusiastic when I called to ask questions before buying it. Took several months once ordered.

Haven't had a reason to find out yet about customer support.

I've found my baby. I've stopped looking or thinking about others. I dream about this damn amp. A perfect fit for my musical taste. My only regret is that I didn't have it 20 years ago.

Music is my passion and outlet. I don't really think too much about cost or monetary value. All the hours I've spent playing, an amp like this that's a keeper is cheap at the price.

Nice one, Reinhold. You've made me very happy.