Bogner Ecstasy: 101B or Classic for EJ & EVH

[Rdodson]

Bogneristas,
I currently have a 20th Shiva. Amazing. Love it. BUT...I played an XTC for the first time the other day and it is more "me". My influences are early EVH, Eric Johsnon, Allan Holdsworth, and pre-Fender Clapton.

The XTC made me sound even more like me, or the sound I hear in my head at least. If you could combine the sound of early EJ with Fair Warning...which is a tall order... My 20th is a tone monster, but it seems a bit more aggressive than the sounds I'm going after. For instance, I've gotten great tones out of my old SLO in the past, but that amp is a one-trick-pony.

Anyway, which model would fit my needs best? If you are completely bored you can check out my playing style here: https://www.youtube.com/user/iamrondodson

Thanks a ton.

 

[Bronco]

Fish!

 

[supersonic]

I'd go the "Classic" for what you described. The Classic is based off the 100B which EJ played for quite some time during the late 90s'.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

XTC 20th is all you need.

 

[zoom club]

i miss my extc

but, while not a loud 100 watter, it only sounded best, cranked

 

[Rdodson]

XTC 20th is all you need.

I've only played a 20th XTC with 6L6's and I didn't gel with it, whereas the 101b I played (I just stayed on Blue) was great, reminding a lot of my old '68 Plexi except with a great MV and loop.

Is there a big difference with the EL34 model?

 

[zewango]

Sounds like you got the idea. Pick a 101B for cheap and see how you like it. Blue channel is perfect on that amp.

 

[rupe]

Based on your videos, I think either XTC would work great for you. I think its a matter of trying them out and seeing which one does it for you from both a sound and feel perspective.

That said, I wouldn't limit yourself to Bogner...I think you'll find the tones you're looking for in other amps as well (Friedman Marsha/Browneye, Cameron Atomica, various modded Marshalls, etc).

 

[Badronald]

I'd go the "Classic" for what you described. The Classic is based off the 100B which EJ played for quite some time during the late 90s'.

What? EJ played Bogner? Never heard that before.

 

[se7en]

XTC 20th is all you need.

I've only played a 20th XTC with 6L6's and I didn't gel with it, whereas the 101b I played (I just stayed on Blue) was great, reminding a lot of my old '68 Plexi except with a great MV and loop.

Is there a big difference with the EL34 model?

I have an EL34 20th and it is tighter and more open than the 101b...it's what I always wanted my old 101b to sound like. Just responds better to nuances and has more of a Marshall bite to it...the compression of the 101b is something you either love or hate and it doesn't have much in common with a Marshall, IMO...dark and compressed...cool amp in its own right, but don't buy one if you want high mid bite...

 

[se7en]

I'd go the "Classic" for what you described. The Classic is based off the 100B which EJ played for quite some time during the late 90s'.

What? EJ played Bogner? Never heard that before.

Briefly. It ultimately wasn't for him...he's a vintage gear guy through and through.

 

[Rdodson]

Based on your videos, I think either XTC would work great for you. I think its a matter of trying them out and seeing which one does it for you from both a sound and feel perspective.

That said, I wouldn't limit yourself to Bogner...I think you'll find the tones you're looking for in other amps as well (Friedman Marsha/Browneye, Cameron Atomica, various modded Marshalls, etc).

Classics are discontinued so I'd have to go used and I can't try one out. :-(

I really have grown quite loyal to Bogner and really could play any of their amps and be happy. Even the cheaper L6 built stuff has its place IMHO.

Furthermore, I'm friends with the two dealers that have been in Dallas historically so if I had an issue I could get it dealt with quickly.

That being said, I think I'd gel with the Friedman Marsha - GREAT sounding amp right in my wheelhouse - but I need the 3 channel thing.