New to RT, EL34 Shiva or 20th A. KT88 Shiva?

[esizer]

Hey there everyone, new to RT. Long time HCAF (and now GAB) member. I used the search function quite a bit but can't really find the information I'm looking for.

I've always liked the Shiva sound and was looking at either getting an EL34 Shiva or the 20th Anniversary Shiva w/ KT88's. I've had a hard time finding good clips of the KT88 20th A version and I don't have the option to try one out. What is the general consensuses on the differences between the two, both tube and feature wise? It seems like the 20th A version could be more versatile. I know I can mod the 20th for EL34's but that's a whole other can of worms.

I play mostly alternative to modern rock, big time grunge head. I am currently playing an Orange OR100 that sounds great but is just too heavy to lug around and, at the end of the day, just isn't the sound I'm going for.

Would I be better suited with the regular EL34 version or is the 20th Anniversary worth the extra scratch?

 

[Rdodson]

Les Paul R8 > Shiva 20th KT88 (Scumback M75)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4nF6aEBqwc
Charvel > Shiva 20th KT88 (Scumback M75)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXNBgoOV070
EVH Replica > Shiva 20th EL34 (Celestion V30)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3AP9KJ6OHA
Strat > Shiva 20th KT88 (Celestion V30)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UokGQc8BUw

 

[reverymike]

The clip you list as EVH Replica into a EL34 20th Shiva, says that it's the Red Channel of a Ecstasy when you watch it on Youtube.

 

[esizer]

Thanks for the youtube clips...I was more looking for opinions though. I don't feel like people making clips with their webcam gives an accurate demonstration of how an amp sounds.

 

[JTyson]

There are things I like about KT88's, but I always end up back at EL34's.
I'm speaking in general terms, I dont have either one of those Bogners

 

[esizer]

There are things I like about KT88's, but I always end up back at EL34's.
I'm speaking in general terms, I dont have either one of those Bogners

That's a nice collection of Marshalls you've got there!

 

[TX6Strings]

20th A. For what you're playing the regular EL34 won't cut it. I've owned it and played the 20th A KT88 several times. The 20th is a lot more versatile, but I've heard some killer 20th A EL34 clips.

 

[esizer]

20th A. For what you're playing the regular EL34 won't cut it. I've owned it and played the 20th A KT88 several times. The 20th is a lot more versatile, but I've heard some killer 20th A EL34 clips.

I feel like the EL34 would be better suited but the 20th A. could be modded as well.I like the chewier mids and "squishy" attack....then again Jerry Cantrell toured with stock 20th A. paired with Marsha. It might be worth getting the 20th and converting to to the 34's if I don't like the 88's

 

[esizer]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I also find myself drawn to the Mesa Royal Atlantic.

 

[Rdodson]

Thanks for the youtube clips...I was more looking for opinions though. I don't feel like people making clips with their webcam gives an accurate demonstration of how an amp sounds.

Fair enough. I'd go with the 88's. However, your speaker/cab choice will have just as much impact on the tone.

 

[esizer]

Thanks for the youtube clips...I was more looking for opinions though. I don't feel like people making clips with their webcam gives an accurate demonstration of how an amp sounds.

Fair enough. I'd go with the 88's. However, your speaker/cab choice will have just as much impact on the tone.

Thanks, I hope I didn't come off rude in that post. I generally like V30's and that seems to be a good match for Bogners.

 

[Ventura]

I'm a fan of 34s in general. That said, the 20thA Shiva loaded with KT88s I received a couple months back does not disappoint whasoever. In fact, it's awesome.

 

[TX6Strings]

You can order it from Bogner with EL34s. But the 88's sound great on their own. I just can't get past the Bogner low mid emphasis and sag.

 

[esizer]

So many amps and not enough time or money. I have been gassing for a Mrak V too so maybe I'll go that route and wait on the Bogner.

 

[reverymike]

Justin Derrico from Pink's band uses the standard EL34 Shiva, and his tone is godly. I think, if it were me, I'd just have to play both and see how they feel and sound.

 

[Rdodson]

Thanks for the youtube clips...I was more looking for opinions though. I don't feel like people making clips with their webcam gives an accurate demonstration of how an amp sounds.

Fair enough. I'd go with the 88's. However, your speaker/cab choice will have just as much impact on the tone.

Thanks, I hope I didn't come off rude in that post. I generally like V30's and that seems to be a good match for Bogners.

Not at all - was having to post quickly myself.

A big factor that made me lean back towards the Kt88s from the EL34s (I had a 20th that I converted to EL34s) was how the circuit works. The infinitely variable resonance circuit on the 20th Shiva makes the bias drift. The KT88s are much more agreeable to that. The EL34s can sound cold and be in crossover distortion (not good) if you bias them so they will not red plate when you go full tilt on the amp.

 

[Rdodson]

The clip you list as EVH Replica into a EL34 20th Shiva, says that it's the Red Channel of a Ecstasy when you watch it on Youtube.

Sorry, that was dumb of me. Meant to post this one and got the link wrong:

EVH replica > EL34 20th Shiva (V30s)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKbI2LQhq30