Thoughts on this Bogner Ecstasy?

[Deleted member 16554]

A 101A with Bogner Custom Shop transformers?

I suppose if you call Bogner, they’ll build you whatever you want?

Just for the record, it’s not mine, im just wondering what the 101A designation means…I’ve only ever seen 101B referenced

https://reverb.com/item/68101107-bogner-ecstasy-101a-6l6gc-custom-shop-2020-gold

 

[PDC]

I believe the ‘A’ designation means ‘American’ or 6L6 power section like Fender while ‘B’ means ‘British’ EL34 power section like Marshall. I had an A version for a while. Foolishly sold it. Wish I had it back, for sure.

 

[Deleted member 16554]

I believe the ‘A’ designation means ‘American’ or 6L6 power section like Fender while ‘B’ means ‘British’ EL34 power section like Marshall. I had an A version for a while. Foolishly sold it. Wish I had it back, for sure.

Ohhh ok well that would explain it!

I thought if you had an EL34 version, you could just have it rebiaswd for 6L6?

Would that make a 101B a 101A upon rebias? Or are the components different from the factory for 6L6 in some other way?

 

[PDC]

Other than bias, I honestly don’t know if there were / are any other voicing differences in the circuitry. Someone who knows Bogner better than I do will hopefully chime in!

 

[War_in_D]

Not that it means anything, but my run of the mill 2016 101B had those same "Custom Shop" transformers. Also, Bogner has been using that same chassis design forever and the "B" or "A" designation is on all of them, they just mark out the letter that doesn't apply with a black sharpie. I'm no expert on Bogners, that's for sure but it seems to me like it wouldn't be that hard to have a tech convert one over to accept 6L6's, wipe off the black sharpie with some rubbing alcohol and mark out the "B" and then try to pass it off as some kind of "Custom Shop" piece. Not saying this is the case here, but I'd want some kind of documentation from Bogner.

 

[Deleted member 16554]

Not that it means anything, but my run of the mill 2016 101B had those same "Custom Shop" transformers. Also, Bogner has been using that same chassis design forever and the "B" or "A" designation is on all of them, they just mark out the letter that doesn't apply with a black sharpie. I'm no expert on Bogners, that's for sure but it seems to me like it wouldn't be that hard to have a tech convert one over to accept 6L6's, wipe off the black sharpie with some rubbing alcohol and mark out the "B" and then try to pass it off as some kind of "Custom Shop" piece. Not saying this is the case here, but I'd want some kind of documentation from Bogner.

View attachment 192937

That’s where my head was going, appreciate the info and the picture!

 

[War_in_D]

That’s where my head was going, appreciate the info and the picture!

I'd get the serial number from the seller, and reach out to Bogner. I haven't tried contacting them in a while, but Jorge was usually pretty quick to respond in the past. I'm sure, they would be able to tell you if it's legit.

 

[Deleted member 16554]

I'd get the serial number from the seller, and reach out to Bogner. I haven't tried contacting them in a while, but Jorge was usually pretty quick to respond in the past. I'm sure, they would be able to tell you if it's legit.

Oh yea Jorg is super quick!

I’m in the line for a Pandora already, was mostly just trying to understand the listing a little better

 

[glpg80]

The primary impedances of the output transformers could be different between the models. It’s not just the bias and the tubes that make up a 6L6 amp Vs another type of tube.

 

['63-Strat]

As said, these aren’t “custom” transformers they put those stickers on all recent ones. 101A just means it’s 6L6s, but my understanding is that the transformers are different for 101A vs 101B and you can’t run 6L6s in a 101b unless you change transformers. All of their stuff that isn’t the low-end like the alchemist etc, is made in the “custom shop” which they only so named once started making low end stuff as well.

 

[Dave M]

The primary impedances of the output transformers could be different between the models. It’s not just the bias and the tubes that make up a 6L6 amp Vs another type of tube.

IIRC, that's the main component change, OT with different turns ratio. I think there are also board component changes - different screen and grid R's, NFB.