Bogner Shiva

The Bogner Shiva is a celebrated guitar amplifier known for its versatility and tonal richness, making it a favorite among musicians across various genres.

History of the Bogner Shiva

• Introduction (1995): The Bogner Shiva was introduced in 1995 by Reinhold Bogner, who founded Bogner Amplification in Los Angeles in 1989. The Shiva was designed to provide a high-quality, flexible amplifier that could deliver a wide range of tones, from pristine cleans to thick overdrive. It quickly gained recognition for its ability to cater to diverse musical styles, including rock, blues, and metal.
• Design Features: The Shiva is a two-channel amp featuring separate tone controls for each channel, including Gain, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, and Presence. The amp is powered by four EL34 tubes in the output stage and can produce approximately 80 watts of power. It also includes a boost feature that can be activated via a footswitch, allowing players to push the amp into higher gain territory.
• Tonal Characteristics: Known for its warm clean tones and rich overdrive, the Shiva can produce everything from shimmering cleans to heavy distortion. Its design emphasizes touch sensitivity and dynamic response, allowing players to express subtle nuances in their playing style. The amp's tonal flexibility makes it suitable for various genres, from classic rock to modern metal.
• Legacy: Since its introduction, the Shiva has established itself as a staple among boutique amplifiers and has been praised for its build quality and tonal capabilities. It has undergone several revisions and updates over the years, including the 20th Anniversary model released in 2009, which featured redesigned circuits and improved components.
• Continued Popularity: The Bogner Shiva remains in production today and continues to be favored by both amateur and professional musicians for its reliability and exceptional sound quality.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Set the Clean channel with Gain around 4-5 for warm, clear sounds.
  • Adjust Treble to about 6-7 and Bass at 4-5 for balanced clarity.
  • Ideal for jazz or classic rock styles.
• Overdriven Tones:
  • Use the Dirty channel with Gain set to 7-8 for rich tube saturation.
  • Set Treble around 6-8 to enhance brightness while keeping Mid at 4-5.
  • Excellent for hard rock or blues-rock tones.
• Boosted Tones:
  • Engage the boost feature on either channel to add extra gain; this is particularly effective on the Dirty channel for solos or heavier riffs.
  • Adjust Master Volume accordingly to maintain overall output level.
• Dynamic Playability:
  • The amp responds well to guitar volume adjustments; rolling back on the guitar can yield cleaner tones while pushing it forward brings out overdrive.
  • Players often find that subtle changes in picking dynamics result in significant tonal shifts.

Notable Players

• Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains): Cantrell has used the Bogner Shiva on various tracks, especially noted on his solo work in "Degradation Trip," where its tonal versatility contributed significantly to his sound.
• Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge): Tremonti revealed that he recorded rhythm guitar parts on his solo album using two Bogner Shiva amps, highlighting their ability to blend well with other gear.
• Steve Vai: Vai has been known to use Bogner amplifiers in his rig, appreciating their dynamic response and tonal depth.
• Other Artists: Many session musicians and rock guitarists have embraced the Shiva for its ability to produce high-quality sound across genres, further solidifying its status as a coveted amplifier among professionals.

Summary

The Bogner Shiva remains an iconic amplifier celebrated for its unique design and exceptional tonal capabilities. Its legacy continues to inspire guitarists seeking rich sounds from a reliable platform that blends classic influences with modern performance standards.