Bogner Helios vs 20th Shiva

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LPMojoGL

LPMojoGL

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All right, for those who have had both...
I know you're out there...

How do the cleans of the Helios stack up to the most excellent cleans of the Shiva?

I get that the Helios dirt is more open and Marshally, not so low-mid, modern Bognery.
Is it as fun to play? Does it have any low-mid punch? Sound as thick n chewy? Sustainy? Does it do the singing lead lines? Does the 80s mode approach the available gain of the Shiva?

Thank you. Thank you very much.
 
LPMojoGL":3u00olpa said:
All right, for those who have had both...
I know you're out there...

How do the cleans of the Helios stack up to the most excellent cleans of the Shiva?

I get that the Helios dirt is more open and Marshally, not so low-mid, modern Bognery.
Is it as fun to play? Does it have any low-mid punch? Sound as thick n chewy? Sustainy? Does it do the singing lead lines? Does the 80s mode approach the available gain of the Shiva?

Thank you. Thank you very much.
Click to expand...

Completely different. The KT88 power section of the 20th Shiva puts out a broad and flat spectrum of sound. You get the feel of compression because of the low-end (not boomy) presence but there really isn't compression. The Helios cleans only sound really good when you are moving some air. The cleans aren't bad, but the Helios sounds GREAT when it is at the edge of breakup. It excels at that, and at the Plex/2204 roar.

Same guitar and speakers were used for the following clips
Helios dirt: https://youtu.be/qxij6FN9PIE?list=UUA7lF ... iLsseJDxjQ
20th Shiva dirt: https://youtu.be/e4nF6aEBqwc?list=UUA7lF ... iLsseJDxjQ
 
Ron, thanks for the great response here and elsewhere.
I'm at work now, but will check out these clips when I get home, tonight.
 
Dang, Ron. That doesn't help much at all! lol. It's like you said, both sound great.
FWIW, I think the Helios might fit your style better. The difference is minimal. The Helios has the sweet mids, the 20th a lil raunchier around the edges. It seems like the Helios has the feel that gels with your style of playing.

What pups in the LP?
I just put some Whole Lotta Humbuckers in my SG, and I am missing the Burstbuckers with A2 magnets.
 
Yes! I have an Antiquity neck/Seth Lover bridge in my LP. Love them as well. I'm thinking about swapping the WLH in the SG with Antiquities. It's what Bilyl G is using in his SG. :)
 
I've owned them both. The Shiva is a bit more versatile IMO and it also sounds a bit more modern. It can get close to that Marshall tone, but still is very Bogner sounding. The Helios gets fairly close to plexi tones, while still sounding like a Bogner. It's got an amazing midrange that is almost violin like. I like the edge of breakup tones of the Helios a lot.

Bottom line, both great amps, but if I was hard pressed I'd go with the Shiva, super versatile with the boost options.
 
I've had a Shiva EL34, Shiva 20th w/ KT88, currently have the Helios so I know a little about this subject. On a side note, one overlooked amp that has some of the best cleans and great modded plexi tones is the Goldfinger 90. It's a fantastic amp. I haven't messed much with the Helios clean because I bought it for the gain tones, not the cleans. But if I wanted modded Marshall with killer plexi gain, 80's gain and a great clean - I'd get a Goldfinger 90 (again). And the reverb is really really good.
 
UberschallEL34":2j4fmblj said:
I've had a Shiva EL34, Shiva 20th w/ KT88, currently have the Helios so I know a little about this subject. On a side note, one overlooked amp that has some of the best cleans and great modded plexi tones is the Goldfinger 90. It's a fantastic amp. I haven't messed much with the Helios clean because I bought it for the gain tones, not the cleans. But if I wanted modded Marshall with killer plexi gain, 80's gain and a great clean - I'd get a Goldfinger 90 (again). And the reverb is really really good.
Click to expand...


Yeah man, I've had both Goldfingers. I like the Shiva better. I was trying to get a handle on the Helios back then. Still haven't heard one, but I have a good idea of what it's about now.
 
Played the Helios today on the Plexi input and there's plenty of gain with a boost pedal and the clean channel is actually pretty damn good.
 
Personal preference ya know. I have never been a Plexi fan. For me, a 10th Shiva with EL34s, will always be my favorite.
 
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