Shiva differences between Shift switch vs. non shift models

[vai81]

Hi Guys, long time lurker here but I finally have a question to ask,

Looking for some advice for those who have played the various Shiva models. Specifically if there are any tonal differences between the newer standard Shiva greenback chassis with updated FX loop with Shift switch, and ones without the shift switch.

I've borrowed a friends Shiva which is the latest version and it does have the shift switch. Absolutely love the amp. It does do different things to the XTC which does justify owning both amps. Now have a lead on another shiva which I believe is the version before my friends one, as it is a also a greenback chasis but does not have the shift switch. My online research indicates that the differences between them besides from just the shift switch, is that the latest ones also have an added preamp tube for slightly more gain.

Wondering if anyone has direct experience with both versions and have any feedback. I dont want to make a purchase and not have the mojo that my friend's Shiva have.
The amp in question is interstate so I cant try before I buy.

 

[BrentSP]

Wish you lived closer, I would love to compare my 20th to the original Shiva side by side. I replied back to your thread on the bogner forum but I was going off tone memory.

 

[Adambomb]

Wish you lived closer, I would love to compare my 20th to the original Shiva side by side. I replied back to your thread on the bogner forum but I was going off tone memory.

I actually have compared both side by side extensively a week straight. It's a long story but I'll make it short. I bought the a new Shiva regular EL34 non-reverb in 2013. It was a 13' green chassis model and LOVED the tone, just glorius for cleans and perfect for classic rock and hard rock, very open sounding. Then I discovered that there was a 20th Anniversary Shiva. A week later took mine in shop to demo both... The 20th is hair more modern but had mods and switches for tone that made it hands down better. (And sorry off subject little but I'm getting there...)

Anyway... I still was missing something in the new 20th's tone... what could it be.... that EL34 crunch. So exchanged my regular for a 20th and modded it for EL34s... best of the old Shiva with the 20th appointments.

OP.. The Shift switch works just great! It takes some EQing of the treble & bass knobs but it covers any tone there is and does it well in just these two modes. I'd get the newer Shiva or if you can swing it, the 20th Shiva. I got the reverb model too cause even at $300 extra, it's about the best reverb I've ever heard. Either way you can't go wrong with a Shiva, but that Shift switch gets used more and more if your like me playing different styles.
Sorry meant to make this short post..

 

[Little B]

I love my 20th shiva.just got a 20th xtc and trying to dial it in.. Shiva-wise,I use the shift for 80s rock and some metal stuff, but mainly keep it out.My wish would be to see the shift and mode functions on the footpedal.That would be awesome.