Uberschall Inquiry

[Jeremy]

Hi all, new to the board.

I have always loved the sound of the Uberschall and almost purchased one years ago but instead went with a Rivera KR100 as I could actually play one locally and got it for a smoking deal. The Bogner dealer here doesn't keep Uber's on the floor so trying one out is almost impossible. The Rivera fit my band's sound quite well, but now that the band has broken up, I'm in a position to make a decision about the fate of my Rivera. I would love to get a different amp as I'm playing at home now and the Rivera is ungodly loud to use at home.

I'm torn between the Rev. Blue and the Twin Jet right now. I've heard the Rev. Blue in person many times and it sounds incredible. I play an 8 string and 7's. My playing style is Rhythm orientated (not much of a lead player). I play alot of Sepultura, Pantera, Fear Factory, Slipknot, Mastadon, Tool and even KoRn.

I do need to have a clean channel, so is the Blue's clean better than the TJ's? And how are either at lower volumes (I've read the master is really good and that the Uber's are decent at lower volumes where as my Rivera is not at all.)?

Any and all help is appreciated!

 

[se7en]

Some basic comparisons: Rev. Blue - more compressed, decent clean, a bit looser on rhythm playing, a bit spongier in feel. TJ - most open Uber to date, most versatile and a decent clean, low end is tighter and there are more ways to set up the amp (power amp controls)

 

[Death by Uberschall]

This is the basic rundown of the Uberschalls:

Original - Fast gain taper on Gain Channel (some have said almost like an Off/On kind of jump in gain), high plate voltage, good power section compression/sag when pushed, Clean Channel volume slightly lower than Gain Channel by comparison, plastic carry handle (although some Original Uberschalls got the leather handle just prior to transitioning into the Rev2), EL34

Rev2 - Reduced gain taper on Gain Channel (same gain, just more controllable), high plate voltage, good power section compression/sag when pushed, Clean Channel volume slightly lower than Gain Channel by comparison, leather carry handle, EL34

Revision Blue - Same basic gain structure, lower plate voltage, less power section compression/sag when pushed, Clean Channel volume matched closer to Gain Channel, re-design of circuits, addition of Loop volume control, bias test points, power jewel changed to smaller LED type, dedicated design ability to allow power section slaving from an outside source (but this can be accomplished on Original/Rev2 versions), EL34

Twin Jet 1.0 - Gain Channel re-design in a direction towards the Original/Rev2 designs, plate voltage unknown at this time so I can't say, less power section compression (due to the design switch to KT88 power tubes), Clean channel re-do in the direction of a high gain modded Marshall tone with very little ability to get a truly clean sound, addition of power section Presence and Depth controls, KT88

Twin Jet 1.1 - The same as 1.0 but with a modded gain taper on the clean channel, same level of gain available as 1.0 with the ability to go lower gain and clean up better

Now keep in mind, I made up TJ 1.0/1.1 for the purpose of comparison , I don't think Bogner looks at them that way. Bogner does offer to perform the Clean Channel mod for anybody who owns what I call 1.0 at no charge.

These are the main differences I know about. I don't know specific component values between the different versions from a design stand point, but I can say my descriptions above, for the most part, are right on the money by way of research, comparisons and the general consensus from those who have had time with them. The volume difference between the Clean Channel and Gain Channel on the Original and Rev2 seem to be exaggerated. Yes there is a difference, but nothing that can't be fixed by just turning the Clean Channel Volume control up a little more than the Gain Channel volume control. Another words, adjust the amp with you ears, not your eyes.

 

[scoobydoo]

Do yourself the ultimate favor, call Rob at Tone Merchants and have him line you up with a Twin Jet version that comes with EL34's instead of the KT88's. You will get that sweet Bogner EL34 tone with the added flexibility of the Depth and Presence controls on the TJ, and you will avoid the scraping highs of the KT88's. Besides, Rob has a close relationship with the factory and is now only four blocks away from it at his new location in N.Hollywood. Plus you will get the original Uberschall Ch.2. I just sold an original (brutal yet sweet)and still have my rev blue (works a little better for my projects), those amps are already so loud and have so much low end that I don't see the point in KT88's (besides the fact that they are not as "toney"). Especially with the right speaker compliment in a 4x12.

Just a thought!

 

[se7en]

Yeah, give him a call. Rob's the guy to talk to on Bogner gear. I actually do business with him over the dealers around here, even though Tone Merchants is on the opposite coast. I bought my Twin Jet from him, changed out the KT88's for 34's and couldn't be happier.

 

[Ventura]

And back to the the OP's question though, I too would recommend the TJ with the gain taper mod on Channel 1. I've had the Rev's and a TJ and I loved the TJ sums above the rest. It was more wicked sounding

V.

 

[glassjaw7]

This is the basic rundown of the Uberschalls:

Original - Fast gain taper on Gain Channel (some have said almost like an Off/On kind of jump in gain), high plate voltage, good power section compression/sag when pushed, Clean Channel volume slightly lower than Gain Channel by comparison, plastic carry handle (although some Original Uberschalls got the leather handle just prior to transitioning into the Rev2), EL34

Rev2 - Reduced gain taper on Gain Channel (same gain, just more controllable), high plate voltage, good power section compression/sag when pushed, Clean Channel volume slightly lower than Gain Channel by comparison, leather carry handle, EL34

Revision Blue - Same basic gain structure, lower plate voltage, less power section compression/sag when pushed, Clean Channel volume matched closer to Gain Channel, re-design of circuits, addition of Loop volume control, bias test points, power jewel changed to smaller LED type, dedicated design ability to allow power section slaving from an outside source (but this can be accomplished on Original/Rev2 versions), EL34

Twin Jet 1.0 - Gain Channel re-design in a direction towards the Original/Rev2 designs, plate voltage unknown at this time so I can't say, less power section compression (due to the design switch to KT88 power tubes), Clean channel re-do in the direction of a high gain modded Marshall tone with very little ability to get a truly clean sound, addition of power section Presence and Depth controls, KT88

Twin Jet 1.1 - The same as 1.0 but with a modded gain taper on the clean channel, same level of gain available as 1.0 with the ability to go lower gain and clean up better

Now keep in mind, I made up TJ 1.0/1.1 for the purpose of comparison , I don't think Bogner looks at them that way. Bogner does offer to perform the Clean Channel mod for anybody who owns what I call 1.0 at no charge.

These are the main differences I know about. I don't know specific component values between the different versions from a design stand point, but I can say my descriptions above, for the most part, are right on the money by way of research, comparisons and the general consensus from those who have had time with them. The volume difference between the Clean Channel and Gain Channel on the Original and Rev2 seem to be exaggerated. Yes there is a difference, but nothing that can't be fixed by just turning the Clean Channel Volume control up a little more than the Gain Channel volume control. Another words, adjust the amp with you ears, not your eyes.

I don't know...is this post Amp God approved?

 

[Death by Uberschall]

This is the basic rundown of the Uberschalls:

Original - Fast gain taper on Gain Channel (some have said almost like an Off/On kind of jump in gain), high plate voltage, good power section compression/sag when pushed, Clean Channel volume slightly lower than Gain Channel by comparison, plastic carry handle (although some Original Uberschalls got the leather handle just prior to transitioning into the Rev2), EL34

Rev2 - Reduced gain taper on Gain Channel (same gain, just more controllable), high plate voltage, good power section compression/sag when pushed, Clean Channel volume slightly lower than Gain Channel by comparison, leather carry handle, EL34

Revision Blue - Same basic gain structure, lower plate voltage, less power section compression/sag when pushed, Clean Channel volume matched closer to Gain Channel, re-design of circuits, addition of Loop volume control, bias test points, power jewel changed to smaller LED type, dedicated design ability to allow power section slaving from an outside source (but this can be accomplished on Original/Rev2 versions), EL34

Twin Jet 1.0 - Gain Channel re-design in a direction towards the Original/Rev2 designs, plate voltage unknown at this time so I can't say, less power section compression (due to the design switch to KT88 power tubes), Clean channel re-do in the direction of a high gain modded Marshall tone with very little ability to get a truly clean sound, addition of power section Presence and Depth controls, KT88

Twin Jet 1.1 - The same as 1.0 but with a modded gain taper on the clean channel, same level of gain available as 1.0 with the ability to go lower gain and clean up better

Now keep in mind, I made up TJ 1.0/1.1 for the purpose of comparison , I don't think Bogner looks at them that way. Bogner does offer to perform the Clean Channel mod for anybody who owns what I call 1.0 at no charge.

These are the main differences I know about. I don't know specific component values between the different versions from a design stand point, but I can say my descriptions above, for the most part, are right on the money by way of research, comparisons and the general consensus from those who have had time with them. The volume difference between the Clean Channel and Gain Channel on the Original and Rev2 seem to be exaggerated. Yes there is a difference, but nothing that can't be fixed by just turning the Clean Channel Volume control up a little more than the Gain Channel volume control. Another words, adjust the amp with you ears, not your eyes.

I don't know...is this post Amp God approved?

You know it.

 

[Shiny_Surface]

Hi all, new to the board.

I have always loved the sound of the Uberschall and almost purchased one years ago but instead went with a Rivera KR100 as I could actually play one locally and got it for a smoking deal. The Bogner dealer here doesn't keep Uber's on the floor so trying one out is almost impossible. The Rivera fit my band's sound quite well, but now that the band has broken up, I'm in a position to make a decision about the fate of my Rivera. I would love to get a different amp as I'm playing at home now and the Rivera is ungodly loud to use at home.

I'm torn between the Rev. Blue and the Twin Jet right now. I've heard the Rev. Blue in person many times and it sounds incredible. I play an 8 string and 7's. My playing style is Rhythm orientated (not much of a lead player). I play alot of Sepultura, Pantera, Fear Factory, Slipknot, Mastadon, Tool and even KoRn.

I do need to have a clean channel, so is the Blue's clean better than the TJ's? And how are either at lower volumes (I've read the master is really good and that the Uber's are decent at lower volumes where as my Rivera is not at all.)?

Any and all help is appreciated!

If you need a clean channel and want to go the Twin Jet route, I would try to find one with the more gradual taper on the gain knob.

The original taper gets dirty quite quickly.

 

[Jeremy]

Sweet, thanks for the repsonses guys! It defenitly sounds like the T.J. may be the route to go.