Thinking of redoing my big rig - thoughts?

[Agileguy]

I've gathered the Budda Superdrives are really loud amps and need some volume to get them to open up so you'd probably need an attenuator.

I've owned 2 EL-34 Bogner Shivas. The non reverb ones are punchier sounding (and I love reverb, but not on the Bogner). The EL-34 older style ones don't have as much gain as the 20th anniversary ones. They're warmer, rounder and more compressed all the way around. The master volume is great and actually works well at lower volumes and the amp holds together at higher volumes. If you're looking at it, try to find one you can try out because the compression and feel of the amp is pretty unique. I loved mine for years and eventually got sick of it when I would plug into my Vibrolux afterwards so it got sold off. For the rock bands I was in and the lead playing I would do it was great, but as I got into cleaner stuff, I wanted something that was more responsive and less compressed.

The Mesa Stiletto Ace had a pretty badass overdrive/crunch tone. The cleans won't hang with the Bogner, but hell, you've got a Bassman and I bet that sounds infinitely better clean than the other two any how. If you love that British upper mid "kerrrang", get the Stiletto and stop looking at other amps because the older Shiva has a more lower mid voicing and is not as aggressive. I've gathered the 20th anniversary may solve both of those things to a certain extent so I'd check out a few different model Shivas to make sure it's what you're looking for.

There's some excellent info in these posts. Thanks!

I actually played a Shiva not too long ago, though it was an older one and I believe it was a 6L6 w/reverb. I found it to be a glorious amp, though if I was dropping that kind of coin I think I'd want to play it again.

The Mesa I actually haven't played in probably about 6 years, but I just remember it being the most amazing amp at the time. Of course, back then I think I still had a Behringer starter amp, but I still love mesa amps. Plus at the price they sell for around here (the 1x12 I'm looking at is 875 and it's been sitting for a bit) I can afford to not like it as much as I thought.

But based on your description, I'm leaning towards the Mesa. I've always loved their amps and it would make for a killer rig. Plus, the one for sale out here is fookin' green http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/msg/5021667048.html

Have you gone back to the Bassman and spent some time with it yet?

That's the kind of amp you mau end up telling your kids you regret selling.

Nah, I haven't yet. I got home too late to play yesterday.

I really don't want to sell the bassman until I've actually got the amp I'm looking at. I was thinking about selling it first but I can't do it.