Should I Buy the Bogner Alchemist???

[orbm1]

I was always intrigued by this amp, but did not wanted to pay the price back then... now that I can get it for $459, I am very temped but I am not sure if I SHOULD!

My main gigging rig is

GT-10 through a Tech21 Power Engine 60

Although recently I have been pairing the gt-10 with my Mesa Boogie F-30

I also have:

- a Fender Mustang I which I use for quick recordings
- a Vox VT-15 that I have not used in a while!
- A Blackstar HT-1R Head with a 1x12 cab
- A Kustom Defender 5H Head and Cab

I would probably sell a couple of amps, BUT I don't want to spend on an amp that will collect dust (if it doesn't cut it with my gear)...

IDeas, suggestions?

Thanks!

Omar

[nutsauce]

I'm actually just waiting to hear some input myself. I have been thinking about pulling the trigger on one also. All I know is what I've read on Harmony Central. A few pretty good reviews and one guy that says they are crap and break constantly. But you know how that stuff goes. Hopefully someone here owns one. Seems like a hell of a deal.

[TheDevice]

yes

I love mine and really you won't find a better tube amp for 450 bucks. I have over 30 amps and really enjoy playing this one as much as some of my boutique rigs. I'm a rock guy who plays a bit heavy some times, suits me well.

[Syrus]

I have a VOX VT30 and some other amps too, including the Kustom.

But that bogner is giving me major GAS.

The sounds i've heard a nice and the delay onboard should also be very usable.

I'm the kind of player that likes a all in one package. Just a set and forget setup you know.

[Syn]

I've had the head version for about 20 months or so.

The OD channel is nice and smooth, while still being saturated.
The Clean channel is also very nice, while not crystal clean, it has a nice chime and sparkle to the top end.

The built-in reverb and delay are very good and usable. The tap tempo on the amps control panel is useful but would have also been good on the footswitch. I generally left the delay on for OD and switched to reverb for cleans
The 20w mode doesn't reduce volume massively but does saturate the OD side into a nice compressed "brown sound".

The only downside I found to this amp was the parellell effects loop. You always get at least 50% of the dry signal depending how you set the amp and pedals. This makes it hard to boost volume if you prefer a clean boost in the loop, it also didn't give me the results I like from my pedal board.

It is a great amp to just plug straight in to. As above, a great set and forget amp.

The only other thing I would mention would be to get a better XLR lead for the footswitch on purchase. The one included has caused problems in switching for many people. I have never used the cable included and have never had an issue.

[Syrus]

Thanks Syn.

[Syn]

No problem.
It's a great amp with unique tonal qualities. I used it in an instumental band for songs ranging from Allman Brothers to Satriani without touching any settings at all between songs and without my usual gigging pedal board.
It sits really well in a live band mix, and always cuts through while still sounding saturated and thick.
I should mention that I use it through a 2x12 loaded with V30's so you may get different results from the Alchemist cabs which mix Celestion speakers.

It's not my main gigging amp now, but it's versatility makes it a great backup to my Marshall.

[Seven]

You can't beat them for the price they are now. I got the 2x12 cab too, for just $279 shipped...