Bogner Ecstasy: every version
Every version, how to tell them apart, how to date one, and what to check before you buy. 2 versions, 1992–present.
The Ecstasy is Bogner's three-channel 100-watt head, released in 1992: a clean channel and two drive channels (Blue and Red), with voicing switches on the drive channels. Every version comes as an A (6L6 output valves) or a B (EL34s). The first Ecstasy was the 100; the 101 replaced it in 1995 and has been revised since, with more gain in the Red channel around 2004. The model number and letter on the back panel identify any Ecstasy.
The versions, in order
Ecstasy 100A / 100B (1992–1995)
Ecstasy 100
The first Ecstasy: three channels with Pre-EQ, Plexi, Structure and boost switches; A for 6L6s, B for EL34s.
How to spot one
- Model 100A (6L6 output valves, the “American” version) or 100B (EL34s, the “British” version).
- Three channels: a clean channel and the Blue and Red drive channels.
- Pre-EQ, Plexi, Structure and boost switches shape the drive channels.
- Made in small numbers before the 101 took over in 1995.
Specs
| Rectifier | Solid-state (silicon diodes) |
|---|---|
| Phase inverter | Long-tail pair |
| Channels | 3 |
Ecstasy 101A / 101B (1995 on)
Ecstasy 101
The 101 replaced the 100 in 1995; early ones offered speaker-cabinet switching, and the Red channel got more gain around 2004.
What changed from the Ecstasy 100A / 100B
- 1995: the 101 replaced the 100; early 101s added channel-assignable speaker-cabinet switching.
- Around 2004 the Red channel was revised for more gain and compression.
How to spot one
- Model 101A (6L6s) or 101B (EL34s).
- Three channels: a clean Green channel with its own tone stack, plus Blue and Red drive channels.
- Early 101s offered channel-assignable speaker-cabinet switching, which was later dropped.
- Amps from around 2004 on have a Red channel with more gain and compression than earlier 101s.
Specs
| Channels | 3 |
|---|
Ecstasy buying checklist
Date it
- 100A or 100B on the back panel means 1992–95; 101A or 101B means 1995 or later.
- Among 101s, a Red channel with noticeably more gain and compression points to an amp from around 2004 on.
Check it’s original
- A or B tells you which output valves the amp was built for: 6L6s (A) or EL34s (B).
- Ecstasy amps are often modified or updated by technicians; check the switch layout against the model number.
What usually needs work
- Many switches and relays: check every channel, boost and voicing switch, and the footswitch, before buying.
- Set the bias for the output valve type the amp was built for (6L6 or EL34).
Questions buyers ask
What do A and B mean?
A amps use 6L6 output valves (the “American” version); B amps use EL34s (the “British” version).
100 or 101?
The 100 is the original of 1992–95; the 101 replaced it in 1995 and is the more common amp.
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