helrazr84 wrote:^^
Yes, I'd say the Bogner blue is somewhat lower gain. The "plexi" mode is a VERY slight breakup and the "blue" mode is a bit more. I'd say more than what a ts808 will give you but certainly not a higher gain pedal. I think the amount of gain is just right for my taste, especially if your amp has a puss hair of gain and or you stick a moderately gained up tube screamer before it. The Variac setting drops the volume but give a squishier distortion tone, it's good but I prefer the Blue mode setting with variac Off.
I have absolutely no advice to give on the red pedal but from the official Bogner videos it has more gain. I got mine at guitar center, they seem to stock both red and blue; at least the 2 near me do/did. Actually even the uberschall doesn't sound bad from the Bogner channel YouTube demo. You'd automatically assume its a face melter but it can do a less gain tone.
Other thing is the boost feature. It ACTUALLY WORKS! Most pedals with a "boost" don't seem to do much. These have 2 small trip pots thru the top of the casing that allow you to set the boost volume and added gain. Pretty cool.
Really sorry I/we may have hijacked your original thread!
EDIT: just wanted to add that while the blue pedal can and is lower gain, due to the dynamic ability it posseses, should you pick more aggressively; you'll have more hair on your tone. So that is something to keep in mind and consider. I think with the red, along with more gain also comes a more modern sound. At least from what I can discern. It wouldn't make sense for them to put out 2 pedals with the same overall tone, just added gain on one.
yeah I will have to do my usual gear sale, before i take one of these for a spin (part of my aforementioned fiscally-responsible GAS).
To put the thread back in gear: no there is nothing wrong with you. Just because some of the classic gear does not work for you, does not mean there is something wrong. Just find what works and go with it. Most players would love to own Les Pauls. I have had several, including proper vintage ones and they all left in favor of Firebirds. Same thing with amps, owned 60's Fenders, 70's Marshalls, 80's Marshalls and those are all gone now in favor of my own amp design, a musicman combo, and a 70's silverface Vibrolux that will never be blackfaced. At the end, it is about getting the right gear that inspires you, and not what the convention is.
Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint