Budda amps

rgreen11

New member
Does anyone out there own or know about Budda amps? In particular the superdrive seris II 18 watt? I have played a few in the past ( other Budda's )but I heard that they are not reliable Is that true, because I play out 3-4 times a week so I need something dependable. Thanks
 
Re: Budda amps

I really like Budda amps, and they're built tough and reliable. However, they all sound very different, and usually very wide open, never compressed. You really need to hear Budda's many models before buying, and it's difficult, because most dealers don't have a bunch.

Most Budda's I've played aren't very focused sounding. They sound really loud and wide open, and the OD is more vintage than modern. Don't get me wrong though....I love most Budda's and they sound good enough to warrant their prices.
 
Re: Budda amps

Whaddayaknow, I just bought a used Superdrive 18 and have had it since Wednesday (about 3 days). I've never heard anything about them not being reliable. In fact, others have talked about how thick the board is in them.

This amp is sweet. I've had amps in the past that could get very bright and to the harsh side, especially with single coils (yes, even with speaker and tube swaps). The Budda is so pleasing to the ears, I can actually add treble in instead of rolling it almost all the way back. No OD/Dist. pedals needed with this amp.

Here's a Budda love thread:

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=251124&highlight=budda
 
Re: Budda amps

i have a superdrive 80 and absolutely love it.


forgot to mention earlier:
1. they are all extremely LOUD.
2. you have to use the budda speakers/cabinets. vintage 30;s dont do these amps justice
3. their customer service is the best i've seen. send them an email and you'll get replies from the design engineer and the president.
4. gearjoneser is right when he says they arent that focused but somehow the amp makes it painfully obvious when you mess up so you have to be on par.
5. not reliable? i heard the opposite when i was buying mine. only had my amp for a year but i havent seen the slightest hint of anything about to go wrong. plus it has a lifetime warranty and their customer service is great.
 
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Re: Budda amps

I've placed mics in front of a few... always sound really good! Jonesy hit it as usual... more "vintage" voiced then modern but not as vintage as a marshall reissue. Vintage modern voicing?! One of my friends is using their tube-dirt box in front of a '66 Super and loves it... good tonal & usable gain range but I don't like the way it sounds in front of the amp when I play it.

To be fair I don't like the V-Twin in the same application...

Anyway... they seem like topshelf gear. Those Budda amps.
 
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