Budda Dual Stage 30

I am lucky enough to own #24 of these rare amps. There is no other amp that I know of that combines switchable 6L6 and EL84 power sections - the 2 most essential power tube models for guitar in my opinion. Hand-built P2P, 2x12, rectifier, EL84 built in attenuator, 6l6 master volume, high/low inputs, switchable power, switchable cabinets, FX loop, slave out w/level. You will never find an amp of the quality/caliber/features the DSE embodies.

I play all styles of music professionally and I wouldn't even consider another amp at this point (UNLESS IT WAS A SAVAGE AMP - THEY ARE EXTRAORDINARY). It can be loud as hell for 30 watts, but operates fantastic at lower volumes.

I use a Gibson ES335, Godin LGXT and PRS McCarty Rosewood, run through a massive board of 14 or so pedals/effects. If I plug this board into a higher quality fender/mesa/vox etc. amp, the noise is unbearable. Plugged into the DSE, no noise - not less noise - NO NOISE. Really makes me question the gain structure of more common amp designs, particularly the preamps.

Every pedal I own sounds amazing through the DSE. My cheap pedals sound just as good as my boutique pedals through this amp, particularly overdrive/distortion. At this point, I'm considering buying one of those crappy pedals from Target just to further test my theory.

Tubes are JJ's all around. I also replaced one of the stock custom eminence designed 12" speakers (sweet but very upper-midrangey) with a celestion V30, to widen and enhance the frequencies.

More importantly, the sound of this amp is simply the finest I've ever heard. Extremely dynamic - sometimes I think this amp is alive, listening and reacting to every note as I play. Simple EQ; no drastic low or high ends on this beauty. Bass and treble are more subtle tweaks to the natural tone of the amp. Plenty of midrange. 6l6 section is buttery, with tight lows, sweet highs without being harsh even with the treble at 10. EL84 section is more focused and gets that AC30 tone with an attenuator to save your ears when you want to crank it to. I don't use the high gain input often, but both sections can produce fantastic breakup/distortion, particularly the saturation of the EL84's (of course).

I've had this amp since 2001 and it's been through 500+ shows and never let me down. I am also fortunate enough to have the wonderful engineers of Savage Audio for regular check-ups.

Never needed. Would like to further inquire about this amp since there are very few details out there.

Played for 15 years. Owned more amps than I'll ever admit. Love everything about the DSE. Hate the fact that I don't have a backup DSE.
If it were stolen or lost, I would scour the earth to get another. They don't get better than the DSE.

The Dual Stage 30 has the perfect features that any musician would need... slave out, cab switching, channel switching, can run the internal speakers and a cab and then switch (like to a Demeter silent speaker or Axetrack box). Plus, very useful high and low gain inputs. High gain is Marshall land, low gain Fender where you can crank the volume a little more without instant volume in your face. Great for getting a little more depth in you tone. The bite knob is nice to adjust for different pickups, speakers, and even room sizes (concrete floors, carpet, wall covering).

I own two Superdrive 30 1x12's and now this Dual Stage 30. I use PRS guitars, Strats, and a custom shop Gibson Les Paul Jr. For classic rock this is the amp. It is the most dead silent amp I have owned, amazing. I am using Electro-Harmonix preamp tubes, JJ EL-84's, and TAD 6L6GWC small bottles. I use a Blackbox Cobalt to fine tune the input level. The Cobalt is an amazing pedal because you can walk to your amp and twist the volume, gain, or drive for instant adjustments. This pedal does not color your tone... just the flavor. I only use Budda amps now.

The Budda guys are fast and friendly. These amps are very reliable but I always use a fan at gigs. Cheap insurance.

Great guys!

I have been looking for one of these amps for the past two years. I just bought a 2x12 combo number 28 out of maybe 50-75 made. Budda makes the best amps on the market. Use a pedal, or a good preamp like Marshall or Boogie and the tone cuts perfectly in a band setting. In small clubs I use a Cobalt overdrive, Budda, THD hotplate and I can get singing tone at any volume that cuts clearly and musically. The guys at Budda understand how to get "that tone." One thing I would like to say... unless you are Slash playing leads all night you may not like the Budda speakers. They are made by Eminence and sound very much like a Celestion Vintage 30 with better clarity and punch. I have found that my Budda's love Greenbacks and the G12H30 reissues (get the made in England ones).
I sold everything but my Buddas. I had a Guytron GT-100 (the Budda's are more responsive and louder), Speedster Deluxe (one channel great blues tone only), Reverend Hellhound (loud little bugger). The only other club amp I like for cheap is a Peavey Classic 30. Put G12H30's in there and it sounds great. It just doesn't have the great chime and responsiveness as a Budda. I will never buy another amp again that does not have a rectifier tube. All Buddas do. So, the Dual Stage gives me two great amp channels and the ability to switch cabs for different tones. I am very pleased that my search for the perfect tone is over. Buy one if you can find it!

I BOUGHT THIS AMP IN 2000. I PLAY LOUD ROCK IN THE STYLE OF FOO FIGHTERS, RFTC. THE AMP HAS COOL BELLS AND WISTLES LIKE THE BUILT IN ATTENUATER, CAB SWITCHING, AND 6L6 EL84 BLENDING/SWITCHING(BOTH CHANNELS SOUND GOOD).

I USE LES PAULS ALWAYS. I'VE USED IT WITH SEVERAL CABS(SOUND BEST THROUGH GREENBACKS), MY CURRENT CAB IS A SOLDANO 4X12 WITH 2 GREENBACKS AND 2 FANE ALNICOS. I TURN EVERY KNOB TO "10" EXCEPT THE MASTER, WHICH I USUALLY PUT AT "5". THIS AMP KICKS OUT ROCK TONE WITH EASE ON EITHER CHANNEL, THE 6L6 BEING LOW END AND EL84S BEING A LITTLE MORE MID LEAD TONE. THIS AMP IS MEANT TO BE PLAYED LOUD. THE AMP SUCKS AT CLEAN TONE HOWEVER, IT IS EXTREMELY TOUCH SENSITIVE(GUITAR WISE), SO BACK OFF THE VOLUME POT ON THE GUITAR AND THERE YOU GO. I USE IT SIDE BY SIDE WITH(STEREO) WITH A 50 WATT MARSHALL JUBILEE HEAD, AND IT IS BY FAR SUPERIOR. THE MARSHALL WHILE HAVING GREAT TONE, IS USED JUST AS A BOOST. THE BUUDA AT 30 WATTS STAYS UP WITH THE JUBILEE VOLUME WISE, AND HAS A FULLER LEAD TONE. I ALSO USE A FULLDRIVE IN FRONT OF IT WHICH PUTS IT OVER THE TOP. THE TONE IS FULL CRUNCHY POWER TUBE DISTORTION, POWER OR FULL CHORDS.

I HAVE HAD TUBE TROUBLE BUT THATS IT, REPLACE AND AND GO(TESLA, GE, SVETLANA, MULLARDS, ALL SOUND GOOD). MY BASS PLAYER LAUNCHED THIS THING(ON ACCIDENT?) 5 FEET UP, 5 FEET OUT AND IT DIDN'T FLINCH.

I BOUGHT THIS AMP AS COMBO CALLED SCOTT AT BUDDA, AND IT TOOK FOREVER TO GET A HEAD SHELL(8 MONTHS). THEY DID REDEEM THEMESELVES:
AN AMP REPAIRMAN/BUILDER CONVINCED ME HE COULD IMPROVE IT WITH SILVER RUNS ETC. HE DIDN'T. I CALLED SCOTT AT BUDDA WHO PUT ME IN TOUCH WITH JEFF BOBER, SENT THE AMP TO THEM, A MONTH LATER, I WAS BACK IN BUSINESS(THEY FIXED IT CHEAP). LESSON: IF AN AMP IS GOOD LEAVE IT ALONE! MODS SUCK.

I'VE OWNED JCM 800, SOLDANO, RIVERA, JUBILEE, AND A TON OF HORRIBLE AMPS, THE DUAL STAGE HAS BEEN MY FAVORITE. ITS BEEN ABOUT 5 YEARS AND EVERY TIME I FIRE IT UP I SMILE. UNLESS I HER SOMETHING BETTER, IT STAYS.

these are already well stated

I play a PRS (pre-nu-metal model) and a G&L legacy. What I love about this amp is the fact that every change on my guitars is so well refelcted in what I hear coming out. that is to say, if you guitar sounds great then it will sound great with this amp. I love the sound of the break-up on the EL84 side. anything the amp doesnt do it will more than happily do with a few pedals. I have a Dr Z power brake so that I dont get thrown out of my apartment, because it is bloody loud

bought it used, it needed some work

Budda is amazing, Imagine calling a company and getting a person on the phone everytime! imagine talking to the guy who built your amp. unbelievable service

my only complaint is that I have number six out of only 75! so it's going to be hard to find another one

A 2x12 combo, serial #0049. As most know, they are made no more. Personally designed and built from the ground up by Budda's master, Jeff Bober. Details have been stated already, I'll repeat the fact this amp is a first rate versatile tone machine.

You want one, you just may not know it yet. ; )

I'm running an '83 Ibanez Roadstar II with single and double coils (neck/bridge) with an old Boss delay in the loop. I also have a Budda 2x12 extension cab used along with the combo both at the same time. I do use the awesome cab switching and lead link features as well.

This amp sounds great through all permutations of cab choices, it's hard to settle on one. So nice to be able to choose a cab realtime, shame you can't have a choice of choosing between two cabs, and also be able to choose both at once.

The tonal range of the amp is truly startling. And it's all sick sweet.

It is loud as has been said. Cranked through 4 12's I'd swear the concrete below my feet in my garage was undulating - I think it was starting to liquify. Budda through and through, both power sections can be brutal.

Running 2 SV6L6's on the one side the cleans are Fendery, almost bouncy. The amp is so touch sensitive it's almost an intimate experience you feel so connected to your sound.

The EL84 side came stock from Budda with 4 SV83's. They are not direct replacements for EL84's, but apparently the wiring is not an issue and they sound great. I did swap the Svetlanas with JJ's, and prefer the results. More good than the already good, is a good thing.

Well, I bought it used, and it blew a cap the first week. Cannot say how it was treated before me, so it's hard to say.

First rate, hands down. These guys are a rare breed. I sent my amp in to get fixed, Jeff worked on it himself, fixed it under warranty, and personally dropped it off at Fedex on a Friday so I could have it for a weekend of recording.

I've been playing over 20 years. I also have a Budda SD30 I love just as much as the Dual Stage. However, the Dual Stage is surely the sicker of the two.

Each power section of this amp is a tour-de-force in their own respective rights. Having TWO great power sections attached to a first rate preamp with HI and LO gain inputs in the same chassis... heh heh, is good.

If it were lost or stolen that would be tragic, since they aren't being made anymore and are not easy to find, I'd have to ask Budda to build me a new one, and I predict the answer sadly would be, "We can't. Talk to Mesa Boogie about it".

Mine is the 4x10 combo version, which has switchable power sections (EL84 and 6l6 or 5881s), hi gain and normal inputs, built in attenuator on the EL84 side, PTP wiring, cab switching, effects loop and slave out. A very versatile tone machine - simple, but gives me all I'm looking for!

I bought this second hand - one year old. It had not left the livingroom and was as good as new! I heard Budda had to discontinue this, due to some patent "disagreement". Too bad! There aren't many of this amp out there, but I'm glad I have one. It is hard to get a bad sound out of the Dual stage. Bass, treble and "bite" is all it takes to dial in superior tone. The distortian can be all from bluesy to really heavy. And I'm amazed of the fat sound that comes from the 4x10s. Apart from wah, echo and chorus pedals, I use a Klon Centaur in the end of my effect chain to crank up the amp and get that extra, incredible tube-sound for my solos. The amp is dead silent and I use it mainly with telecasters and occasionally a PRS.

No problems! It's so well-built I cannot see what could go wrong?

Haven't been necessary.

I've been playing for 15 years now and had different amps. Had a Mesa Mark IV before I found the Budda - that was a heavy beast, which I never really managed to sound good! It was too many knobs that went out of position when I transported the amp. I put it out for sale the day after I got the Budda. I use my Telecasters and a PRS for the Budda.

I have the head version, These have been detailed below so I'll just give a brief summary: switchable power sections (EL84 and 6l6 or 5881s), hi gain and normal inputs, build in attenuator on the EL84 side, PTP wiring, cab switching, effects loop and slave out. A very versatile tone machine.

I was lucky to find this unit brand new in a store (thanks Gary at the Amp-Shop) and snapped it up as soon as I discovered it. I'm not sure how many were made before they discontinued this model, but I consider myself fortunate to have one. The tones coming from this amp are nothing short of amazing. Budda truely makes a superior amplifier! Certain amps just breath and have a sensitivity about them - it forces me to play better. Make no mistake - this amp is incredibly loud and you have to crank it to get the power tube distortion going (duh), so at lower volumes I use a variety of distortion pedals to make it rip (I just got a Keeley modified DS-1 which sounds freak'n great!). The amp is dead silent and there is no noise when switching between the power amp sections. With the switchable power sections (which both have independent level controls) and judicious use of your guitar's volume pedal its easy to get several different tones out of it - enough to cover your clean, rhythm and lead tones. Right now, I'm using it through a 2x12 with Celestion Greenbacks, but I want to experiment with the cab switching feature with something else - I'm still in expermentation phase with different speaker boxes.

I know this amp sat in the shop for a while before I found it, but it looks well made and I'm confident in Budda's manufacturing practices.

I emailed Scot at Budda about this amp and some other questions about speaker cabinets and he answered everything very quickly and has been real helpful.

I'm not on that PTP verus circuit board trip (which I think is a bunch of hogwash) - I just like good sounding amplifiers and this amplfier simply rocks! As someone said below, if you find one of these for sale you really should get it - you won't be dissatisfied. I play lots of different stuff and this really could cover everything you need except nu-metal. This amp lends itself well to the vintage side of rock tone, but it can get ferocious if dialed in right. I truely don't forsee needing another amplifier and I'll never part with this rig ever!

Very versatile amp, awesome Fendery clean on the 6L6 channel. From slight Creamy crunch to full on sustain-for-days lead tones on the El84 side. 30 watts that can be louder than any 50w Marshall I've ever played, just as loud as any 100 watter. Built in attenuator is a great feature. See other reviews for all the other bells & whistles.

I use it mainly with Les Pauls & Strats, sounds like heaven =)

I play rock, this thing does the trick for darn near any style, maybe not death metal - butthat's generally a good thing =)

Quiet as a churchmouse.

Very musical amp, just plain great.

Never have had any problems. I gig without a backup.

Very fast response to emails, Scott & co. are great guys.

I've been playing 25 years, I've owned Marshalls, Boogies, Fenders, etc.
I'd definitely try & replace it if stolen, but they're so rare that might be a tough thing to do.

Budda is making some great amps without a doubt.

Foot switchable power amps that share a common preamp. No other amp on the market does this. Plus, you have the capability of switching cabs on the fly with the footswitch. Mesa/Boogie went after Budda to halt production on this amp, and they succeeded, because the technology resembled Boogie's Simul-class. I think Boogie's full of their own bullsh*t, because this amp sounds no where near as bad as a Boogie. It leaves ANY Boogie in the dust.

This amp sounds unreal, period. If you can find one of these discontinued amps, you're an idiot if you don't buy it. These are the best sounding amps money can buy.

Great reliability. This is the 3rd Budda piece I've owned, and all 3 of them are still running strong.

These guys are great on the phone, fast with e-mails, and treat people like people. This company reminds me a lot of Soldano.

32 years of playing, and this amp just blows away everything I've ever heard or played through. Will I sell my Dumble? No. But I'd let the Dumble go before I'd let this Budda go. This 2x12 combo just floors me everytime I play through it.

30 watts, Two power amps 2 x 5881s and 4 x el-84s. Read the previous review for the rest of the features. Mine is a 2 x 12 combo.

I use several strats with the amp and they sound great. I play a mixture of country, blues, funk, cajun and zydeco and this amp covers all of those styles really well. The 5881s give me a fenderish tone for playing the clean country and zydeco stuff and fender style blues. The el 84s allow you to play clean or overdriven depending on how you set up the volume and the variable power control. The overdrive is power tube distortion not preamp distortion and it just sounds awesome. One thing I wanted to mention is how loud this amp is. I'm not sure how this amp is rated at only 30 watts because it's as loud as a lot of 100 watt amps that I've played through.

This is probably the finest amp I've ever had and I've had a lot. If it had reverb it would rate an 11.

I would never buy any amp that I thought I would need to a backup. I think It's getting ready for new tubes though.

I've been playing for 38 years pretty steady. Played in surf and blues bands in the late 60's, played the rock club circuit in L.A. in the mid 70's, played in ex Captain Beefheart Magic band( Mallard) in the early 70s, played top 40 nightclub music in the late 70s. Played in SKA band in early 80s, played casuals through the mid 80s. Played in country band through the late 80s and early 90s, Been playing blues, cajun/zydeco and funk from early 90s through current 2 or 3 nights per week. I swear I've owned or played through almost every amp made vintage or otherwise and this amp is right up there with the best. It fits perfectly for what I'm doing right now. I use it in larger venues and use an old tweed deluxe for smaller clubs. Those two amps are covering my spread pretty well these days. I would probably buy this amp again although they're not currently manufacturing it due to patent infringments.

The Dual Stage 30 is one of Budda's more recent designs. It is a 30 watt tube amp hand built and hand wired in Class AB, with two A/B-able power sections. Some guys say Class A is the only way to go but, I find that as Class A amps get hot the low-end gets loose...not quite flubby but not exactly tight. The power sections are cleverly set up as channels 1&2. The power tubes are 2 Ruby 5881s and 4 Svetlana SY83s (aka EL-84s). The pre-amp tubes are 3 12ax7s, and the rectifier tube is a 5u4. Its just a tube party! The amp also has a high gain & normal input. The eq is shared by both channels, bass and treble. The high gain input has a cool "bite" control which adds a bit of top end sizzle. It actually sounds great with chordal playing too. The amp has an effects loop, a slave out w/level control and comes with a foot switch. I have the 410 version, which is just killer. The "EL-84" channel is equipped with a power attenuator for controlling the overall volume of that channel. There is no reverb tremelo or extra stuff, just pure amp. There is also a neat invention on the amp called, Cab-Master. This lets you switch speaker cabs if you want to. The amp comes with a foot switch and connection cords.

This is a "Master Volume" amp so getting it to break up means playing loud. The two power sections are awesome. Each has its own character and each is dripping with even order harmonics and sweet tone. When switching between the power sections the amp is dead quiet. Some master volume amps, "pop" when channel switching, like the Mesa Mavrick. The thing I really like about this amp is its low end tightness. Some high-end amps like Matchless and Groove Tube don't retain low-end tightness like the Dual Stage. I've read articles where the author says EL-84s get mushy and flubby if they are pushed too hard. Not the Dual Stage 30, it doesn't have a bad sound in it. The amp is only 30 watts, which may not seem like much, but it is really loud. Clean tones are sweet and articulate even at higher gain settings. I've used a variety of guitars with the amp...they all sound great. This amp really like pedals in front of the input. I use a SIB Varidrive and a mid 70's Dynacord tape echo and a Boss CE-2 analog chorus. I can't wait to record with this amp.

I have only had the amp for two months, which isn't long enough to sufficently road test it. I do wish the amp had rubber feet on the bottom of it instead of the metal ones...they don't like hard wood floors and don't absorb shock, just a minor complaint. I have another Budda amp that I've had for almost a year, no problems. Judging my overall Budda experience I'd give 'em a 10.

I had to deal with the company to buy the amps. There aren't many Budda dealers from what I understand. That is fine with me, I'd rather deal with them directly than some "too cool for you" chain music store guy. I was originally reluctant to buy an amp without hearing it, but Scot at Budda assured me that I'd like the amp...so I went for it and things couldn't be better. They built the best amps and that is ultimatly what matters.

If for some horrible reason my Dual Stage 30 was stolen, I would replace it asap. If it were washed-out to sea or lost in a mudslide, earthquake or avalanche, I'd dig it out get four more Mojo 10s and put 'em in...I'm sure the amp would survive. My overall rating is a 10. All the other gear I own works unbelieveably well with this amp. Everthing just sounds better than I imagined. I'm really glad a company has merged old and new design concepts together. This isn't a cheap amplifier but it is worth every penny. I sleep better knowing when I wake up I'll have great tone.