Budda Super Drive 45 Head

This is a two channel non reverb 45 watt guirar head.Mine was made in 2006.Other features include a very non coloring FX loop(a rarity)and switchable ohms for different speaker configurations.The amp comes stock with 2 KT66 power tubes,and 3 12AX7 preamp.However,the tubes may be switched to a good set of 6L6's for a less glassy tone.I have done this,and because I also own a Superdrive 80,I found that the tones are identical except for the rediculous power of the 80!My only complaint is that both channels share one set of EQ's.

This amp,and its bigger predisessor,have managed to capture two completly different amp tones from the 2 channels.The clean channel reeks of Vox honk and bell-like glaze,and although the amp runs Class AB,a beautifully touch reactive Class A voicing!The lead channel starts at a likewise reactive harmonically dense crunch,to a creamy smooth overdrive.I have found that the 45 seems to have a bit more gain,perhaps because I turn it up when playing live,than the 80,which when turned up,levels all life within 100 yards!Pull the middle control,and the tone gets a bit more edgey and scooped for metal head tone.All in all,I have owned and toured with EVERY amp there is,and Budda is HOME for me.My music ranges from jangly pop melodies and very progressive rock,like the Beatles meet the Dregs and these amps actually seem to inspire better playing and articulation.On the other hand,it also makes your shortcomings audible,so,this amp is not for the schlock.I use predominantly Strats and SG's and the vibe of the amp kicks for humbuckers,but I think,SMOKES Strat versatility.

I have had zero problems with both amps,but have consulted Jeff at Budda for some maintainance suggestions,and he called me back,at home,and handled my queries professionally,and with unequalled knowledge,as he is the actual designer of all Buddas.

See above

I have GOT to give the Superdrive 45 and overall of 9,only because I think the first channel could use separate EQ.Like I said,this amp shows the best,and the weakness in your playing,so it isn't for everyone,but,I swear by them.Thank you Budda!!!

This amp has just enough features and the right ones. This is an all tube amp with KT88s for power tubes and 12ax7s in the preamp.

Two channel, master volume amp that shares tone controls between both channels. The mid know pulls out for a "modern" sound and the clean volume knob pulls out to function as a bright switch. There is also a direct out with a volume control. speaker impedance is selectable:4,8,16 ohms.

Effects loop, tube and solid state recifier switch. The amp is louder when you select the solid state rectifier. It is also somewhat harsher too.

Man is this am loud. It is 45 watts, but it is very loud. This is a truly great sounding amp and is not dark sounding. The clean channel will break up as you rotate the volume knob clockwise. The bright switch works, but is not painfully bright.

The dirty channel is really nice. Smooth, creamy distortion that has a character all its own. Marshallish but still its own sound.

My PRS guitars sound best through this amp. My only complaint is that when switching from dirty to clean, the clean channel is significantly lower in volume. That must come from the shared master volume control.

Also, the amp is very touching when going from a very low volume to a slightly louder volume. It is hard to make small volume adjustments via the Master volume. It goes from too quiet to way too loud way too easily.

My way of compensating is to use the output volume of the effects loop on my processor like a global master volume. This allows much better control of the volume.

No matter what the volume, this amp sounds really great.

Can't say, I have only had it a short time.

No experience with customer support at all.

I have been playing guitar for 30 years and I have played through every type of am you can imagine and this one is in my top 5. Bogner, Budda, Hughes & Kettner and Marshall:not necessarily in that order. I chose this amp because I sold my Bogner Shiva (poor decision) and this amp was the right price at the time, and I have been researching Budda's for years and finally just took the step.

The shared EQ and volume difference between the clean and distortion channels are my only complaints. The amp is dead quiet.

This is a high quality amp and therefore either exhibits your playing ability purely. If you lack skill that will show, if you have skill that is what will be reflected by this amp. I continue to strive for the later.... If you want a great sounding amp this is your amp. I cannot imagen needing anything louder unless you play in a stadium.

If stolen I would replace with another Budda now that I have heard and played with a Budda.

The shared EQ keep me from giving this amp a higher rating.

This is a brand spanking new Budda Superdrive series 2 45 watt amplifier head.I believe it was made in late 2005.THis is a brand new design from the guys from Budda.This new design features Dual KT66 POWER tubes,2 channels with clean and Marshall style gain.IT has all the features of all the other superdrive models including the pull modern mid EQ function,fx loop,slave out plus a new switchable solid state rectifier option in which you can switch from the tube rectifier and solid state rectifier!

I am using a Gibson les paul standard and a Fender american deluxe vneck strat.Both sound absolutely incredible!The new superdrive really brings out the different tonal variations of both my guitars.I play rock instrumental,blues and on occasion some of the heavier stuff.This amp is not noisy at all.The clean channel reminds me of the germino rockgrinder.It is so rich and full of depth with the new vintage style voicing.The rhythym channel sounds like the old marshall JTM-45 bluesbreaker sound but with much more versatility because of the new tube/solid state rectifier switching option.The distortion is absolutely amazing!IT is not dark sounding like the superdrive 18 and 30.It has all the gain you'll ever need.IT is the best modded marshall sound i have ever heard bar none!I use the 45 with a matching 2x12 budda cabinet closed back.

I have only had this amp for a short time.I bought it about a month ago.I havent had a bit of trouble with it so far.So as for reliability i really cannot say because i just bought it.But so far so good!

I have dealt with Budda a few times before when if purchased a couple of the other superdrive models.They are extremely helpful and friendly and they have excellent communication and customer service.I had a transformer blow on a superdrive 30.I called them and they took care of it immediately.Ups picked it up the next day and shipped it to an authorized service center for me i had it back within a week and a half brand new transformer and tubes.They are really great to deal with.

I have been playing on and off for about six years now.I do not play professional.This is the only amp i have at this time.I had to sell alot of my gear because of financial problems. I have played and owned many amplifiers,Marshall handwired,Mesa rectifier,Lonestar special,Fenders,Peavey,line 6(total $%^&!!)Germino rockgrinder(awesome!!!)and Budda superdrive 30 and 18(fantastic)This new Budda superdrive 45 is the best ive ever heard.IT reminds me so much of the rockgrinder in so many ways and much more because budda puts there magic on it to give you the best marshall style gain that sounds good even at low volumes.No need for a attentuator or airbrake.This amp works well even in the bedroom.Budda amplifiers have really come down in price in the last couple of years,so this really is a great value.Also,i bought this model from Fat sound guitars.Stu Carter offers wonderful customer service.He really knows his stuff!I wouldnt purchase these models from anywhere else.