The Budda Amps MN-100 Head is an innovative amp that sounds outstanding and looks pretty sharp too. This powerful and versatile amp was created in part by Mark Nason, who brings his signature style and design to the MN-100. Mark Nason is designer of Italian leather shoes for rockers who teamed up with Budda to create the unique look of the MN-100. This amp was designed to cover a range of sounds from a Fender Twin vibe on the clean channel, to a Marshall JCM 800 on channel 2 and a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier on the 3rd channel. This is one of Budda’s first entries in the area of modern multi-channel tube amps, and it’s also one of their most sophisticated amps to date. But while some amps become overly sophisticated to the point of losing sight of the most important aspect of any amp—its tone—Budda’s engineers always made certain that the MN-100 was focused on capturing a specific style and sound.
The MN-100 features three independent channels. The amp runs on 120 watts of power, although a half-power switch lets you cut it down to 60 if you prefer. Under the hood, the MN-100 uses five 12AX7 preamp tubes, a 12AX7 for the over-boost circuit, and a 12AX7 for the phase splitter. The main power section is run by four EL34s, although you can opt for four 6L6s if you like. The amp generally uses two 5U4 tubes in its rectifier section, but you can modify it to use either 5AR4s or GZ34s.
Budda claims that this leather-bound product is the best amp money can buy, and it certainly looks like it’s worth a million bucks. The final price tag for the MN-100 is $4,999. Let us know what you think by leaving a comment.
Budda has a number of different products in their Superdrive Series II collection. The major difference in these amps seems to come down to wattage. The Budda Amps Superdrive 18 Series II is a sweet 18 watter. It just about enough power for most small to midsize rooms. It’s also very lightweight and easy to travel with, making it great for taking it on the road.
The Superdrive 18 Series II is a class AB amp that is completely hand-wired. It has two channels (rhythm and high gain) and the amps are known for being amazingly articulate. The amp uses two EL84 tubes, a 5u4 rectifier, and 12AX7 tubes for the preamp. The amp has controls for mid, bass, treble, rhythm, and master volume. It also features a pull modern mid function and a pull brite function for rhythm channel volume. The Superdrive 18 Series II also features a custom-wound transformer that has a 4, 8, or 16 ohm switch. This amp is available as a head for $1595 new or as a 1x12 combo for $1895.
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The Budda Superdrive 18 is the leader of the pack for low wattage amps that rock! The rhythm channel packs plenty of punch and dynamics, and the hi gain channel offers plenty of variation, from creamy blues tones, to full on hyperdrive crunch. Its rectifier tubes offers an elasticity to your tone that is pure organic soul! Perfect for studio work and small club venues. Built with the finest components to withstand the abuse of constant road work, the Superdrive 18 is the working musicians choice!
The Superdrive 18 is a low-wattage powerhouse. Designed for clubs and studios, this lightweight, two-channel amplifier offers sparkling rhythm complexity with super-sensitive high-gain articulation. There's nothing more organic than the tone of EL84 power tubes being pushed to their limits, with lush sag and rewarding sustain. 18 Watts. 12AX7 high-grade preamp tubes. Hand-wired power amp. Class AB. Rhythm and Hi Gain Channels. Treble, mid and bass controls. Pull "Modern" Mid function. Pull "Brite" on Rhythm volume. Rhythm and master volume. Drive control. Effects loop. Slave out. Footswitch. Made in the U.S.A.
The Superdrive 18 is a low-wattage powerhouse. Designed for clubs and studios, this lightweight, two-channel amplifier offers sparkling rhythm complexity with super-sensitive high-gain articulation. There's nothing more organic than the tone of EL84 power tubes being pushed to their limits, with lush sag and rewarding sustain. 18 Watts. 12AX7 high-grade preamp tubes. Hand-wired power amp. Class AB. Rhythm and Hi Gain Channels. Treble, mid and bass controls. Pull "Modern" Mid function. Pull "Brite" on Rhythm volume. Rhythm and master volume. Drive control. Effects loop. Slave out. Footswitch. Made in the U.S.A.
The Superdrive 18 is a low-wattage powerhouse. Designed for clubs and studios, this lightweight, two-channel amplifier offers sparkling rhythm complexity with super-sensitive high-gain articulation. There's nothing more organic than the tone of EL84 power tubes being pushed to their limits, with lush sag and rewarding sustain. 18 Watts. 12AX7 high-grade preamp tubes. Hand-wired power amp. Class AB. Rhythm and Hi Gain Channels. Treble, mid and bass controls. Pull "Modern" Mid function. Pull "Brite" on Rhythm volume. Rhythm and master volume. Drive control. Effects loop. Slave out. Footswitch. Made in the U.S.A.
The Superdrive 18 is a low-wattage powerhouse. Designed for clubs and studios, this lightweight, two-channel amplifier offers sparkling rhythm complexity with super-sensitive high-gain articulation. There's nothing more organic than the tone of EL84 power tubes being pushed to their limits, with lush sag and rewarding sustain. 18 Watts. 12AX7 high-grade preamp tubes. Hand-wired power amp. Class AB. Rhythm and Hi Gain Channels. Treble, mid and bass controls. Pull "Modern" Mid function. Pull "Brite" on Rhythm volume. Rhythm and master volume. Drive control. Effects loop. Slave out. Footswitch. Made in the U.S.A.
The Superdrive 18 is a low-wattage powerhouse. Designed for clubs and studios, this lightweight, two-channel amplifier offers sparkling rhythm complexity with super-sensitive high-gain articulation. There's nothing more organic than the tone of EL84 power tubes being pushed to their limits, with lush sag and rewarding sustain. 18 Watts. 12AX7 high-grade preamp tubes. Hand-wired power amp. Class AB. Rhythm and Hi Gain Channels. Treble, mid and bass controls. Pull "Modern" Mid function. Pull "Brite" on Rhythm volume. Rhythm and master volume. Drive control. Effects loop. Slave out. Footswitch. Made in the U.S.A.
The Superdrive 18 is a low-wattage powerhouse. Designed for clubs and studios, this lightweight, two-channel amplifier offers sparkling rhythm complexity with super-sensitive high-gain articulation. There's nothing more organic than the tone of EL84 power tubes being pushed to their limits, with lush sag and rewarding sustain. 18 Watts. 12AX7 high-grade preamp tubes. Hand-wired power amp. Class AB. Rhythm and Hi Gain Channels. Treble, mid and bass controls. Pull "Modern" Mid function. Pull "Brite" on Rhythm volume. Rhythm and master volume. Drive control. Effects loop. Slave out. Footswitch. Made in the U.S.A.
The Superdrive 18 is a low-wattage powerhouse. Designed for clubs and studios, this lightweight, two-channel amplifier offers sparkling rhythm complexity with super-sensitive high-gain articulation. There's nothing more organic than the tone of EL84 power tubes being pushed to their limits, with lush sag and rewarding sustain. 18 Watts. 12AX7 high-grade preamp tubes. Hand-wired power amp. Class AB. Rhythm and Hi Gain Channels. Treble, mid and bass controls. Pull "Modern" Mid function. Pull "Brite" on Rhythm volume. Rhythm and master volume. Drive control. Effects loop. Slave out. Footswitch. Made in the U.S.A.
American Guitar & Band is proud to offer this extremely rare Budda Mark Nason Limited Edition MN-100. This is the only the second production model of this amp ever built, and currently one of the only ones available for sale anywhere in the world.This is for the amp collector that needs to balance refined taste and the ability to cut loose. Down the smallest detail, this amp balances the fine line that blends sophistication and unabashed Rock & Roll.This multi-faceted, innovative amplifier found its aesthetic equal in the custom Italian leathers, signature dragon embellishments and metalwork of footwear designer Mark Nason. No stranger to the rock & roll lifestyle, Mark Nason's signature couture creations translate easily from Sunset Boulevard to center stage on the Budda MN-100 and MN-412.Head:Cabinet: * Four EL34 power amp tubes and convertible to use four 6L6 tubes * LED indication of correct output tube biasing * Two 5U4 rectifier tubes convertible to use 5AR4/GZ34 tubes * Unique PowerPan(tm) control allows panning between solid state and tube rectification * Power amp can use 6L6Gc or EL34 tubes (plus KT66, KT88 5881 and 6CA7 with re-biasing) * Rectifier can use 5U4, 5A4 or GZ34 tubes * Custom Italian leather covering by Mark Nason * Full / Half Power switch * Independent preamp EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble), Presence and Resonance controls per channel * Silent LDR MIDI channel switching * High quality audio grade resistors and poly caps throughout * Three effects loops with independent Send and Mix controls and Channel or Global options * Real spring reverb with separate Reverb level control per channel * Footswitchable Master Boost with user defined boost level * Slave Out and Preamp Out/Power Amp In link jacks * Massive custom designed output transformer * Overboost stompbox style lead boost on each channel * Slave output/Power amp input * Cabinet imped
This multi-faceted, innovative amplifier found its aesthetic equal in the custom Italian leathers, signature dragon embellishments and metalwork of footwear designer Mark NasonA. No stranger to the rock & roll lifestyle, Mark Nason's signature couture creations translate easily from Sunset Boulevard to center stage on the Budda MN-100A and MN-412A.
February 15, 2010
Posted in Budda Amps — anthony @ 4:18 pm
Budda Amplification was founded in 1995, making it one of the newer amp companies around. However, founding designers Scot Sier and Jeff Bober were no strangers to the amp world. Both had experience designing and building amps. In fact, the first amp they marketed under the Budda Amps label, the 18-watt Twinmaster Ten, was based on one of Bober’s early designs. They debuted the Twinmaster at the NAMM show in 1996, and they sold out of all 65 amps the first day of the show. This lead Sier and Bober to creating a line of low wattage boutique amps.
By 2004, Budda had grown to the point that the company had to expand. With new means of production, they were able to add new products and product lines, including the Superdrive line of amps. These amps are of higher wattage than the Twinmaster. They also introduced the Dual Stage line (which has been discontinued), the Stringmaster amps, and they released the Twinmaster Ten a decade after it hit the shelves as a way of celebrating the company’s tenth anniversary. (more...)
The Budda Amps MN-100 Head is an innovative amp that sounds outstanding and looks pretty sharp too. This powerful and versatile amp was created in part by Mark Nason, who brings his signature style and design to the MN-100. Mark Nason is designer of Italian leather shoes for rockers who teamed up with Budda to create the unique look of the MN-100. This amp was designed to cover a range of sounds from a Fender Twin vibe on the clean channel, to a Marshall JCM 800 on channel 2 and a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier on the 3rd channel. This is one of Budda’s first entries in the area of modern multi-channel tube amps, and it’s also one of their most sophisticated amps to date. But while some amps become overly sophisticated to the point of losing sight of the most important aspect of any amp—its tone—Budda’s engineers always made certain that the MN-100 was focused on capturing a specific style and sound.
The major difference in these amps seems to come down to wattage. The Budda Amps Superdrive 18 Series II is a sweet 18 watter. It just about enough power for most small to midsize rooms. It’s also very lightweight and easy to travel with, making it great for taking it on the road.
They debuted the Twinmaster at the NAMM show in 1996, and they sold out of all 65 amps the first day of the show. This lead Sier and Bober to creating a line of low wattage boutique amps.