Pricing and availability

Average Price: $969

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head is a powerhouse of tone and versatility, designed for guitarists who demand both precision and power. This amplifier head is part of the revered Superdrive series, known for delivering an impressive range of clean and overdriven tones with exceptional clarity. Whether you're on the stage or in the studio, the Superdrive 80 Series II provides 80 watts of pure tube-driven sound, ensuring your guitar cuts through the mix with authority and character.

This amplifier head features Budda's proprietary circuitry, which enhances the harmonic richness and sustain, making it a favorite among rock and blues players. The three-band EQ offers precise tonal shaping, allowing you to dial in your sound with ease. Additionally, the presence control adds extra bite and definition, perfect for those soaring solos. The built-in effects loop enables seamless integration with pedals, while the master volume control allows you to adjust the output level without sacrificing tone quality.

Key Features:

  • 80 watts of all-tube power
  • Three-band EQ for versatile tonal shaping
  • Presence control for added definition
  • Built-in effects loop
  • Master volume control for flexible output levels
  • Part of the renowned Budda Superdrive series

Product specs

Brand Budda
Model Superdrive 80 Series II Guitar Head
Finish Black
Year 2001 - 2009
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 80
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What type of music is the Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head best suited for?

The Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head is ideal for rock and blues genres, offering a powerful, harmonically rich tone with its EL34 power tubes and two-channel design, allowing for both clean and overdriven sounds.

How loud is the Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head, and is it suitable for live performances?

With an output power of 80 watts, the Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head is loud enough for live performances, providing ample headroom and clarity suitable for gigging with a full band.

Does the Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head work well with pedals?

Yes, the Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head is known for taking pedals well, making it a versatile choice for guitarists who use effects pedals to shape their sound.

What are the impedance options available on the Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head?

The Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head offers multiple impedance options, including 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 4 ohms, allowing compatibility with a wide range of speaker cabinets.

Does the Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head have built-in reverb?

No, the Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head does not feature built-in reverb, which allows players to use external reverb pedals or units to customize their sound.

Erock503

Erock503

Budda Superdrive 80 Series II - high gain test

Video thumbnail for Budda Superdrive 80 Series II - high gain test by Erock503

Budda Superdrive 80 Series II - high gain test

Erock503

Erock503

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head.

Comparisons

  • The Budda Superdrive 80 II head is likened to a JCM800 but with distinct characteristics, offering a unique tonal quality.

    Source
  • Owners describe the amp as an "angrier AC30," suggesting a blend of Vox and Marshall tones, with clarity and note definition even under high gain.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have experienced significant volume with the Superdrive 80, noting it as one of the loudest amps, capable of causing noise complaints and even breaking dishes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The amp is favored in genres like prog rock, with bands like Closure in Moscow utilizing it for its clear and defined tone.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Designed by Dave Friedman (preamp) and Jeff Bober (power amp), providing a solid blend of design expertise in its construction.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Budda Superdrive 80 Series II head review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Budda Superdrive 80 Series II head is a powerhouse that impresses with its superb tone across a wide volume range, making it a top choice for professional musicians. Its robust build and ease of dial-in are notable highlights, though minor construction flaws, like less smooth corner radiuses and inadequate rear panel support, slightly tarnish its premium appeal. This amp excels in delivering 'Plexi'-inspired tones, with versatile channels that accommodate everything from rich cleans to modern rock sounds. While not ideal for low-volume settings due to elevated hiss, its dynamic punch and clarity at high volumes make it hard to beat. A serious contender for those ready to invest in premium sound.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Bellamy uses Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Photo

Matt used a Budda Superdrive Series II head during The Resistance' recording. It can be seen above the Orange Head in the photograph on the right.

See how Joe Bonamassa uses Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head

Joe Bonamassa

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Joe Bonamassa explains his amplifier rig and points out the Buddha Superdrive 80 Series II Head and its 30-watt version beginning at 0:21. He blends the amp with his Marshall Silver Jubilee.

See how Nancy Wilson uses Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head

Nancy Wilson

Guitarist

Heart

...
Verified via YouTube

"Our main amp is the Budda Superdrive 80," Wilson's guitar tech says, at 36:05 in this video.

See how Thomas Erak uses Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head

Thomas Erak

Singer, Guitarist

The Fall of Troy

...
Verified via Photo

You can see very clear in this photo with Thomas Erak 2 Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head.

See how Lincoln Parish uses Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head

Lincoln Parish

Guitarist

Cage the Elephant

...
Verified via Budda

Lincoln Parish used the Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head during his time with Cage the Elephant, as noted by Budda Amplification.

See how Mark Sheehan uses Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head

Mark Sheehan

Guitarist

The Script

...
Verified via Photo

On this artist page for Mark Sheehan of The Script, shows a photo of him with his Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head.

See how Stevie D. uses Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head

Stevie D.

Guitarist

Buckcherry

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Live, I’ve been using a Budda Superdrive 80. Open, loud and raw. It’s also got a great middle."

Photo of his Budda amps in the Budda MySpace: https://myspace.com/buddaamplification/mixes/classic-budda-artists-368241

See how Kjartan Kristiansen uses Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head

Kjartan Kristiansen

Guitarist, Composer

DumDum Boys

...
Verified via GitarNorge

In a question by a fan, he answered Budda amps (heads)

Album Usage

The Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Budda Superdrive 80 Series II Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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