A good buddy sent this eBay auction to check out: http://www.ebay.com/itm/271149509473?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619. As of this writing, the bidding is up to $50k. Yikes!
I’ve played a Dumble ODS. The sound and dynamics are, in a word, magic, and I haven’t found anything in all the amps I’ve played since capture that magic. In the videos I made of the amp, I said that I think based upon playing it that it was worth the money.
But here’s the catch: while I think it is certainly worth the money, I’m not sure if my audience would be able to tell the difference. Up close and personal, the amp is absolutely incredible. But on a stage mixed in with a band? Not sure that playing a Dumble versus a Fuchs or Two Rock would make much of a difference. The only person who would be able to tell would be me. But if another amp inspires me while I’m playing, then having a Dumble wouldn’t make a difference in any case. I guess the point is that inspiration doesn’t have to cost fifty grand…
Guitar Gear 
Would you pay $400 for a 3-watt version ?
If it sounds good, maybe. I’ve always said that if it inspires me, I’ll pay just about any price (though I do draw the line at a few grand). But if you have a line on a 3-watt amp that sounds and plays great, I’d love to check it out. I’m a big believer in low-wattage amps, especially for studio work.
Low wattage amps are my favorite. Vox AC4TV is loads of fun, as is my Traynor Dark Horse in 2 watt mode. (In 15 watt mode it’s a bit noisy for my liking) What I really would love would be a good Champ type of amp.
A good Fender or Marshall will get you 80% of the way to Tone Heaven. Much like many other areas of life, getting to that last 90, 85, 100% is going to cost you.
Yeah, to some degree that last 20% will cost you. And that’s where the GAS attacks kill the pocketbook. 🙂