The Sushi Box FX Secret Society

[Sushi Box FX]

The 400+ uses the Fender tone stack. How different from the PA would that be?

Had to double check the schematic, but quite similar. The biggest difference is tone stack placement, PA has it between stages 1 and 2, 400+ has it after stage 2, like LU. So basically

LU + PA tone stack + cathode follower (output buffer) = Bass 400+

 

[Sushi Box FX]

Interesting. I asked Josh to build me an accurate D-180 pre long time ago and he said something about difficult, 400 volts etc. so definitely do your homework. It may have to be 115v mains powered.

The power supply I use in all of my pedals is capable of delivering 400V, I would just need bigger components. Typically I drop the voltage of preamps if they're super high to run the tubes around 240V so I can get away with 250V caps.

 

[fivestringgecko]

Had to double check the schematic, but quite similar. The biggest difference is tone stack placement, PA has it between stages 1 and 2, 400+ has it after stage 2, like LU. So basically

LU + PA tone stack + cathode follower (output buffer) = Bass 400+

Curiosity question:
So to make a "Sushi Bass 400+," all it would need would be to add the cathode? I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering if that would be a difficult add to the JKLU... Perhaps a custom option? Or would it even be worth adding, if the buffer is the only difference between the two?

JHS and Vertex's buffer videos have popped into my Youtube feed recently for whatever reason, and I'm right on the fence... is a buffer worth adding to my chain? Vertex claims we should have an input and an output buffer...

5sg.

 

[Lowendtech]

Had to double check the schematic, but quite similar. The biggest difference is tone stack placement, PA has it between stages 1 and 2, 400+ has it after stage 2, like LU. So basically

LU + PA tone stack + cathode follower (output buffer) = Bass 400+

So a LU/PA X + a Vampire Slayer will get you in the same ballpark?

 

[40Hz]

JHS and Vertex's buffer videos have popped into my Youtube feed recently for whatever reason, and I'm right on the fence... is a buffer worth adding to my chain? Vertex claims we should have an input and an output buffer...

All depends. It’s hard to make a hard and fast call. Detail your entire signal chain starting with your bass and ending with your amp.

 

[Sushi Box FX]

Curiosity question:
So to make a "Sushi Bass 400+," all it would need would be to add the cathode? I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering if that would be a difficult add to the JKLU... Perhaps a custom option? Or would it even be worth adding, if the buffer is the only difference between the two?

The buffer is a tube stage though, so it would need an extra tube in the box, which means not likely an available upgrade. It would need to be designed onto a new board to incorporate the buffer.

So a LU/PA X + a Vampire Slayer will get you in the same ballpark?

Yup, that would absolutely do it.

All depends. It’s hard to make a hard and fast call. Detail your entire signal chain starting with your bass and ending with your amp.

Exactly this. People that make and sell buffers will tell you that you need as many buffers as they can reasonably sell you. It 100% depends on your setup.

 

[gtirard]

I vote for the 400+

 

[JKos]

Could use a MOSFET for the buffer. Small, power efficient, and widely regarded as a suitable substitute for a cathode follower.

 

[fivestringgecko]

The buffer is a tube stage though, so it would need an extra tube in the box, which means not likely an available upgrade. It would need to be designed onto a new board to incorporate the buffer.

Ah, gotcha. I've never had the fortune of owning a Mesa Boogie anything, so I was unaware how they do it. But, Mesa Boogie in a box? I'm sure if you devised it, it'd probably sell well. Especially if it had a DI!

All depends. It’s hard to make a hard and fast call. Detail your entire signal chain starting with your bass and ending with your amp.

Exactly this. People that make and sell buffers will tell you that you need as many buffers as they can reasonably sell you. It 100% depends on your setup.

Point well taken about people who sell buffers, I had exactly that thought as well @Sushi Box FX. Vertex doesn't have any dedicated buffers of his own though, he actually recommends the Mesa buffer as a top choice.

I'm really happy with my sound, and haven't previously given buffers a second of thought before just these last couple days. At the height of gigging before Covid, every group I play/sub for was on in-ears or transitioning to them, and I also started incorporating a wireless instrument transmitter. That's leaves my longest cable run (which seems to be Mason's main talking point) at 10-20 feet, unless I'm on my wireless transmitter. <shrug> So maybe I'm not as "on the fence" about buffers as I previously posted.

5sg.

 

[shaggy45]

I have a 400+ downstairs. I should use it sometime.

 

[FenderP]

Btw, the 400+ is my favorite amp ever. It's one of the reasons why I love the Fender tone stack. That, and my first real bass amp was a Fender Baseman 10

Huh. Now I know why I didn't like the Mesa Walkabout Scout when I owned it. Fender tone stack.

 

[Stubb]

The Walkabouts didn't have the Fender stack.

 

[FenderP]

The Walkabouts didn't have the Fender stack.

Oh well. Either way, hated that thing. I know so many liked it, too.

 

[Sushi Box FX]

Quick February batch update: of the total 38 builds for the month, 30 are ready to go, just need backplates and knobs installed, so shipping notices will be going out for those tomorrow. The remaining 8 (mostly Deep Dish, Sunnday Drive, stuff that takes more time) should be finished tomorrow night and ship out tuesday.

 

[mmbongo]

Quick February batch update: of the total 38 builds for the month, 30 are ready to go, just need backplates and knobs installed, so shipping notices will be going out for those tomorrow. The remaining 8 (mostly Deep Dish, Sunnday Drive, stuff that takes more time) should be finished tomorrow night and ship out tuesday.

 

[Roxbororob]

View attachment 4186728

Im late to the party, mine is still a ways off!

 

[NKBassman]

Im late to the party, mine is still a ways off!

Better late than never.

 

[1983L2000]

D-180 hands down.

I vote D-180 too, especially if LU+PA tonestack is a buffer away from the 400+.

 

[NKBassman]

@Sushi Box FX
I'm not personally familiar with the Mesa 400+ or D180, but I'd vote for whatever makes the most sense in terms of adding value to your portfolio. With the PA and LU already being so similar, I don't think there's any sense adding another minor variation on the Fender tone stack just for the sake of doing a Mesa bass pre, IMO. But if it's different enough to offer a unique sound, then go for it! Also, it's all you so do whatever you want! lol. Just offering my opinion.

That being said, there seems to be a Marshall shaped hole in the list of pedals you offer. I think we've talked about this before and maybe you'd started working on something but were having issues with it? I know early Marshalls were variations on the Fender circuit, but something like a Marshall Super Bass, with the intention of capturing more of a grindy tone, would be pretty cool. Also something along the lines of a JMP/Plexi/JCM800 would probably garner some attention from the guitar players out there.

Opinions: I has them.

 

[NKBassman]

Has anyone tried the Black Eye yet? I was listening to some Gov't Mule over the weekend and now suddenly I feel like I need some Soldano tonez for my guitar board.