• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

The Sushi Box FX Secret Society

I expect Sushi Senor to do far better than most Wharton grads { joke or not } who it seems often really are just paper shufflers and not true creators of goods . True wealth is created by those who produce something tangible - like the Senor does . Not to be too dismissive - there is a function for " Wharton type folks " in the general sphere of policy planning etc but far too many of those folks simply thrive because of the way the system is rigged ..... I'll exit my soapbox now ! ..... Kelly
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sushi Box FX
I thought about applying to a master's program for "product development", which despite being an actual MS degree I'm told is basically an MBA for engineers. Might be a little useful (as I probably can't afford nor would I enjoy Wharton :P ), but I haven't been at my current job long enough for them to pay for it for me.

My degree isn't as prestigious as Wharton, but I'll bet my professors were smarter ;)
 
Spent a little time with the PC-2A tonight. I didn't plug it in or anything, but I spent some time with the circuit board. When I first saw it I figured it was a completely separate design from LA-1A, but then when I found out there were Attack and Knee trimpots inside I had my suspicions that they were the exact same compression sidechain with a different tube setup. I have now completely confirmed that. So here's a fun breakdown:

LA-1A - 4 parallel input stages, optical sidechain, 2 parallel output stages
Deep Dish - 2 parallel input stages, optical sidechain, 2 parallel output stages
PC-2A - 1 input stage, optical sidechain, 1 output stage
 
hahahahahahaha
:D:roflmao::)
I have a good friend that jokes about this a lot.

Me: "I just got this new pedal, I'm really impressed so far."

Him: "Did you play through it, or just go straight to taking it apart?"

I always plug in the pedals I buy eventually, but I have to see the insides or I can't appreciate anything else :P
 
Who needs advertising when you can write vague comments on forums to build hype :p
No hype here, this is a thing of beauty. Hope to fire it up this weekend, soon as I figure on how I will power it on my board.
20210508_014032.jpg
 
No hype here, this is a thing of beauty. Hope to fire it up this weekend, soon as I figure on how I will power it on my board.
View attachment 4261681
Literally my only regret in not offering colored knobs is that I won't be able to do that anymore. Absolutely thrilled with how that one came out, looking forward to hearing what you think of the sound :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Btbp and BunchyMutt
Literally my only regret in not offering colored knobs is that I won't be able to do that anymore. Absolutely thrilled with how that one came out, looking forward to hearing what you think of the sound :)
If the extra color options for knobs are a inconvenience to order the colors or Are too spendy then is it possible to just have a upcharge that has to be paid in advance to order them. It seems a real bummer to only offer silver and black imho especially now that we have seen how cool they look when you can change them it can completely change the feel and makes these pedals unique to most other builders out there. I know its just vanity but for me that was a big factor in me buying the deep dish comp over a la1a because of all the awesome custom options. I know I may sound abit whiney saying this but it feels like every new design you've been coming out with lately there's a cool feature on other stuff you start thinking about taking away and that's abit of a bummer. On one hand I get it you are trying to streamline and speed up the process and I'm all for efficiency but it can stink when it comes at too high a cost by stripping away features to get there seems that to me. Maybe im off base or out of turn feeling this way I have no horse in the race other then just being a customer. Either way I do love the constant improvement and innovation it is very refreshing to see some one doing this and I'm a even bigger fan of the custom options I just hope that aspect doesn't get overshadowed by just building new designs because there really isn't anyone else offering custom stuff.
 
  • Like
Reactions: revd
If the extra color options for knobs are a inconvenience to order the colors or Are too spendy then is it possible to just have a upcharge that has to be paid in advance to order them. It seems a real bummer to only offer silver and black imho especially now that we have seen how cool they look when you can change them it can completely change the feel and makes these pedals unique to most other builders out there. I know its just vanity but for me that was a big factor in me buying the deep dish comp over a la1a because of all the awesome custom options. I know I may sound abit whiney saying this but it feels like every new design you've been coming out with lately there's a cool feature on other stuff you start thinking about taking away and that's abit of a bummer. On one hand I get it you are trying to streamline and speed up the process and I'm all for efficiency but it can stink when it comes at too high a cost by stripping away features to get there seems that to me. Maybe im off base or out of turn feeling this way I have no horse in the race other then just being a customer. Either way I do love the constant improvement and innovation it is very refreshing to see some one doing this and I'm a even bigger fan of the custom options I just hope that aspect doesn't get overshadowed by just building new designs because there really isn't anyone else offering custom stuff.
I agree with everything you just said. Cost is a factor for me not carrying the colored knobs anymore, but the #1 reason is that the US supplier I currently buy knobs from doesn't keep consistent stock, so I have no idea when the knobs I want will be around. Blue and Red have been out of stock for two months now, I'm hoping he gets them in soon so I don't have to ask people in the May batch to change colors.

I thought I found the same knob direct from the manufacturer, but not only is said manufacturer awful to deal with, it's not even the same knob, so I'm either stuck with inconsistent stock from a US supplier or finding a direct supplier of a different knob (which is where I'm trying to go now).

As for changing designs with less options, Deep Dish and Westinghouse are the only designs that was done to, and that was done for both out of necessity to make a functional product, not actually for streamlining or ease of manufacture.
 
I agree with everything you just said. Cost is a factor for me not carrying the colored knobs anymore, but the #1 reason is that the US supplier I currently buy knobs from doesn't keep consistent stock, so I have no idea when the knobs I want will be around. Blue and Red have been out of stock for two months now, I'm hoping he gets them in soon so I don't have to ask people in the May batch to change colors.

I thought I found the same knob direct from the manufacturer, but not only is said manufacturer awful to deal with, it's not even the same knob, so I'm either stuck with inconsistent stock from a US supplier or finding a direct supplier of a different knob (which is where I'm trying to go now).

As for changing designs with less options, Deep Dish and Westinghouse are the only designs that was done to, and that was done for both out of necessity to make a functional product, not actually for streamlining or ease of manufacture.
I feel you there. The supply issues are bad across the board covid really did a monkey wrench on supply. And I apologize I probably sounded way more negative then I was intending and may have been overreacting abit but there have been a couple things like finish options, purple led, tube led in general and some switch options omitted on designs going forward besides the westinghouse and deep dish that just got me concerned. Like I was saying previously the custom aspect is the part I love most about your pedals that and the fact your doing designs that not many other builders have done ore are poorly executed in comparison. Cheers tho man I know you work hard and I can only speak for my self but I appreciate what you do very much.
 
Ethereal Thorn makes a very good point and no doubt it involves a dilemma for Nathan - what path is he going to take in terms of customization versus the reduced options advantages of standardization for his product line . Since this is his second job - it is not an easy choice no doubt too. If I had a vote - I'd say he should keep custom options as much as possible even if that results in a general reduction in production and a higher end cost to the consumer who chooses them . I understand Nathan's stated desire to make affordable pedals and cool looking ones too as a great goal . The rub comes when production time and efforts rise because of all the cool options he's making available . No doubt it is difficult to price "time and effort " in on what are essentially , custom options and still keep to the ethos of good and cheap ! I guess what I am suggesting is - perhaps there should be a standard pedal price done cost effectively for those who simply want the best sounding pedal he can produce and then a customized price for those who really value the uniqueness of his designs , finishes , knobs etc and are willing to pay for that approach .... Just food for thought - Kelly
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sushi Box FX
I agree with everything you just said. Cost is a factor for me not carrying the colored knobs anymore, but the #1 reason is that the US supplier I currently buy knobs from doesn't keep consistent stock, so I have no idea when the knobs I want will be around. Blue and Red have been out of stock for two months now, I'm hoping he gets them in soon so I don't have to ask people in the May batch to change colors.

I thought I found the same knob direct from the manufacturer, but not only is said manufacturer awful to deal with, it's not even the same knob, so I'm either stuck with inconsistent stock from a US supplier or finding a direct supplier of a different knob (which is where I'm trying to go now).

As for changing designs with less options, Deep Dish and Westinghouse are the only designs that was done to, and that was done for both out of necessity to make a functional product, not actually for streamlining or ease of manufacture.
My case is probably somewhat special - I ordered this back in Oct or Nov, not sure, then was on the fence about appearance options or changing it to a different device altogether, going up to an X, etc. and then I swapped my spot with someone for a later spot. I was in the middle of a family tragedy, a crush of work at my job, and a looming then eventual job loss (which worked out in my favor in the end). So I was in the opposite of a hurry, I was trying to delay this as much as possible whereas most people I read talk about mail delays and wanting things in a hurry. So mine was of an older batch where the options were of a different offering paradigm.

For these or other pedals or any other gear like basses, I would have no problem getting whatever comes stock and putting my own knobs on them, and good that we know where to get them. Case in point is the Vong - I really wanted that pedal but really dislike the Uber-(no pun intended)80s vibe, so was going to build mine with different graphics, and the knobs on my Moon/Fender fretless are not stock. (If anyone wants to build one for me, let's talk).

This pedal would have looked great with Silver or Black knobs but I knew that the Blue ones would eventually become available so I just waited. And if I still wanted Blue, no big deal to accessorize. No different to me than the Matte Black pickguard that I replaced the stock Tort one with on my Black 44-64. Knobs are cheaper, faster and easier than a pickguard.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Sushi Box FX
I have a good friend that jokes about this a lot.

Me: "I just got this new pedal, I'm really impressed so far."

Him: "Did you play through it, or just go straight to taking it apart?"

I always plug in the pedals I buy eventually, but I have to see the insides or I can't appreciate anything else :p

First thing I do when I get a new pedal is open up a pedal and examine the pc board and wiring. Sometimes I find some very interesting things inside or printed on the pc board, and even found a set of fake hillbilly teeth inside a Malekko B:Assmaster. I found out they put fake teeth in all of those pedals.
 
I feel you there. The supply issues are bad across the board covid really did a monkey wrench on supply. And I apologize I probably sounded way more negative then I was intending and may have been overreacting abit but there have been a couple things like finish options, purple led, tube led in general and some switch options omitted on designs going forward besides the westinghouse and deep dish that just got me concerned. Like I was saying previously the custom aspect is the part I love most about your pedals that and the fact your doing designs that not many other builders have done ore are poorly executed in comparison. Cheers tho man I know you work hard and I can only speak for my self but I appreciate what you do very much.
And that's fair, I totally get where you're coming from. The finish options was a tricky one for me, I let it get out of control with options then had to reign it back in. Part of it was that I realized how much time it took to do a dozen different colors per month when I only have one powdercoating setup, but another big part is that I frankly don't enjoy powdercoating that much :P I don't think of pedal building as a job, I enjoy every bit of it, but powdercoating always felt like a chore when it took 3-5 days to coat everything. I don't plan on reducing the colors any more than I already have, but I understand that it's been a decreasing amount of customization and people miss having more options.

I know there are multiple sides to the opinion of customization, when you walk into the store to buy a commercially available pedal you don't get to choose what it looks like, so clearly it isn't that important to some people, but others place weight on a gear buying decision based on aesthetics. I totally get both sides, and I've been trying to find a balance. I want things to be affordable, which equates to easy enough to make that it's worth my time on my end, but I also know that gear is a very personal thing, your gear is an extension of your creativity, and I want you to have at least some choices on what things look like.

Purple LEDs were another one that I felt I had to do out of necessity. They pull so much more current to get the same level of brightness as other colors that there were a few cases that I was frying resistors to get enough current to make them bright. I'm going to continue to offer LEDs behind the tubes as an option (no additional cost) with the redesigns, and I'm also going to add an option for external-mounted LEDs for people that prefer those.

I know keeping 100% of customers 100% happy 100% of the time is unrealistic, but I really really want to. It would be super easy for me to offer zero customization so I could just mass-produce everything, I could get them out the door faster, increase production, and maximize profit, but at the end of the day I really want something that I feel good making and that people can look at and feel like it's special.

Anyway, as you probably know after 273 pages of listening to me rant about things, no decisions are set in stone, I will continue to make changes as things go along to keep people happy and excited about pedals.

This post got longer than I planned, but I had 9 hours of sleep last night so I'm feeling well-rested and full of words :P
 
And that's fair, I totally get where you're coming from. The finish options was a tricky one for me, I let it get out of control with options then had to reign it back in. Part of it was that I realized how much time it took to do a dozen different colors per month when I only have one powdercoating setup, but another big part is that I frankly don't enjoy powdercoating that much :p I don't think of pedal building as a job, I enjoy every bit of it, but powdercoating always felt like a chore when it took 3-5 days to coat everything. I don't plan on reducing the colors any more than I already have, but I understand that it's been a decreasing amount of customization and people miss having more options.

I know there are multiple sides to the opinion of customization, when you walk into the store to buy a commercially available pedal you don't get to choose what it looks like, so clearly it isn't that important to some people, but others place weight on a gear buying decision based on aesthetics. I totally get both sides, and I've been trying to find a balance. I want things to be affordable, which equates to easy enough to make that it's worth my time on my end, but I also know that gear is a very personal thing, your gear is an extension of your creativity, and I want you to have at least some choices on what things look like.

Purple LEDs were another one that I felt I had to do out of necessity. They pull so much more current to get the same level of brightness as other colors that there were a few cases that I was frying resistors to get enough current to make them bright. I'm going to continue to offer LEDs behind the tubes as an option (no additional cost) with the redesigns, and I'm also going to add an option for external-mounted LEDs for people that prefer those.

I know keeping 100% of customers 100% happy 100% of the time is unrealistic, but I really really want to. It would be super easy for me to offer zero customization so I could just mass-produce everything, I could get them out the door faster, increase production, and maximize profit, but at the end of the day I really want something that I feel good making and that people can look at and feel like it's special.

Anyway, as you probably know after 273 pages of listening to me rant about things, no decisions are set in stone, I will continue to make changes as things go along to keep people happy and excited about pedals.

This post got longer than I planned, but I had 9 hours of sleep last night so I'm feeling well-rested and full of words :p
To put it another way, how many boutique or other makers offer aesthetic customization? My guess is very few.

I know Bright Onion, who make great stuff, offer color options but James makes only devices with no knobs.

IMNSHO, don't worry about the 100% and build your pedals your way, and people like me will continue to buy them.

I have no problem buying alternate knobs from other sources if I really want them.
 

Latest posts