Sarno Black Box Question

[Gerd Kaindlstorfer]

I have seen on pedal steel videos, that some are using a Sarno black box. The said , that the sound of the pickup and for example a Peavey Transistor amp get more tubelike sound. I know, im a beginner and i dont use this unit for now, but id like to know if there is a big difference in the sound and are there any other units that will do the same?

[George Kimery]

I bought my first one from Jerry Roller with a money back guarantee if I didn't like it. I tried it for one day and called Jerry and told him I wanted to return it, that I couldn't hear enough difference to justify the cost. This was an early model before the variable Z tone control. He said one day was not giving it a fair trial. He said to keep it two weeks before deciding to return it. He was right, after two weeks, when I took it away, I could tell something was missing, particularly on the high end. It was more thin sounding, so I kept it. The box had trained my ears to hear the difference, but to me, it was better, but subtle. Sometime later, I was needing money and sold it. Then later, I was reading about the new ones with the variable Z control. I thought it would be good to have a tone control right beside my steel, so I bought a 2nd one. I did like the variable Z and used it all the time to fine tune my tone on stage. I needed money to fund another purchase, so I sold it. I was talking to Brad about taming my highs on my Evans amp. He said his Freeloader was the same thing as the variable Z in the Black Box. It is small, runs on a 9 volt battery for hundreds of hours, and clips on the guitar leg. I got one and liked it so much, I bought a 2nd one as a back up and use it 100% of the time.

This is my experience with the Black Box. It is a good product but to my ears, the difference in tone is subtle. I think it would be better suited for recording. I don't think you're going to hear a big difference in your tone and might be better off spending your money on something like a good reverb pedal. I like my Wet Reverb and bought a 2nd one for backup. There are others probably as good or even better.
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[Dan Kelly]

Yes. The Black Box can be subtle... but even on my THD BiValve Tube Amp, I could hear the difference. The Black Box goes right after the pick-up and before the volume pedal. So, the first thing the signal "sees" is "tubey goodness."

However, I could notice a much more pronounced difference when I used the Black Box with my (solid state) Peavey Sessions 400. To me, at least, that's where the Black Box really shines. The only reason I sold my Black Box was to help pay for Brad Sarno's Revelation Tube Pre-Amp, which includes the Black Box functionality. And WOW, I really like the Revelation... especially for recording.

[Gerd Kaindlstorfer]

Hi George. Thank you very much for your info. That was really interresting to hear. I m far away to hear the difference at the moment.. Best regards Gerd

[Larry Beem]

I love the Black Box, and never play without it. I have 2 so I have one in practice space as well as the one I gig with. Once you hear the difference, its a game changer. I play mainly solid state amps, and it definably adds some tube warmth to the tone.
The resale on these is pretty good, so if you dont like it, you can sell it, but I bet you wont.