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Hey dudes, so I'm pretty sure compressors aren't really popular around these parts, but I'd like to have one to put in the loop of my dlx memory boy, and have one just to fool around with.

Basically I'm trying to get my guitar to sound more piano-like. I want a super clean, crystal clear sound. I'm running a Fender tele or a Ric 12-string to a Fender Twin. I've tried the CS-3 and it's pretty alright.. I just hate buffers. I really like the idea of a tone knob on the compressor because it can alter the sound of the compressed repeats on the dlx memory boy. But it's not completely necessary. I'd like something that's mostly transparent, but I guess it doesn't matter. The 4-knob Keeley sounds nice but it's like way lots of money.

So what do you say? I've got about 100-130 bucks to spend on a compressor... go!

A little bit more (179-ish new) gets you a diamond compressor...those babies are top notch.
I've never really liked the way any other compressor acted.

How about the Philosopher's Tone? Is that any good? I dig all the controls on it, but idk if it's a good compressor.
I'll check out the Diamond.

veteransdaypoppy wrote:How about the Philosopher's Tone? Is that any good? I dig all the controls on it, but idk if it's a good compressor.
I'll check out the Diamond.

I dig my PT. Its main thing is basically endless sustain. But in order to get all that sustain, it really is an ultra-squasher. So you have to like that sort of sound. It's the most love/hate compressor I've ever seen.

The only compressor worth looking at is the old Dynacomp if you ask me. Those are kinda expensive, hard to find, and not true bypass though, so next best bet is the Whirlwind Rochester -- it's pretty much the same thing and costs about $100. Not as hi-fi as the Keeley. Another one to look at is the Barber Tone Press.
Good and cheap ? The GoudieFX Compressor is a very cool Ross compressor circuit, and they can often be had for $50. He's gone out of business though, which is a shame.

I don't see how a compressor is going to get you super clean piano sounds though

devnulljp wrote:The only compressor worth looking at is the old Dynacomp if you ask me. Those are kinda expensive, hard to find, and not true bypass though, so next best bet is the Whirlwind Rochester -- it's pretty much the same thing and costs about $100. Not as hi-fi as the Keeley. Another one to look at is the Barber Tone Press.
Good and cheap ? The GoudieFX Compressor is a very cool Ross compressor circuit, and they can often be had for $50. He's gone out of business though, which is a shame.

I don't see how a compressor is going to get you super clean piano sounds though

Hmm.. Alright. I'll take a look at those. I feel kinda eh dishing out something like 100 bucks for a pedal with very little tweakability, though. I understand that it's more about what's under the hood and the sound of the thing, but I like something I can get a bunch of sounds out of. I'm not much of a set-and-forget kind of guy.

I'm not really looking to make my guitar sound exactly like a piano, that'd be silly. And I'd probably have to go midi (which would be sillier) but I'm looking for a very specific sound that is very harmonic and all the notes are very clear. Which is kind of what a piano sounds like. I feel like a guitar with a compressor sounds closer to that sound than a guitar without a compressor. I checked out the Barber Tone Press, I dig it a bit, but keep the suggestions coming!

I've got a Wampler Pedals Ego Compressor. I do play some Rockabilly for that snap, but also use the compressor with other styles mostly due to the Blend from 0% dry to 100% wet that the pedal can do which I find versatile, using minimal attack/sustain with light blend.