Question:
I am currently looking at getting a new compressor now I have got bored of the Marshall Ed-1.
Options I have found so far are the MXR Super Comp, the Barber Tonepress, Electro-Harmonix Black Finger and the (obvious) Keeley Compressor.
I'm looking for something that can give me nice articulation with an electro-acoustic, and a some smoothness on overdriven electric stuff.
For the electric, it would be in front of a wah, then an Orange head (EL34s, which I might change for 6L6s at some point).
The barber keeps turning up on the forum, but I dont hear much about the others...
Thx :)
M
Answer:
As a former owner of both the Marshall ED-1 and the Keeley Comp and a current owner of the Tone-Press, I think I can speak for all three. The ED-1 is fantastic for an electric (in my opinion), but really isn't there for an acoustic. Tonal coloration, poor attack adjustability, etc. The Keely quite literally and honestly is no better. I bought it with the highest of hopes and with the complete belief that this would be the end-all/be-all of compressors for use with an acoustic. The review and continual and relentless hype surrounding this comp (even specifically in regards to use with an acoustic) makes it sound like the holiest of holy grails. Tis not to be. It has/had extreme compression/sustain even at the lowest setting, chopped off a very noticeable amount of treble, and absolutely did NOT fit the ticket as a flexible compressor. For an electric, it might be all that and more, but for an acoustic, it's seriously not even a remote contender.
Now, in Keeley's defense, he apparently started putting internal trim pots in his NEW compressors (2005) which, in theory, would help with the complete lack of adjustability of the attack, and the extreme compression even the lowest setting. I can't verify that however. Meanwhile, I'm more than happy - THRILLED actually - with the Tone-Press.
It has an internal trim pot that allows you to adjust the amount of treble that comes through (adjust for a modern or "vintage" tone), has a blend pot which allows you to mix the perfect mix of wet and dry signals, etc... It's a whole lot cheaper than a new Keeley comp and STILL a whole lot cheaper than even a USED Keeley comp...
Can't speak for the EH Black Finger though. I've heard it's good, but I heard that the Keeley Comp was good too...
Answer:
I can also speak out for the Tone Press. While I just got it last week, I have been hugely impressed with the improvement in my overall tone. Also, while I haven't played it with acoustic guitar too much, what I have done has sounded much better then it ever did before I got it.
Answer:
+ another for the tone press
"I'm looking for something that can give me nice articulation with an electro-acoustic, and a some smoothness on overdriven electric stuff"
it does exactly that when you dial the right settings (not too hard to do)
i've used them in both situations (elec/acou) and it really does even things out very well.
Answer:
I've also heard good things about the Maxon CP-101 with acoustics, but have never played through one. Have any of you?
Answer:
Though I've never tried it personally, I've heard good things about the Teese's RMC FK-1 Compressor.
Ben
Answer:
I have the black finger and I really like it. It does a nice job of transparent compression. It does what it’s supposed to do without sounding like you have an effect on.