Compression Pedals

[RunsWithBuffalo]

Check out Uncle Tupelo's Sauget Wind for one of the best use of feedback I've ever hear. Its rocking and gorgeous at the same time. I think that song gives you a good idea of what a compressor pedal paired with some sort of fuzz (distortion) device can do. The clean passages sound compressed and clean and then for the chorus it sounds like he just kicks on the distortion and leaves the compressor on.

[Kahn]

As in Soldano amps? I think you would be better off saving for the amp than trying to use effects to get that sound.

I have a decent Marshall amp, I don't have the cash for a soldano head (or two which is what I REALLY want), just trying to get a nice clean yet crunchy sound.

This is Michael Houser's rig (late guitarist for Panic). He has the absolute best tone of anyone I've ever listened to IMO. I know I won't even come close as this rig is well over 10,000$ and the guitar he played has been discontinued for over a decade (Tele Deluxe Plus). Its essentially a Tele with Strat electronics. Check out this:

[Kahn]

That Soldano Surf Box is what gives him the insanely unique tone. Im sure they run a small fortune IF you can even find one.

[Klondog]

Checked the Surf Box out: there were only 100, yes 100, made. Ever. And that rig is completely SICK.

[Kahn]

Checked the Surf Box out: there were only 100, yes 100, made. Ever. And that rig is completely SICK.

Give a listen to some '97 Panic soundboards if you want to hear it in action. Check out the Mike Wilker remasters he posts on http://www.digitalpanic.org

Wilker is amazing by the way, these are all up to par with any official release if not much better sounding

http://digitalpanic.org/bittorrent/show ... hp?t=16278
http://digitalpanic.org/bittorrent/show ... hp?t=16333

[RunsWithBuffalo]

Give me a youtube example, i cant download torrents at work.

[Kahn]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=M5d6uh6Dqug

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YC4RTjlM-WY

[RunsWithBuffalo]

Ok, so my theory is that the richest tones live damn near the point where you lose absolute control of the guitar. So i like the compression sustainer because it is much easier to induce feedback.

The other thing about tone is that you have to play the amp at a sufficient volume to really open it up and let it breath. Usually this means wake up the roomates/neighbors loud.

It will always come down to the amp though. Get something with a tube if you don't already.

[Kahn]

Ok, so my theory is that the richest tones live damn near the point where you lose absolute control of the guitar. So i like the compression sustainer because it is much easier to induce feedback.

The other thing about tone is that you have to play the amp at a sufficient volume to really open it up and let it breath. Usually this means wake up the roomates/neighbors loud.

It will always come down to the amp though. Get something with a tube if you don't already.

I wish I could afford it, sadly just trying to improve what I got now. So all in all what do you recommend to get that crunchy sustainable tone. I dont want to much distortion though, I like it light.

[RunsWithBuffalo]

I would go Boss BD-2 Blues Driver into a Boss CS-3 compression sustainer.

[Pickles]

The CS-3 is a weak compressor. The BD-2 is one of the few Boss pedals I like (and own).

A really good compressor is the Barber Tone Press. Not too expensive.

Edit: and for that matter, I think the Tube Screamer would be more what you're looking for than the BD-2.

[RunsWithBuffalo]

I think he is more interested in sustain and not compression, the CS-3 gives you both. The tube screamer is a great pedal and i would recommend it as well, the Blues driver is mellower in tone, crunchy but not distortion.

You should try them both.

[Kahn]

I think he is more interested in sustain and not compression, the CS-3 gives you both. The tube screamer is a great pedal and i would recommend it as well, the Blues driver is mellower in tone, crunchy but not distortion.

You should try them both.

Im not trying to get a crunchy rhythm guitar style though, just a light distortion with mucho sustain

[Pickles]

I think he is more interested in sustain and not compression, the CS-3 gives you both. The tube screamer is a great pedal and i would recommend it as well, the Blues driver is mellower in tone, crunchy but not distortion.

You should try them both.

Im not trying to get a crunchy rhythm guitar style though, just a light distortion with mucho sustain

Yeah. The BD-2 is crunchier than the TS. A compressor in general will add sustain to your rig. It's all about what else each compressor does to your tone. Some will be pretty transparent, others will suck tone, others will take away all the dynamics. That's why I like the Barber Tone Press. Transparent and great sustain.

[Kahn]

I will come over to your place sometime and check it out. How much does it run?