Yes...another compressor thread!

[ZtuxBP14]

Howdy folks,

I have been using the "search" function in here on a regular basis regarding compressors and also have read the great reviews that Bongomania has done. I'm still trying to comprehend the technical aspects of compressors and I still don't know exactly what I need. I am a finger style player utilizing Fender American Deluxe Jazz basses and am joining a modern (young) country band and am suiting up a short and sweet pedalboard. Looking for that deep smooth, sustaining type with little noise.

From my research thus far, I'm not sure if the MXR M87 is the right choice, but what about a VFE White Horse, Keeley Bassist, Aguilar TLC, or maybe a suggestion any of you may have. My budget isn't too constricted, but I'm not looking to finance a pedal or rackmount unit!

Look forward to some input, and thanks for sharing your opinions.

 

[FatPhalanges]

If you want a lot of sustain, and you aren't going to be doing too much slapping, I would would suggest trying out the Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor. I chose it over the M87 at the last second before buying because of it's simplicity while maintaining the integrity of my sound. Three knobs: Volume, Compression Strength, and Sustain(plus a fuzz switch which I love). Not as much fine tuning capabilities, but finger style is generally more tame on the levels than slap and other technical styles anyway. Only gripe with it is that it needs external power and doesn't take a battery if I were to choose it.

I have also heard great reviews on the Aguilar TLC. At the end of the day, your best option is to call up your local music stores and ask what compressors they have and if you can test them out. It takes longer, but not everybody likes the same compression. This way you are sure that you know what you want.

 

[Deadsound]

Deep, smooth, and sustaining sounds like a Smoothie to me

 

[thabassmon]

Check out the Sonuus Voluum. Amazingly configurable pedal that does compression and a whole host of useful things.
Check out the vids, or download the manual from their site.

 

[ZtuxBP14]

Thanks for the replies!

 

[eagle67]

The Markbass Compressore is worth a good long look.

 

[Mosfed]

I think you and I are looking for similar things from a compressor.

I went through a binge last summer and picked up the MarkBass Compressore, the Diamond BCP-1, the AnalogMan juicer and the FEA Opti-Fet.

In the end, I love all of them. The FEA has taken up its spot in the board as a general winner for now. But I haven't sold any of the others.

The only compressors that make me GAS these days though are the Calis.