Compressor comparisons?

[whojamfan]

I really can't add much more on which way to go on compressors, as they are similar to overdrive/distortion pedals in their subtle differences. Personally, I have half dozen rack and pedal compressors that all do different things well. It's like the differences between a DOD Overdrive 250, a Tube Screamer, and an MXR Distortion +. All 3 provide usable overdrive, but there are big differences in how they sound when you factor in instruments, amps, and technique. It really just boils down to what you want, and unfortunately, you can't really get a gang of pedals to try out at home and rehearsal to see which one is for you. While you can do this with the ones that the big mail order chains carry, the Diamond, Janglebox, and other higher end pedals are generally not available to send back just because you didn't really dig the way it sounds.

I own a Janglebox, and for what it does, it does perfectly. You can effortlessly get those 60s and 70s jangly bright Rick 12 string sounds out of them without fail every time. The 3 position tone selector is helpfull in giving it a variety of tones, but the way the compressor acts is still the same. This is not a bad thing at all, as the sound is very usable in a variety of guitar/amp/technique applications. As far as using it for other things, I really couldn't tell you, as I pretty much only use compression on my 360/12VP. The 2 ,for me, really do everything I bought my Rickenbacker 12 for in the first place, getting "that" sound.

I also tried out that new Seymour Duncan Double Back Compressor at home for a few weeks when they first came out. I wanted to get a Barbour Tone Press because of the ability to blend the signal back in, but didn't want to buy one, not like it, and be stuck with it. The Double Back has that same feature, and a few others, that I thought would be great for both guitar and bass to get a different sound than my Janglebox. I ended up not liking it, and back to the mail it went. I'm not trying to compare the two, but thought that similar feature, which is what attracted me to the Tone Press, would be good to hear. It sounded drastically different through pickup types and amps, and really didn't knock my socks off like I thought it might, or like the Janglebox did.

I also have an MXR Dynacomp, which I mainly would use as a boost, as the compression in it ,to me, sounds good, but not great.

The Diamond looks really awesome and well built. I'd love to try one out, but can't justify that kind of dough to get something I only really use on one guitar, especially when I already have something that nails the tone I want. I'm glad to see others here have had great results with theirs, as that's a good chunk of change to spend on something that is less than spectacular.

I would just agree with everyone else in trying out as many as you can, and try to find a place you can actually go and try out these boutique pedals before you just buy one. Having said that, the Janglebox will give you that vintage, chimey jangle that it's advertised to do without needing to demo it. I took a chance and blindly bought one, and have never regretted it once.

Good luck, and let us know what you get.

[BuddyDog]

I actually found a place on-line that has the Diamond, JangleBox, JB2, Keely, Barber and a 45 day return policy. Looks like I can order the Diamond and JangleBox, test drive them and send one of them back.

[whojamfan]

Post a link! There are many people here who would like to do the same thing. Very cool, and let us know what you get!

[bitzerguy]

Post a link! There are many people here who would like to do the same thing. Very cool, and let us know what you get!

+! for the link!!

Steve, if that Memory Lane is pre-2008, it has the old bucket brigade chips that are no longer available and no longer used. These pre-08 units are the sweetest sounding delay pedals out there. If you decide to pass, please let me know.

[86kubicki]

Hey Dean - I'll drop by and check it out. Not sure if there's an easy way to figure out the manufacture date, but I'm sure an e-mail to the factory with the serial number should do the trick.

[86kubicki]

No luck - the Diamond Memory Lane was sold. Thats what I get for hemming and hawing.

[bitzerguy]

Rats...!

[whojamfan]

The new MXR Carbon Copy Delay is definitely worth looking at if you haven't given one a test drive.

[BuddyDog]

These guys have a 45 day return policy, have the Diamond but don't carry the Jangle Box:

http://www.pedalspluseffectswarehouse.com/

These guys carry both the Diamond and Jangle Box, but only a 5 day return policy:

http://www.musictoyz.com/guitar/index_gtrpedal.php

I just need to work around my schedule to get them shipped for a test drive.

[whojamfan]

Thanks for the heads up Steve, any chance you could post A/B clips, as well as bypassed?

[BuddyDog]

Hi Mike,

I haven't ordered either yet...still looking at upcoming bills to see if i have some spare $$$.

I don't have any facility/equipment to record, either

[8mileshigher]

Steve -- if you're still debating the Janglebox maybe this will assist your deliberations. Check out Forum member Wes' various You tubes ---- his 330 Demo runs through different Effects pedals and amp settings.

Starts out doing Jimi Hendrix' Little Wing with a Janglebox ....

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vyto3cCpFOo&hl ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vyto3cCpFOo&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>[/youtube]

[8mileshigher]

Steve --- for your study on Jangleboxes.... here are a couple of You Tubes with Janglebox demonstations. This first one is with a Ric 360-12CW model, doing an A/B with and without the Janglebox.

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This next You Tube is a gal demo-ing a Danelectro 12 string and a Fender Jazzmaster through a Janglebox; She shares details on Gain and Attack settings, dark and bright modes, etc.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XZeI_KPvyKY&hl ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XZeI_KPvyKY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]


This one here is a Ric 370-12 with Janglebox sampling some Petty and Byrds tunes --

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3zbne62FLY0&hl ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3zbne62FLY0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]

Hope these give you a better taste for what the compressor can do for your sound.... enjoy
Regards

[BuddyDog]

Darn you, Rich!

Please don't feed the GAS!

Now I gotta see if I have developed carpal tunnel syndrome. My L hand fingers & thumb are falling asleep when I am fretting.

[whojamfan]

Thanks for the great links and posts, these should really help aid folks looking to spend the money to get the right compressor for themselves. Keep 'em coming, and keep us posted!