The Legendary Keeley Compressor Gets a Germanium Upgrade
The Keeley Compressor Plus Germanium takes the beloved compressor circuit and adds the warmth and touch sensitivity of a germanium transistor. Since it first hit the boutique stompbox scene 25 years ago, the Keeley Compressor became a favorite of guitarists all over the world, cherished for its beautiful compression, sustain, and tone-shaping abilities; many Sweetwater guitarists have had it on their personal pedalboards for years. The addition of a germanium transistor gives this compressor a whole new level of dynamic response: harsh edges become softened, sharp frequencies are tamed, and natural sustain and bloom practically fall out of your guitar when this pedal is engaged. The same streamlined control set tailors your tone, while the single-coil/humbucker switch lets you choose the proper setting for your guitars. Like the original, you can select either true bypass or buffered operation, and it can be run at 9–18 volts, expanding your tonal options even further and adding increased headroom. With its meaningful circuit upgrade, the Keeley Compressor Plus Germanium is ready to be the foundation of your rig.
Related Videos: Compressor Plus Germanium
The classic Keeley sounds you know and love — now with germanium
Perhaps best known for its use in fuzz and overdrive pedals, germanium is known among guitar players for its desirable tonal attributes: warmth, touch sensitivity, and an overall organic sound that responds to the player. The Keeley Compressor Plus Germanium uses its germanium transistor differently, acting as a buffer and tone-shaping stage that softens and warms everything in the best possible way. High frequencies become less brittle, distortion sounds less harsh, and warm saturation is gradually introduced when you push your amplifier and other pedals with the volume control. Far more than just a compressor pedal, it’s the ultimate first stage for your signal path.
Keeley Compressor Plus Germanium Features:
- Germanium-equipped version of the legendary Keeley Compressor
- Germanium transistor softens harsh frequencies and adds touch sensitivity and warm saturation
- Level control sets the overall volume, from cut to boost
- Tone control shapes your overall sound
- Blend control lets you dial in your desired ratio of compression to clean signal
- Comp control sets the amount of compression
- Single-coil/humbucker switch lets you choose the appropriate setting for your guitars
- Selectable true bypass or buffered operation
- Can be run at 9V–18V for varied headroom
