Extensive compressor reviews and FAQ

Orange Squeezer clones: The Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer is a classic vintage compressor which has a cult following among guitarists. There are many, many modern OS clones out there, such as the Analogman Juicer or Pedal Doctor Tangerine Squeeze; and a few interesting variations on it such as the Toadworks Mr. Squishy. The OS is so popular to clone because it's a very simple circuit, and it has a distinct compression action and tone which are different from most other compressors. It can add an emphasis to the leading edge of the attack of your notes, quickly followed by a reduction of the signal level, which rises back up in a "blooming" swell of sustain. I describe the action as a "dip and swell". The original OS only had an internal "level" trim pot, but it is also possible to get a wide range of compression action, from subtle to extremely squishy, by adjusting the bias of the transistors. For this reason, some modern OS clones include a "bias" knob; I highly recommend this feature, as it allows you to get more variety from this effect, although some builders prefer to find the one "best" setting and fix it there.
 
The OS also tends to brighten the high frequencies just a bit, and sometimes adds a bit of very light distortion. The original OS design does roll off some of the low end, and there are some relatively simple mods which can be done to the OS to allow better bass frequencies. Check out tonepad.com for more info about those mods. Unfortunately even after modding for bass, an OS will never have a deep, fat low end like the Demeter, and may roll off some of the lowest frequencies on a low B string. Some of the cloners who have "improved" the design seem to have tried to engineer out its unique qualities and instead emphasized the more boring, "normal" smooth/clear compression it is capable of. In my opinion, if you want "normal, nice compression", get something else, get a Demeter or a Keeley or a transparent rack unit. Get an OS instead for its unique and eccentric qualities. Also, for those of you handy with a soldering iron, a simple OS kit and plans are available from generalguitargadgets.com to build your own fairly cheaply. Note that different component choices can really change the sound quality of this circuit, so be sure to experiment with different types of caps, diodes, and IC's.
 

 
 
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