The British Steelies Society

Hope everyone's doing well!

Here's an article I wrote about some different ways to use a compressor pedal for steel guitar...
https://playpedalsteel.com/pedal-steel-5-best-ways-to-use-a-compressor-pedal/

I'm curious: how many players use a compressor pedal? What do you use it for, and how do you change the settings to achieve what you're looking for?

Thanks,
Casey

I use quite a few pedals simultaneously, so if I add a compressor to my current rig, will it make me sound like Buddy ?

Hi Casey
I’m a compressor addict and use one all the time. I have a Keeley Compressor Pro which is a great bit of kit. I find it works really well with the volume pedal as a sort of ‘wall’ to play up against and allows you to modify the volume taper of the pedal at the higher levels without removing the control. Also as I play a 12 (or 14) string, it helps control the vast dynamic range. Not for everyone, I know, but works for me. What I don’t often do though, is use it as an ‘effect’. Its a tool and I like it invisible.

Nice pedal board Zeb, though not entirely sure how you work it all with your feet on the ABC pedals.

Cheers
Calum

Early on in my pedal steel adventure I used a bit of compression, in a subtle fashion similar to what Calum is describing to give a wee bit of help with sustain etc. As time progressed I found I preferred to just use the volume pedal as it gave me more intimate control over these factors, also compression tends to suck tone a bit even when used in a subtle fashion.

Call me old fashioned if you will. I do like to use compression on 6 string guitar though, using a volume pedal on guitar is not really practical and compression used wisely works well.

The good news for me is I sat down at my steel yesterday for the first time in 5 months since my cancer diagnosis and found I can play it again up to a point, I have just finished my chemo regime and the pain I have been subjected to has seriously diminished, so I can play for about an hour before it gets a bit much. This includes using pedals and levers.

Bit off topic but I'm just so happy to be able to play again I couldn't help sharing this.

A bit off topic it may be but I dont give a We are all needing a bit of good news and this is . I am really pleased for you. Donny.

I'm so glad to hear that, Geoff, and hopefully things will progress from here, and I'm with you on the compression issue. I might apply a little to a recording but I found it never felt right playing live.

Geoff, you’re old fashioned!
Good news about the treatment though!
Cheers
Calum

Kenny we are on the same page. Limiter every time. I use mine on guitar in preference to a compressor to eliminate the dreaded “pop”. Best compressor I have ever used was the Wampler Ego to enable a dry blend.