Using Compression

[mick hearn]

How many players use some form of compression? I have used a small amount on guitar for many years and would not be without it. I have never used it on steel and basically refused to - that was until after I had done the Four Five Time video. I thought I would give it a try and suddenly those licks came a lot easier.

Is this just me or does it work for others as well?

[Tony Russell Davis]

Mick; I don't use it as a general rule (I have done in the past) but it can help to "clean up" blocking. Note I say "help", it's no substitute for technique

[mick hearn]

I agree with you there - similar to guitar.

[Ken Byng]

I always use a compressor when playing a Fender Telecaster, but tried it with steel guitar and didn't like the pop and noisy sustain that it gave.

[dessa]

I use a limiter rather than compressor for guitar and sometimes steel. You don't get that awful "pop" like you get with compressors no matter how good or expensive they are

[elparkirio]

On guitar, in certain instances yes, on steel i'm not so sure. I've tried it and found that it's ok for single note lines and quick runs, it kind of balances everything out (if that's what you like), but for more dynamic and chord playing it makes everything very flat and it won't allow any depth in dynamics. Tough one. If you can get a compressor that allows you to blend the wet effected signal against the dry natural signal then you might be ok. The Wampler ego compressor has this capability. Really great little pedal.

[dessa]

The Seymour Duncan comp and Barber Tone Press also have blend controls

[Paul Brennan]

Derek, I remember you telling me that the Ego Compressor is great on steel. Do you still use it?

[dessa]

Hi Paul. No I don't use any thing between guitar and steel apart from expression ( volume ) pedal. Send and return delay/reverb. Sometimes a Sonic Maximiser. Less is more