Keeley Compressor Plus

The Keeley Compressor Plus is one of the most respected compressor pedals in the guitar world. Based on the classic Ross Compressor circuit, Robert Keeley refined and expanded the design into a studio-quality stompbox that delivers everything from subtle transparent sustain to heavy squeeze.

What Makes It Special

The Compressor Plus builds on Keeley's original two-knob compressor with two critical additions: a Blend knob for parallel compression and a Tone knob to restore sparkle lost during compression. The Blend control is the real game-changer — mix your dry signal with the compressed signal to retain pick attack and dynamics while adding sustain underneath.

The Single Coil / Humbucker toggle adjusts the attack and release characteristics to match your pickups. Humbucker mode uses a shorter release time to accommodate the hotter signal, while Single Coil mode provides a longer, smoother release suited to lower-output pickups.

Sound Character

At low Sustain settings, the Compressor Plus acts as a clean boost and signal sweetener — adding a subtle polish without obvious squash. Push the Sustain knob past noon and you get classic country-style squeeze with that distinctive compressed cluck on clean tones. The Blend knob lets you dial in parallel compression so you never lose your picking dynamics, even at heavy settings.

The Tone knob is tuned to emphasize the upper harmonics that compression naturally attenuates. A slight clockwise turn brings back the presence and air that makes your guitar cut through a mix without sounding harsh.

Build Quality

Hand-assembled in Edmond, Oklahoma, the Compressor Plus uses premium components including metal film resistors and film capacitors. The compact enclosure is built to withstand years of gigging, and true bypass switching ensures zero tone coloration when disengaged.

Who Is This For?

• Country and chicken-pickin' players who need that classic compressed cluck
• Worship and ambient guitarists wanting smooth, even sustain for swells
• Blues and rock players looking for transparent sustain without coloring their tone
• Studio guitarists who need a reliable, quiet compressor for tracking
• Pedalboard builders who want a compact, versatile compressor that plays well with other pedals