Keeley’s Classic Compressor, Reborn in Germanium
The Keeley Compressor Plus Germanium is a new chapter for the pedal that started it all. In 2001, Robert Keeley built a compressor on his workbench, and that design grew into one of the most trusted compressor pedals around. Released for Keeley Electronics’ 25th anniversary, this version keeps the familiar four-knob Compressor Plus layout and changes what matters most: the circuit.
A Japanese-style germanium transistor now sits at the heart of the design, working in both the audio output stage and the side-chain feedback circuit. The result is a fresh response and character from a guitar compressor you already know, with the same control and versatility Keeley players expect. This is a genuine circuit update, not an anniversary paint job.
How It Fits Your Rig
Blend is the secret weapon. Mix your dry signal with the compressed signal and you keep the natural pick attack and clarity of your guitar while adding sustain and evenness underneath. Clean players can keep it subtle for studio-style leveling that makes chords sound finished. Country and funk players can push Compression and Blend for snappy chicken picking and tight rhythm parts. Lead players can run it as a sustain pedal in front of a drive to help notes hang longer. Tone shapes the top end of the compressed signal, so you can brighten a dark neck pickup or tame a spiky bridge pickup.
Features and Specs
- Circuit: Japanese-style germanium transistor in the audio output and side-chain feedback
- Controls: Level, Compression, Tone, Blend
- Blend: mixes dry and compressed signals to keep attack and feel
- Bypass: true bypass or buffered bypass, switchable on the fly
- Power: 9V to 18V DC, center negative, 25mA current draw
- Jacks: top-mounted input and output
- Finish: Brushed Aluminum
- Build: designed and built in Oklahoma, USA
FAQ
How is this different from the standard Keeley Compressor Plus?
The controls are the same, but the circuit is not. Germanium is used in the output section and the side-chain feedback, giving the compression its own response and character.
What power supply do I need?
Any standard center negative supply from 9V to 18V DC. It only draws 25mA, so it fits easily on most pedalboard power supplies.
Should I use true bypass or buffered bypass?
True bypass leaves your signal path untouched when the pedal is off. Buffered bypass helps keep your signal strong across bigger boards and longer cable runs. You can switch between them on the fly, so you never have to commit.
Twenty five years in, Keeley’s first compressor still has new tricks. Put it at the front of your board and hear the difference.
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