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Average Price: $160
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$201+
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Description
The Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor is a game-changer for guitarists seeking that perfect blend of sustain and clarity. This pedal is a masterclass in compression, offering unparalleled control over your sound with its intuitive layout. Designed with JFET staging, it delivers a warm, natural response that preserves the integrity of your tone. Whether you're looking to add subtle sustain or punch up your solos, the Tone Press has you covered. Its compact design belies its robust capabilities, making it an essential tool for any pedalboard.
What truly sets the Tone Press apart is its unique parallel compression feature. This allows you to blend your dry signal with the compressed output, giving you the best of both worlds: the dynamics of your original playing combined with the polished finish of compression. It's a pedal that adapts to your playing style, ensuring your guitar always sounds its best.
Made with high-quality components, the Barber Tone Press is built to last, offering reliable performance gig after gig. It's a pedal that doesn't just enhance your sound—it elevates your entire playing experience.
Key Features:
- Parallel compression for blending dry and compressed signals
- JFET staging for warm, natural tone
- Controls for volume, blend, and sustain
- Compact, pedalboard-friendly design
- High-quality components for durability and reliability
Product specs
| Brand | Barber |
| Model | Tone Press Compressor |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2003 - 2014 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Compressor Pedals |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
FAQs
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What is the main feature of the Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor?
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The Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor is known for its unique blend control, allowing users to mix compressed and uncompressed signals for a natural sound with enhanced sustain and dynamics.
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How does the blend control on the Tone Press affect my guitar tone?
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The blend control lets you dial in the perfect balance between compressed and dry signals, preserving the attack and clarity of your original tone while adding sustain and smoothness.
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Is the Barber Tone Press suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Barber Tone Press is designed to provide consistent and reliable compression, making it an excellent choice for live performances where dynamic control is crucial.
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Can the Tone Press be used with both electric and acoustic guitars?
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The Tone Press is versatile and can be used with both electric and acoustic guitars, enhancing sustain and clarity in various musical contexts.
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Does the Barber Electronics Tone Press work well with other effects pedals?
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Yes, the Tone Press is designed to integrate seamlessly with other effects pedals, allowing you to build complex signal chains without losing tonal quality.
Videos
Prymaxe
Barber Electronics Tone Press
Reviews
PROS
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Unique blend knob allows mixing dry and compressed signals for flexible sound control
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Enhances sustain and even provides desirable sound coloration
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Compatible with various guitar types, amps, and pedal setups
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Known for providing a transparent compression effect
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High fidelity and quiet operation, improving tone without unwanted noise
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Provides a strong foundation for subsequent pedals in the chain
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Solid build quality ensures durability and reliability
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Offers a good balance between vintage design and modern functionality
CONS
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Susceptible to interference from cell phones, affecting live performance reliability
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor.
Features and functionality
Value and pricing
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Generally considered affordable compared to other compressor pedals, making it a cost-effective option for budget-conscious musicians.
Source
Use cases and applications
User experience
Comparisons
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The SP Compressor offers a more pronounced "pumpy squish" compared to the Barber Tone Press, which remains crisper and cleaner, especially vital for players seeking transparency.
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The Tone Press is larger than some alternatives, like the compact version being 2.34” wide versus the original's 3.7”, impacting pedalboard space decisions.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 14 Ratings
154
Grrrrrreat!
Back when this pedal first came out, it was one of very few compressors I was aware of with a blend knob to mix in some or a good bit of the dry signal. Since then more compressors include this feature, and they sound quite good, but I've stuck with my trusty Tone Press. It has a sound. I like it quite a lot. Also works well as a front end boost if need be.
310
Artist usage
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Dave mentions at 18:47 in this rig rundown video that he has been using a Barber Tone Press Parallel Compressor for six or seven years to help "even out the tapping".
Johnny Hiland includes the Barber Tone Press Parallel Compressor on his pedalboards, as listed on his official website.
In this collection of pedals photo posted by Ekstrom on his Instagram profile, the Barber Tone Press can be seen.
"[Barber Tone Press] allows me to change the mix balance between a compressed signal and the uncompressed signal, thereby allowing transients to break through, while the sustain continues underneath," says Henry Kaiser, in this article.
Luke Weiler of Positive Mental Trip has played a Barber Electronics Tone Press compressor live (and sometimes in the studio) from 2015-2019. Luke loves Barber Electronics and has some other great compressors but the Tone Press will definitely stay on the Positive Mental Trip live pedalboard for many more years. Luke Weiler is a huge fan of Parralel Compression and really enjoys the way the Barber Electronics Tone Press Compressor works well with every electric guitar he throws at it live and in the studio.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor, curated by the Equipboard community.
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The newer version of the Tone Press moves to a smaller enclosure and adds two additional toggles.
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