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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

What is the main feature of the Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor?

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.

How does the blend control on the Tone Press affect my guitar tone?

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.

Is the Barber Tone Press suitable for live performances?

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.

Can the Tone Press be used with both electric and acoustic guitars?

The Tone Press is versatile and can be used with both electric and acoustic guitars, enhancing sustain and clarity in various musical contexts.

Does the Barber Electronics Tone Press work well with other effects pedals?

Yes, the Tone Press is designed to integrate seamlessly with other effects pedals, allowing you to build complex signal chains without losing tonal quality.

Prymaxe

Prymaxe

Barber Electronics Tone Press

Video thumbnail for Barber Electronics Tone Press by Prymaxe

Barber Electronics Tone Press

Prymaxe

Prymaxe

Video thumbnail for Barber Tone Press Compressor Pedal by ProGuitarShopDemos

Barber Tone Press Compressor Pedal

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Barber Tone Press Compresor Guitar Pedal by musictoyznetwork

Barber Tone Press Compresor Guitar Pedal

musictoyznetwork

musictoyznetwork

Video thumbnail for Barber Electronics   Tone Press Compressor Demo by Bryan Ewald by Bryan Ewald

Barber Electronics Tone Press Compressor Demo by Bryan Ewald

Bryan Ewald

Bryan Ewald

Video thumbnail for Barber Electronics Tone Press Compressor | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Barber Electronics Tone Press Compressor | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Barber Electronics Tone Press by Prymaxe

Barber Electronics Tone Press

Prymaxe

Prymaxe

Video thumbnail for Barber Electronics Tone Press Gear Review by Clifton Wright

Barber Electronics Tone Press Gear Review

Clifton Wright

Clifton Wright

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique blend knob allows mixing dry and compressed signals for flexible sound control

  • Enhances sustain and even provides desirable sound coloration

  • Compatible with various guitar types, amps, and pedal setups

  • Known for providing a transparent compression effect

  • High fidelity and quiet operation, improving tone without unwanted noise

  • Provides a strong foundation for subsequent pedals in the chain

  • Solid build quality ensures durability and reliability

  • Offers a good balance between vintage design and modern functionality

CONS

  • 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

  • The blend knob significantly enhances compression control, offering a more versatile sound tailored to user preferences.

    Source
  • The Tone Press's compression can feel like a 10:1 ratio at high settings, particularly around the 3:00 sustain range with a full-wet blend.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Generally considered affordable compared to other compressor pedals, making it a cost-effective option for budget-conscious musicians.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Used by Dave Knudson of Minus the Bear, indicating its suitability for complex guitar arrangements and alternative rock styles.

    Source
  • Inspired by David Hislop's pedalboard setup, this pedal is favored by those seeking a professional, studio-quality sound in live performances.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report no noticeable noise at typical guitar volume levels, even when using amps like the Champion 40.

    Source
  • Owners with a folk background appreciate the Tone Press for preserving transients and handling sounds, crucial for pickless playing styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
crlstrrs

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.

mevans4130

Squishy with out loosing tone.

Gives me the best compression with out loosing my tone!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Knudson uses Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Dave Knudson

Guitarist

Botch

...
Verified via YouTube

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".

See how Walter Becker uses Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Walter Becker

Guitarist, Bassist

Steely Dan

...
Verified via YouTube

He used during the band's Shuffle Diplomacy 2011 US tour.

See how Johnny Hiland uses Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Johnny Hiland

Guitarist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via Johnnyhiland

Johnny Hiland includes the Barber Tone Press Parallel Compressor on his pedalboards, as listed on his official website.

See how Brendan Ekstrom uses Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Brendan Ekstrom

Guitarist

Circa Survive

...
Verified via Photo

In this collection of pedals photo posted by Ekstrom on his Instagram profile, the Barber Tone Press can be seen.

See how Sleepy dog uses Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Sleepy dog

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

He shows this compressor on his pedal board at 1:50

See how Henry Kaiser uses Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Henry Kaiser

Guitarist

French, Frith, Kaiser and Thompson

...
Verified via Photo

"[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.

See how Cameron Maynard uses Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Cameron Maynard

Guitarist

The Contortionist

...
Verified via YouTube

Item can be seen in 5:51 of this video.

See how Positive Mental Trip uses Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Positive Mental Trip

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Colin Sipos uses Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Colin Sipos

Audio Engineer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "EPIC HOME STUDIO Setup | Colin Sipos (studio tour)" by Andrew Masters, at 0:05, a Barber Electronics Tone Press Parallel Compressor can be seen on Colin Sipos' pedalboard.

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.

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Community setups

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johnnymello

johnnymello

Gear IQ 254

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johnnymello

johnnymello

Gear IQ 254

johnnymello

johnnymello

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Gear IQ 254

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2 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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Vintage or Discontinued cheaper alternative

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