Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $433
High-end/Boutique
$50
$201+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Dive into the world of unparalleled compression with the Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger, your ticket to sonic excellence. This isn't just any compressor effect pedal; it's a journey to the heart of your music's dynamics, powered by the warmth of dual 12AX7 vacuum tubes and the precision of its LED and lamp optical sources. Whether you're strumming on an acoustic guitar or laying down a bass groove, the Black Finger elevates your tone with professional-grade compression in a design that's as sturdy as your passion for music.
Key Features:
- Dual 12AX7 vacuum tubes for warm, analog compression
- LED and lamp optical sources offer versatile compression styles
- Professional-grade compression in a pedalboard-friendly package
- 300V toroidal transformer ensures clean, powerful performance
- Solid chassis construction, ideal for touring musicians
- Compatible with acoustic instruments, perfect for singer-songwriters, folk, and bluegrass
Product specs
| Brand | Electro-Harmonix |
| Model | Black Finger Optical Tube Compressor |
| Finish | Silver |
| Year | 2009 - 2019 |
| Categories | Compressor Pedals |
FAQs
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What type of compression does the Electro-Harmonix Black Finger provide?
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The Electro-Harmonix Black Finger offers optical tube compression, known for its smooth, musical compression characteristics that can add warmth and sustain to your guitar tone.
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Can the Black Finger be used with bass guitars?
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Yes, the Electro-Harmonix Black Finger is suitable for use with bass guitars, providing a warm and natural compression that enhances sustain without losing low-end clarity.
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What power supply does the Electro-Harmonix Black Finger require?
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The Electro-Harmonix Black Finger requires a 12V DC power supply, which is included with the pedal, ensuring optimal performance and tube operation.
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How does the Black Finger differ from other compressor pedals?
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The Black Finger uses optical tube technology, which provides a unique compression character that is smoother and more organic compared to typical solid-state compressor pedals.
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Is the Electro-Harmonix Black Finger suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Electro-Harmonix Black Finger is well-suited for live performances, offering reliable compression that enhances your sound while maintaining dynamic range and clarity on stage.
Videos
EHX
Electro-Harmonix Black Finger Optical Tube Compressor Pedal (Demo by Peter Stroud)
Reviews
PROS
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Adds unique character and clarity to sound
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Suitable for studio and live applications
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Real tube compression with accurate voltage for richer sound
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Versatile with multiple compression style options
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Compatible with a variety of instruments (bass, electric, acoustic guitars)
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Allows tube swapping for customizable tone
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Can achieve an LA-2A compressor feel in a pedal format
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Enhances sound with vibrancy and fullness
CONS
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Large size and non-standard power supply
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Learning curve required to achieve desired sound
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Can produce noise if not dialed in properly
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Dodgy power lead, prone to falling out and hard to replace
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Does not operate on batteries, reliant on power adapter
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Some users find it noisy and clunky
4.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings
174
Tube Compressor
At first, I thought this pedal didn’t do too much. After a while of tweaking the knobs, it all became so much clearer. You can add a little bit of grit if you choose, or a little bit of boost, or a bit of both. It adds a little sustain and fullness to the sound. A little goes a long way. The only gripe is the dodgy power lead that feels like it’s going to fall out any second and is not one for easy replacement. I like it though. I generally have it on all the time. Good pedal.
903
Not The Best Compressor By Any Means
I've kept this compressor around to offer options to players that want to use my gear to record with. I personally do not think this is a good compressor. It's noisy, big, clunky, has a special power adapter/jack, and doesn't seem to... compress. Again, it is worth keeping in the collection if you want to use it for something really experimental, like the "squash" feature to kill the bandwidth of your signal prior to running it into some wacky modulated effect. Otherwise it's just not the same as a quality compressor with the research and craftsmanship behind it like a Walrus Audio Deep 6 V3 compressor.
751
So nice smooth sounds are with acoustic guitars and warm & hot compressed sounds when attack is set up higher
You can use it with acoustic or electric guitars and even basses, you choose your mode Led or Valves compression, the sounds are different and attack also, but when your bout it in the effects loop it becomes very efficient with overdrive and distortion even at low level, sounds become very aggressive especially with Blackstar HT-Dual (Valve) and Blackstar HT-DistX (Valve). I bought it on Ebay because mine was stolen in my car ..... you can change the valves 12AX7 with ECC83 ECC84 JJNxxxxx a lot of if compatible. I finally mix one 12AX7 and one JJxxxxx
Artist usage
Add artist
Dom's Pedalboard shows an easily identified 'EHX Black Finger' sitting on the corner of his pedal board in the 2nd photo down. It is easy to recognise, due to its black knob guard.
Seen at 0:37, Amos says he uses it as both compressor and valve preamp to get the tube warmth to his sound. At the moment he stopped using the Black Finger to use the Darkglass B7K
"Thanks to awesome dad for using his workshop to craft a new organ pedalboard, now with hinges to slot into the keyboard and hold it in place so no more need for gaff tape! We've cleaned it up and rewired it, ready for the Gypsy Caravan tour! Signal Chain: Korg ??Black Finger (12v AC) ??Deluxe Memory Man (24v DC) ??Neo Ventilator Leslie Sim (12v DC) ??Wiggler (Tremolo/Vibrato) (12v AC) ??Wah Pedal (9v DC) ??Volume Pedal??Hall of Fame Reverb (9v DC) ??Amp(eg) all powered by the CIOKOLATE power supply, can handle an insane number / variety of voltages."
In this video, at the beginning of it, Ross is talking about EHX Black Finger Tube Compressor he uses.
Featured in this June 20, 2014 Instagram post.
ikeyowens Rethinking some guitar times thru this bad boy!
its_kiko_ Electro-harmonix pedals are bomb AF
ikeyowens @notagiant yep just never buy one with the word boy in it
its_kiko_ @ikeyowens true, I've tried a memory boy before and it was ehh but soul food and my big muff w/ tone wicker are my favs
Album Usage
The Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger has been featured on the following albums:
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 Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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