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Average Price: $433

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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

What type of compression does the Electro-Harmonix Black Finger provide?

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.

Can the Black Finger be used with bass guitars?

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.

What power supply does the Electro-Harmonix Black Finger require?

The Electro-Harmonix Black Finger requires a 12V DC power supply, which is included with the pedal, ensuring optimal performance and tube operation.

How does the Black Finger differ from other compressor pedals?

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.

Is the Electro-Harmonix Black Finger suitable for live performances?

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.

EHX

EHX

Electro-Harmonix Black Finger Optical Tube Compressor Pedal (Demo by Peter Stroud)

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Black Finger Optical Tube Compressor Pedal (Demo by Peter Stroud) by EHX

Electro-Harmonix Black Finger Optical Tube Compressor Pedal (Demo by Peter Stroud)

EHX

EHX

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Black Finger by ProGuitarShopDemos

Electro Harmonix Black Finger

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Black Finger Compressor by shnobel

Electro Harmonix Black Finger Compressor

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Black Finger Optical Tube Compressor by Joe Perkins

Electro-Harmonix Black Finger Optical Tube Compressor

Joe Perkins

Joe Perkins

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix - Black Finger - Demo by Peter Stroud - Optical Tube Compressor by JRR Shop

Electro-Harmonix - Black Finger - Demo by Peter Stroud - Optical Tube Compressor

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Video thumbnail for EHX Black Finger Tube Optical Compressor Demo & Review by jack's workshop

EHX Black Finger Tube Optical Compressor Demo & Review

jack's workshop

jack's workshop

Video thumbnail for ELECTRO-HARMONIX BLACK FINGER on BASS ( sem falação/no talking) by Gravidade Estudio

ELECTRO-HARMONIX BLACK FINGER on BASS ( sem falação/no talking)

Gravidade Estudio

Gravidade Estudio

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Q-tron Envelope Filter + EHX Black Finger + Fender American Vintage 64 Jazz Bass by theworldisflatwound

Electro Harmonix Q-tron Envelope Filter + EHX Black Finger + Fender American Vintage 64 Jazz Bass

theworldisflatwound

theworldisflatwound

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Black Finger by Alberto Schulz

Electro-Harmonix Black Finger

Alberto Schulz

Alberto Schulz

Reviews

PROS

  • Adds unique character and clarity to sound

  • Suitable for studio and live applications

  • Real tube compression with accurate voltage for richer sound

  • Versatile with multiple compression style options

  • Compatible with a variety of instruments (bass, electric, acoustic guitars)

  • Allows tube swapping for customizable tone

  • Can achieve an LA-2A compressor feel in a pedal format

  • Enhances sound with vibrancy and fullness

CONS

  • Large size and non-standard power supply

  • Learning curve required to achieve desired sound

  • Can produce noise if not dialed in properly

  • Dodgy power lead, prone to falling out and hard to replace

  • Does not operate on batteries, reliant on power adapter

  • Some users find it noisy and clunky

Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
boopbohead

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.

From Gear Setup
artifex_adrift

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.

P

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
See how Dominic Simper uses Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger

Dominic Simper

Guitarist, Bassist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Pedalmaniacs

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.

See how Amos Williams uses Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger

Amos Williams

Bassist

TesseracT

...
Verified via YouTube

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

See how Ian Peres uses Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger

Ian Peres

Bassist, Keyboardist

Wolfmother

...
Verified via Photo

"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."

See how Chris Ross uses Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger

Chris Ross

Bassist, Keyboardist

Wolfmother

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, at the beginning of it, Ross is talking about EHX Black Finger Tube Compressor he uses.

See how Whitney Petty uses Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger

Whitney Petty

Guitarist

Deerhunter

...
Verified via YouTube

See this video around 14:20

See how Isaiah Ikey Owens uses Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger

Isaiah Ikey Owens

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Mars Volta

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how Ali Güçlü Şimşek uses Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger

Ali Güçlü Şimşek

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Ali Güçlü Şimşek uses the Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger, as confirmed by an interview detailing his set-up, supported by an accompanying image.

See how Ivo Schot uses Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger

Ivo Schot

Singer, Guitarist

Subterranean Street Society

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo, Ivo Schot's setup includes an Electro-Harmonix Classics Black Finger tube compressor, visible beneath the Orange Terror bass amp head.

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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vladimirrusanov

vladimirrusanov

Gear IQ 175

boopbohead

boopbohead

Gear IQ 174

bryankielty

bryankielty

Gear IQ 86

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