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Description

The very idea for the Lamplighter Optical Compressor is rooted in legendary tone and studio lore. The Lamplighter is the result of countless hours of tweaking, listening, and tweaking again. The idea is pretty simple—provide compression that doesn’t “step” on your tone like other compressors do, make it as transparent as possible, with a low noise floor, while allowing the effect to be present, and provide options that musicians the world over have asked for. This is Greer Amps’ answer to the question of wide-ranging, useable compression for all musicians. After listening to studio compressors for years, we’ve often wondered why we couldn’t find something to get the smooth and subtle compression that we hear in the studio, on a pedal board. Now we know that it can be done. Your new favorite compressor is here, and you’re going to love it.

The controls on the Lamplighter provide the user the ability to have subtle or intense compression. The use of both the Compression and Comp Mix controls allow for a multitude of “sweet spots” with different settings. Add the release toggle into the mix, and you suddenly have a compressor with the flexibility of a contortionist. The Treble control can push the tonal range into shimmery, squashed out heaven. Overall, this compressor is hard to beat, and you will not want to turn it off.

The Lamplighter features top jacks, runs off of 9 volts only (do NOT try to run this pedal off of higher voltages than 9 volts).

Product specs

Brand Greer
Model Lamplighter Optical Compressor
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Compressor Pedals

FAQs

What type of compression does the Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor use?

The Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor uses optical compression, which is known for its smooth and natural response, making it ideal for maintaining dynamics while adding sustain.

Is the Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Greer Amps Lamplighter is designed to perform well in live settings, providing consistent compression and sustain without sacrificing tone, making it a great choice for gigging musicians.

Can the Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor be used with bass guitars?

Yes, the Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor works well with bass guitars, offering transparent compression that enhances sustain and evens out dynamics without losing low-end clarity.

How does the Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor affect the tone of a guitar?

The Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor adds a smooth, warm compression that enhances sustain and clarity without significantly altering the original tone of the guitar.

What power supply does the Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor require?

The Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most pedalboards and easy to integrate into existing setups.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor

Video thumbnail for Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor by ProGuitarShopDemos

Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for LAMPLIGHTER OPTICAL COMPRESSOR | GREER AMPS | MATT MARTIN by Greer Amps

LAMPLIGHTER OPTICAL COMPRESSOR | GREER AMPS | MATT MARTIN

Greer Amps

Greer Amps

Video thumbnail for Greer Amps Lamplighter optical compressor (demo) by Living Room GD

Greer Amps Lamplighter optical compressor (demo)

Living Room GD

Living Room GD

Video thumbnail for Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor by shnobel

Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor by Coast Sonic

Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor

Coast Sonic

Coast Sonic

Video thumbnail for Greer Amps Lamplighter vs Pete Cornis OC-1 Optical Compressor by shnobel

Greer Amps Lamplighter vs Pete Cornis OC-1 Optical Compressor

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor by Pedal of the Day

Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor

Pedal of the Day

Pedal of the Day

Video thumbnail for 5 Minutes with the Greer Lamplighter Optical Compressor - Pedal Demo by Ryan Kiesshauer

5 Minutes with the Greer Lamplighter Optical Compressor - Pedal Demo

Ryan Kiesshauer

Ryan Kiesshauer

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile with extensive tweakability and multiple control knobs

  • Incredible sustain without altering feel under fingers

  • True bypass ensures consistent signal for fuzz pedals

  • Treble knob restores sheen without losing character

  • Great transient and subtle tone shaping capabilities

  • Works well with both single coils and humbuckers

  • Selectable release speeds for different pickups

  • Quiet operation when used lightly

  • High build quality typical of Greer pedals

CONS

  • Not fully transparent; adds slight color and mid hump

  • Can be challenging to dial-in properly for some setups

  • May require adjustment for optimal use with overdrive pedals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor.

Features and functionality

  • The Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor is praised for enhancing presence and sustain without altering the original tone, providing subtle yet significant improvements in sound dynamics.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the pedal's subtle and clean compression, which becomes more apparent with increased usage, particularly in differentiating between various release speeds.

    Source
  • The pedal is effectively used in complex stereo setups, working well with stereo effects like the Strymon Deco's "wobble" feature.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the Lamplighter particularly effective for clean tones, offering improved sustain and presence, making it ideal for genres requiring clear articulation and dynamic control.

    Source
  • The optical compression in the Lamplighter works well for players who prefer maintaining natural dynamics, as it doesn't overly squash the signal, unlike some other compressor types.

    Source
  • The Lamplighter is effectively used in complex pedal setups, including combinations with fuzz, boosters, and overdrive pedals, suggesting its versatility in diverse chains.

    Source
  • The Lamplighter is favored for slide guitar, with extreme settings enhancing note bloom and providing a more affected sound rather than aiming for transparency.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to other compressors, the Lamplighter is noted for its lack of tone coloration, which some owners prefer over more aggressive compression pedals like the Dyna Comp and Bi-Comp.

    Source
  • Compared to the Dyna Comp, the Lamplighter offers a cleaner and more subtle compression, appealing to those who find aggressive compression less suitable for their style.

    Source
  • The Lamplighter is compared to other compressors for its ability to color sound in a desirable way, contrasting with more transparent options.

    Source

User experience

  • A user transitioning from a Dyna Comp highlights the learning curve in discerning release speed differences, suggesting potential depth in the pedal's capabilities.

    Source
  • Owners report the Lamplighter's ability to significantly change the feel of playing, adding a unique coloration that enhances the musical experience.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Greer Lamplighter Optical Compressor Review

compressorpedalreviews.com

The Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor is a visually striking pedal with its glossy black finish and golden hues, but it offers a mixed bag of sonic features. While it effectively evens out dynamics and adds sustain, its claim of transparency is undermined by a significant mid-frequency boost that can dominate the tone. This mid-forward presence could appeal to heavy rock and metal players, but might not suit those seeking true transparency. The compression range is wide, but introduces noticeable noise at higher settings. Its controls are intuitive, yet the treble can become brittle. With a solid build and top-mounted jacks, it's a quality piece, best suited for guitarists seeking an aggressive, non-distorted punch. However, its tonal coloration may not be for everyone, making it a nuanced choice rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor review on pedal-of-the-day.com

pedal-of-the-day.com

The Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor shines as a versatile addition to any pedalboard, offering classic studio compression with on-stage flexibility. With thoughtful features like a treble boost/cut knob and a Comp Mix control for dialing in the perfect balance, it's a tweakable powerhouse. The three-way toggle for release settings (Medium, Slow, Fast) makes it adaptable for various playing styles, from sustaining chords to subtle compression. While its craftsmanship and sound quality are praised, the true standout is its ability to blend seamlessly into a rig without overwhelming the original signal. Overall, a stellar choice for those seeking to elevate their tone.

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Artist usage

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See how Eirik Stordrange uses Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor

Eirik Stordrange

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"My demo of the Greer Amps Lamplighter optical compressor!"

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

1 alternative for Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor, curated by the Equipboard community.

Jackson Audio Bloom V2

$322.00 - $329.00

similar sound high-end alternative

Optical compressors with similar functionalities, being the Bloom more high end

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