Maxon CP-101 Compressor

$129.25 to $225.00 Price Tier: Standard

1 Critic Review

All time low price

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Page last updated Jun 19, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated June 19, 2026.

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Price

$149.97 $129.25 $20.72 · All time low

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$225.00

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5.0 (5)

$129.25 14 available New

$54.00 15 available Used

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5.0 (10)

$225.00

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Average Price: $153

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

In the Compressor Effects Pedals category, Maxon CP-101 Compressor is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Maxon CP-101 Compressor". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Maxon CP-101 Compressor is your secret weapon for achieving a consistent and polished guitar sound without sacrificing your instrument's natural dynamics. Built with simplicity in mind, this pedal offers a fuss-free experience with its intuitive two-knob layout. The CP-101 preserves the attack of your guitar strings while delivering a seamless, low-noise compression, making it an essential tool for both studio sessions and live performances. Guitarists who crave a transparent compression that enhances their tone without overwhelming it will find this pedal to be a perfect fit.

Equipped with a proprietary low-noise circuit, the CP-101 ensures that your sound remains clear and articulate, even when layered with other effects. Its rugged construction is designed to withstand the rigors of the road, while its compact size makes it a pedalboard-friendly choice for musicians on the go. Whether you're looking to tame dynamic peaks or add sustain to your solos, the Maxon CP-101 Compressor provides the control you need to shape your sound with precision.

Key Features:

Two simple controls: Sustain and Level
Preserves natural attack while providing smooth compression
Proprietary low-noise circuit for clear sound
Compact and durable design for easy transport
Ideal for both studio and live settings

Product specs

Brand	Maxon
Model	Compressor CP101
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Made In	Japan
Categories	Compressor Pedals

FAQs

Is the Maxon CP-101 Compressor suitable for bass guitar as well as electric guitar?: Yes, the Maxon CP-101 Compressor works perfectly with bass guitar, electric guitar, and acoustic/electrics, providing clean compression with minimal noise.
How does the Maxon CP-101 Compressor affect my guitar tone?: The Maxon CP-101 offers transparent compression, preserving your guitar's natural tone while providing smooth sustain and dynamic control.
Is the Maxon CP-101 Compressor pedal noisy?: The Maxon CP-101 is designed to provide minimal noise, ensuring a clean and professional sound even at higher compression settings.
Can the Maxon CP-101 Compressor be used in a live performance setting?: Yes, the Maxon CP-101 is suitable for live performances, offering reliable compression that enhances your sound without adding unwanted noise.
What power supply does the Maxon CP-101 Compressor require?: The Maxon CP-101 Compressor typically requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for many guitar pedals.

Videos

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intheblues

Maxon Compressor CP101 Pedal Demo

intheblues

TWO KNOB COMPRESSORS: MXR Dyna Comp vs Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal

Music Bliss Malaysia

MAXON CP101 Opto Compressor Review Dyna Comp MXR Ross Keeley Wampler Xotic Limiter Sustainer

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Maxon CP101 Compressor on Guitar

Godlyke Inc.

Maxon Compressor CP101 demo, Msm workshop

MSMWorkshop

MAXON CP101 COMPRESSOR + FENDER ERIC JOHNSON STRAT + FENDER BANDMASTER + ORANGE ROCKERVERB 50 DEMO

GUITARE XTREME MAGAZINE

Maxon CP-101 compressor

Muzyczny_pl

Maxon Compressor CP-101 (No Talk)

DraffyTube

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Maxon CP-101 Compressor.

Features and functionality

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The Maxon CP-101 is noted for staying always on, providing a unique sound that isn't commonly found on other pedalboards.
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The Maxon CP-101's optical compression design provides a light, transparent effect, suitable for non-country styles where heavy compression isn't desired.
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User experience

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An owner highlights the exclusivity of the Maxon CP-101, appreciating its sound quality and feeling "cool" for using a less common pedal.
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Owners prefer the Maxon CP-101 for its soft knee compression, ideal for evening out clean arpeggios and pickings in band settings without the "squish" of Ross-style comps.
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Comparisons

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The Maxon CP-101 is indirectly compared to other compressors like the Boss CP1X and Keeley Compressor Plus, with users often valuing uniqueness and specific sound profiles.
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The Maxon CP-101 was chosen over the Diamond Comp Jr because it offered more natural high-end transparency, unlike Diamond's slight high-end lift.
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Use cases and applications

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The fixed compression ratio around 4:1 on the Maxon CP-101 suits users looking for moderate, consistent compression without needing adjustable ratios.
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Mods and upgrades

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Detailed instructions exist for converting the Maxon CP-101 to true bypass using a 3PDT switch, including specific wiring steps and color-coded wire placements.
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It has been noted that adding a resistor to the 3PDT switch might be used to achieve low impedance output, though specifics on resistor value are not provided.
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Setup and maintenance

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Transitioning from stock 2PDT to 3PDT switch involves unsoldering and resoldering specific colored wires (yellow, white, pink, black, blue) to corresponding numbered points on the switch.
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Critic Reviews

Maxon CP101

ovnilab.com

The Maxon CP-101 Compressor offers a transparent sound and natural action, making it suitable for musicians seeking subtle signal smoothing. However, its fixed 4:1 ratio limits its punch and peak limiting capabilities, and it can struggle with hot output signals, leading to distortion. Finding the optimal Sustain setting is crucial, but this may require extensive tweaking. While it outperforms some models in low-end response, the highs lack brightness and clarity. Its compact design is user-friendly, yet the non-true bypass footswitch may disappoint some players. Overall, it's a decent option for those willing to invest time into dialing in their sound.

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