Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $225

High-end/Boutique

$50

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the essence of sonic finesse with the Petty John Crush Compressor, a pioneering force in the realm of compression pedals. Standing out in the Foundry Series, this studio-grade marvel taps into the unparalleled power of a Discrete Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA), a first in its domain. Designed not just for the pedalboard but with a keen emphasis on guitar and bass signals, the Crush brings the legendary sound of British console compressors right to your feet. Its versatility doesn't end there; a unique Tilt EQ circuit offers you the freedom to sculpt your sound, brightening or darkening as per your desire. The addition of a Clean Mix knob further enhances your tonal palette, letting you blend in your pristine, pre-amped signal for a perfect balance. This pedal isn't just about compression; it's about elevating your sound with precision and quality.

Key Features:

  • Powered by a Discrete Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA)
  • Optimized for both guitar and bass signals
  • Versatile Tilt EQ circuit for tone shaping
  • Clean Mix knob for blending uncompressed signals

Product specs

Brand Pettyjohn Electronics
Model Crush Compressor
Finish Teal
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Compressor Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of compression does the Petty John Crush Compressor offer?

The Petty John Crush Compressor provides studio-grade compression with a warm, analog character, making it ideal for both subtle dynamic control and more pronounced compression effects.

Is the Petty John Crush Compressor suitable for live performance?

Yes, the Petty John Crush Compressor is designed for both studio and live settings, offering robust build quality and reliable performance on stage.

Can the Petty John Crush Compressor be used with bass guitars?

While primarily designed for electric guitars, the Petty John Crush Compressor can also be effectively used with bass guitars to enhance sustain and control dynamics.

What power supply does the Petty John Crush Compressor require?

The Petty John Crush Compressor requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most guitar pedals.

Does the Petty John Crush Compressor have true bypass?

Yes, the Petty John Crush Compressor features true bypass switching, ensuring your signal remains uncolored when the pedal is not engaged.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Pettyjohn Electronics CRUSH Compressor

Video thumbnail for Pettyjohn Electronics CRUSH Compressor by ProGuitarShopDemos

Pettyjohn Electronics CRUSH Compressor

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Pettyjohn Electronics Crush Compressor Demo Video By Shawn Tubbs by Shawn Tubbs

Pettyjohn Electronics Crush Compressor Demo Video By Shawn Tubbs

Shawn Tubbs

Shawn Tubbs

Video thumbnail for Pettyjohn CRUSH, demo by Linda Taylor by Linda Taylor

Pettyjohn CRUSH, demo by Linda Taylor

Linda Taylor

Linda Taylor

Reviews

PROS

  • Great sound across all settings

  • Preserves original tone while adding warmth and gloss

  • Compatible with other high-quality pedals and bass

  • Parallel compression capability with mix knob

  • VCA compressor type allows for quick and powerful compression

  • Retains dynamics and high-end clarity

  • Interface is simple, intuitive with many parameters

  • EQ tilt provides versatile tone shaping

  • Low noise when powered correctly

CONS

  • No metering lights for visual feedback

  • Not a dramatic 'effect' compressor; subtle adjustments

  • Tilt EQ less useful for some; lacks side-chain for frequency focus

  • Finicky about power, certain voltages cause hiss

  • Input level needs careful management with high-quality pedal chains

  • May not work well with all power supplies, causing noise at 18 volts

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Petty John Crush Compressor.

Features and functionality

  • The EQ on the Petty John Crush is so effective, it can replace the Tumnus Deluxe for harmonic enrichment.

    Source
  • The Tilt EQ control on the Crush acts as a master tone, effectively balancing different guitars by enhancing desired tonal qualities without producing muddiness.

    Source
  • Running the Crush at 18v with a Strymon Zuma power supply increases headroom significantly, enhancing performance with high-gain amplifiers like a Boogie.

    Source
  • The pedal is appreciated for providing extra headroom and basic tone shaping, offering a colored boost that enhances the core sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • The switch on the Petty John Crush is notably loud, though newer models may feature quieter switches.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Running the Petty John Crush at 12v with a CS12 power supply results in very quiet operation.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report that their tone feels detailed and vibrant with the Crush, making their amps sound muddy and lifeless without it.

    Source
  • One owner uses the Crush in conjunction with the Pettyjohn PreDrive, noting that the combination eliminates the need for additional overdrive or fuzz pedals.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal performs exceptionally well with a Vibrolux Reverb (68 reissue) and a Harvard tweed clone.

    Source
  • The Crush excels in delivering varied tones, from "breathy and singing" legato blues to reggae tightness reminiscent of early Police songs when used with a PRS guitar.

    Source
  • The Petty John Crush is favored for adding saturation and polish, making it a top choice for some users as a singular pedal selection.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Petty John Crush is considered superior to the Xotic SP and Philosopher's Tone, which were either too noisy or dark.

    Source
  • The Crush offers a more transparent compression compared to Keeley and JHS models, maintaining breathiness and dynamic range without excessively squashing the signal.

    Source
  • One user found the Petty John Crush more appealing than the Free the Tone Silky Comp, describing it as fantastic and preferring it over others after trying both.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Pettyjohn Crush Compressor Review

compressorpedalreviews.com

A sonic gem, the Petty John Crush Compressor delivers a highly musical experience that feels natural and transparent, making it an excellent choice for both guitar and bass. With a boutique design and quality construction, it impresses with its array of settings for compression and EQ, allowing for a tailored sound. However, it falls short in sustain and can be tricky to dial in due to hard-to-read knob markers. While the pedal operates well at various voltages, it loses some oomph at lower settings. Ultimately, it’s a smooth, always-on effect that enhances tone without masking it, leaving you longing for its presence when switched off.

positive

The Pettyjohn Crush Compressor | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Petty John Crush Compressor offers professional-grade compression in a compact stompbox that many guitarists will appreciate. With features like a discrete VCA chip and a versatile Tilt EQ, it excels in delivering transparent tone without sacrificing clarity or sustain. However, its price tag of $369 may deter budget-conscious musicians looking for more affordable alternatives. While cheaper options exist, they often compromise on sound quality, leaving serious players to weigh the investment against the superior tonal control the Crush provides. Ultimately, for those willing to pay, the Crush is a powerful tool that can elevate any rig.

positive

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