Pigtronix Philosopher King

^# 79

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$269.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (1)

1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Pigtronix Philosopher King

3 wishlisted

8 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (8)

$269.00 3 available New

$115.00 9 available Used

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Average Price: $192

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

In the Compressor Effects Pedals category, Pigtronix Philosopher King is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Embark on a sonic adventure with the Pigtronix Philosopher King, a pedal that transcends traditional boundaries to offer unparalleled versatility. This isn't just another compressor; it's a gateway to exploring the outer limits of sound. From classic, smooth sustains to funky distortions and even polyphonic synthesizer vibes, the Philosopher King equips you with the tools to sculpt your tone in ways you've only imagined. Whether you're crafting swelling sweeps that gently fade into the ether or seeking the crystal-clear punch of transparent optical compression, this pedal offers a palette of sound that's as expansive as your creativity.

Key Features:

Highly versatile envelope and compression capabilities
Offers classic filter tones and lasting sustains
Unique features for funky distortion and polyphonic synthesizer effects
Swell and Fade functions for dynamic sound shaping
Transparent optical compression for pure tone enhancement

Owner's manual

Pigtronix Philosopher King User Manual

Product specs

Brand	Pigtronix
Model	Philosopher King
Finish	White Graphic
Year	2012
Made In	United States
Categories	Compressor Pedals, Controller, Expression and Volume Pedals

FAQs

What type of effect does the Pigtronix Philosopher King pedal provide?: The Pigtronix Philosopher King is a compressor and sustainer pedal with additional features for envelope shaping, including swell and fade effects, making it versatile for dynamic sound manipulation.
Does the Pigtronix Philosopher King work well with both electric guitar and bass?: Yes, the Pigtronix Philosopher King is designed to work effectively with both electric guitars and basses, offering enhanced sustain and dynamic control suitable for a variety of musical styles.
What are the standout features of the Pigtronix Philosopher King?: The standout features of the Pigtronix Philosopher King include its ability to control attack, decay, sustain, and release, along with an expression pedal input for real-time manipulation of these parameters.
Is the Pigtronix Philosopher King suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Pigtronix Philosopher King is suitable for live performances, offering robust construction and versatile control options that allow musicians to shape their sound dynamically on stage.
What power supply does the Pigtronix Philosopher King require?: The Pigtronix Philosopher King requires a standard 18V DC power supply, which is necessary to power its advanced circuitry and ensure optimal performance.

Videos

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ProGuitarShopDemos

Pigtronix Philosopher King

ProGuitarShopDemos

Official Pigtronix Philosopher King Demo Video - Compressor Sustainer & ADSR Envelope Generator

Pigtronix

Pigtronix Philosopher King Compressor Sustainer Guitar Pedal - Pigtronix Philosopher King

American Musical Supply

Pigtronix Philosopher King | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Pigtronix Philosopher King

musictoyznetwork

Saul Zonana Pigtronix Philosopher King

Saul Zonana

NY Amp Show '10 - Pigtronix Philosopher King Demo

Premier Guitar

Philosopher King Pigtronix Compressor Sustainer Swell Fade Review Demo w worship leader Jared Stepp

pastorjaredstepp

Pigtronix Philosopher King Pedal

samashdirect

Pigtronix Philosopher King on bass

Roey Haviv

MURILO ROMANO - THE PHILOSOPHER KING PEDAL (by PIGTRONIX)

Murilo Romano Official

Reviews

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PROS

Optical compressor with advanced features like ADSR envelope
Active treble control and overdrive for enhanced sound shaping
Offers incredibly pure sound with no hiss
Capable of long sustain, great for recording clean guitar sounds
ADSR section allows shaping of waveforms for unique sounds
Grit feature provides surprisingly good distortion
Can emulate bowed instruments or synths

CONS

Controls can be confusing and take time to understand
User manual has errors, complicating the learning curve
Noise issues when used with distortion and other pedals
Limited online tutorials, indicating possible diminished popularity

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Pigtronix Philosopher King.

Features and functionality

0 0

The GRIT control adds a fuzz-like distortion, reminiscent of unsuccessful 70s solid-state distortion attempts.
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0 0

The SWELL feature is highly sensitive to input changes, making it difficult to achieve consistent effects without altering guitar volume or signal.
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The resistor likely serves to limit incoming current or voltage, possibly protecting against incorrect power supplies.
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The Philosopher King offers a broad range of sonic possibilities, providing a fresh experience for enthusiasts looking to explore diverse sounds.
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Comparisons

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The auto SWELL effect is less effective than alternatives like the Strymon Mobius or Boss GT-100, which offer more satisfying results.
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User experience

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Some owners appreciate the ADSR functionality for reverse tape effects, similar to what the EHX Attack Decay offers.
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An owner successfully restored their pedal's functionality by following Pigtronix's advice to jumper the burnt resistor instead of replacing it.
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Users find it integrates seamlessly with other pedals, enhancing both compression and gain without overshadowing other effects.
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Value and pricing

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Prices for the Philosopher King have dropped significantly, often seen at less than half their original value on platforms like Reverb and eBay.
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Setup and maintenance

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A common issue is a burnt resistor (R57) near the 18v jack; Pigtronix suggests shorting the two points for a permanent fix instead of replacing it.
Source

Use cases and applications

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The pedal is described as unexpectedly effective in breaking creative ruts, suggesting its potential for inspiring new musical ideas.
Source

Critic Reviews

Pigtronix Philosopher King review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Pigtronix Philosopher King is a powerhouse for guitarists seeking to expand their sonic horizons, combining compression, distortion, and polyphonic amplitude synthesis. It excels in delivering a broad range of tones from subtle blends to high-gain sustain. The envelope-shaping capabilities, triggered by Swell or Fade footswitches, add impressive texture and dynamic control. However, its steep price might deter some potential buyers. Overall, it's a compelling choice for those willing to invest in innovative sound-shaping tools.

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