Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Amazon
3.5 (2)
$159.00
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$159.00 New
$108.00 Used

Average Price: $164

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the full potential of your guitar rig with the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2. This innovative pedal reimagines the iconic optical compression of its predecessor, delivering exceptional dynamic control and tonal versatility. The Philosopher's Tone 2 is perfect for guitarists seeking a range from smooth, sustained cleans to roaring, gritty leads. Its footswitchable Grit circuit lets you seamlessly toggle between silicon and germanium grit, offering both the vintage warmth of germanium and the precise bite of silicon. This duality ensures your sound is never limited, providing a rich palette of textures to explore.

The pedal's intuitive control layout includes Volume, Sustain, Treble, and Blend knobs, allowing you to shape your tone with precision. The parallel clean blend control is a standout feature, enabling you to mix your dry signal with the compressed output, preserving your natural attack while enhancing sustain. Whether you’re looking for articulate crunch or smooth, endless sustain, the Philosopher's Tone 2 delivers with clarity and minimal noise.

Constructed with a durable metal chassis and true-bypass switching, this pedal is built to withstand the rigors of the road while ensuring your tone remains pristine. The active Treble EQ further refines your sound by offering up to 6dB of boost or cut at 2kHz, allowing you to tailor your tone to any guitar and amp setup.

Key Features:

  • Optical compressor with footswitchable germanium/silicon grit modes
  • Volume, Sustain, Treble, and Blend controls for dynamic tone shaping
  • Parallel clean blend control for mixing dry and compressed signals
  • True-bypass switching with 18V internal power supply
  • Durable metal chassis with active Treble EQ for tonal refinement

Product specs

Pedal Type Optical Compressor
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4"
Power Source 9V DC power supply (sold separately)

FAQs

What makes the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 different from other compressor pedals?

The Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 features an optical compression circuit that provides smooth, transparent compression. It also includes a "Grit" control, allowing users to blend in a layer of harmonic distortion for added character.

Can the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 be used with both electric and bass guitars?

Yes, the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 is versatile enough to be used with both electric and bass guitars, offering effective compression and tonal enhancement for both instruments.

Does the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 require a specific power supply?

The Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It does not run on batteries.

How does the "Grit" feature on the Philosopher's Tone 2 affect the sound?

The "Grit" feature allows you to blend in a layer of harmonic distortion, adding warmth and texture to your tone, which can be particularly useful for adding character to clean or compressed sounds.

Is the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 is well-suited for live performances, providing reliable compression and tonal flexibility that can enhance your guitar's presence in a live mix.

Pigtronix

Pigtronix

Introducing Philosopher's Tone 2 | Pigtronix

Video thumbnail for Introducing Philosopher's Tone 2 | Pigtronix by Pigtronix

Introducing Philosopher's Tone 2 | Pigtronix

Pigtronix

Pigtronix

Video thumbnail for 5 Spanky Tones on Philosopher's Tone 2 | Pigtronix by Pigtronix

5 Spanky Tones on Philosopher's Tone 2 | Pigtronix

Pigtronix

Pigtronix

Video thumbnail for Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 | Optical Compressor with Grit | Official Demo by Pigtronix

Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 | Optical Compressor with Grit | Official Demo

Pigtronix

Pigtronix

Video thumbnail for A GUITAR PEDAL YOU MUST HAVE! 🎸 | Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 by Juliana Wilson

A GUITAR PEDAL YOU MUST HAVE! 🎸 | Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2

Juliana Wilson

Juliana Wilson

Video thumbnail for Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 Compressor Pedal by R.J. Ronquillo

Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 Compressor Pedal

R.J. Ronquillo

R.J. Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for WHY COMP WHEN YOU CAN ALSO DRIVE? Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 Review by EytschPi42

WHY COMP WHEN YOU CAN ALSO DRIVE? Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 Review

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Video thumbnail for Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 by Jack Fossett

Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Video thumbnail for Pedals You Should Know Pedalboard Rundown! [VOL 3] | Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2, Mojo Hand & UA by Ambient Endeavors

Pedals You Should Know Pedalboard Rundown! [VOL 3] | Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2, Mojo Hand & UA

Ambient Endeavors

Ambient Endeavors

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2.

Value and pricing

  • Owners have found deals on the Philosopher's Tone 2, with one reporting a purchase price of £59, highlighting its affordability during sales.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal's dirt capability is appreciated in shoegaze and gritty soundscapes, beyond typical compressor uses like chicken pickin’ and funk.

    Source
  • The Philosopher's Tone 2's built-in distortion is notably quiet, although some users find its sound unappealing compared to other distortion effects.

    Source
  • The Philosopher's Tone 2 excels in creating a crackly distortion when used with bridge pickups, providing a natural blend with the clean tone.

    Source
  • For a super-compressed tone reminiscent of "Venus in Furs" by Velvet Underground, adjust the blend knob down and turn up sustain and treble.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Single coil pickups significantly increase noise levels with the Philosopher's Tone 2 when paired with overdrive, unlike humbuckers which remain quiet in similar setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Barber Tone Press performs noiselessly in setups where the Philosopher's Tone 2 exhibits noise issues, suggesting differences in noise handling between these compressors.

    Source
  • Compared to the Ego Comp mini, the Philosopher's Tone 2 offers a more organic compression, responsive to the player's picking dynamics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Reordering the signal chain, specifically placing overdrive before the Philosopher's Tone 2, can sometimes reduce noise issues effectively.

    Source
  • The treble knob on the Philosopher's Tone 2 is crucial for achieving the desired sound, especially when blending with dirt on bridge pickups.

    Source

User experience

  • Users find the blend knob and treble knob essential for dialing in the perfect sound, highlighting the pedal's versatility and ease of use.

    Source

Critic Reviews

NAMM 2024: “This pedal facilitates an alchemical dance”: Pigtronix’s Philosopher’s Tone 2 is the sequel that looks set to top the original – adding footswitchable grit to the world-class compressor pedal | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Pigtronix’s Philosopher's Tone 2 brings a refreshing upgrade to its predecessor, introducing a footswitchable grit channel and selectable clipping options for versatile tonal flexibility. The pedal shines with rich midrange tones across various playing styles, from funky rhythms to smooth slide guitar. However, while the new layout and larger knobs enhance usability, some may find the changes in the Blend control's functionality a bit confusing. Overall, it’s an impressive pedal that captures a wide range of sounds, making it a worthy investment for musicians seeking to elevate their compression game.

positive

NAMM 2024: Pigtronix unveils the revamped the Philosopher’s Tone 2, an optical compressor with a switchable Si/Ge drive and blend control to take you to “a new plane of tonal enlightenment” | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 elevates your tonal game with added grit and enhanced control. Its dual clipping options and independent grit footswitch offer versatility for various playing styles. The Blend control is a thoughtful touch, allowing seamless integration of both compressed and uncompressed signals. However, some may find the additional features overwhelming if they prefer simplicity. While it shines in delivering warm, dynamic tones, the pedal's complexity might deter those seeking straightforward functionality. Overall, it's a powerful tool for those ready to explore the sonic depth it offers.

positive

Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 Compressor with added Grit - gearnews.com

gearnews.com

The Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone 2 Compressor emerges as a compelling upgrade with its added grit and versatile controls. The independent footswitch for the Grit section and the choice between silicon and germanium tones add a layer of customization that players will appreciate. Enhanced internal headroom ensures a clean signal, while the Blend control preserves the natural attack of your sound. However, while the improvements are notable, some may find the price point of $199 a bit steep for a compressor pedal. Overall, this pedal is a strong contender for those seeking both compression and character in their rig.

positive

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    Gear IQ 42641