Recommendations for a budget compressor

[giannifive]

Hi all. I'm looking to get a compressor pedal, and I was interested in hearing your recommendations for someone on a budget.

I want something boutique-y that doesn't add too much color to the tone, nor is too transparent. The Keeley compressor would be ideal, but as I mentioned, I'm on a budget. I've tried the Boss CS-3, but it's too sterile for my tastes. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the MXR Dyna-Comp is too harsh, and I really prefer the attack control to be externally controllable (not internally via a trimpot). Right now I'm looking at the Rocktron Big Crush, which can be found for $55 new. The sound sample on the website sounds decent, and it has good reviews (although there aren't many reviews on line).

Another alternative would be to build my own, which would be fun because I like electronics and building stuff. I've found several consistent schematics for a Ross-style compressor, and the parts cost would be <~$30, but if the sound is similar to something I can buy for just a little more money, I'd rather save myself the effort and buy the pedal.

Looking forward to everyone's input...

[Strat Man Dwight]

Hi, sorry that you find the Boss CS-3 too sterile. I use it when not using vintage Ibanez gear ... seriously. My main units are matching red CP-835 and CP-9. But you can't get those, unless you find a used CP-9 within your budget, so it's still a recommendation. Otherwise take a look at Marshall ED-1. They're around $79. You can probably find ample references to them on websites - I just checked the features & price in my Elderly catalogue. All the best! SMD

[Rotti]

I pickup up a super cheap Ibanez soundtank one off ****. It's plastic and all it's my first compressor pedal. If I like it (waiting for it to arrive) I'll either upgrade to a better quality pedal or pull the guts out of the soundtank and put it in a metal case with new pots and switches and make my own boutique pedal.

[VanWyck]

Guitar Player mag had a pretty good compressor comparison a few months ago, look it up.

[guitarshredder7]

make one out of grapes

[Mr Orange]

FMR Audio RNC 1773.

Whoops.
Not a pedal. Transparent, though. And small.

[giannifive]

Thank you for your suggestions (except not you guitarshredder7), but this thread is very old, and I've already picked up a compressor I like. I got an old DOD FX80B. Highly underrated, IMHO.

-J