Guitarists are constantly seeking ways to enhance their sound and expression. Among the most sought-after qualities is sustain – the ability for a note to ring out and resonate for an extended period. While there are various techniques and effects to achieve this, the “Sustain Pedal Guitar” concept often leads players to explore the world of compressor pedals. These aren’t your typical piano-style sustain pedals, but rather ingenious devices designed to manipulate the dynamics of your guitar signal, resulting in that coveted, seemingly endless sustain.
What if you could achieve studio-quality sustain right at your feet? Many guitarists, especially those who play slide guitar, understand the importance of compression in achieving smooth, long-lasting notes. One pedal that consistently rises to the top in discussions about achieving exceptional sustain is the Origin Effects Slide Rig Compact Deluxe. This pedal aims to replicate the legendary studio sound of cascaded 1176 FET compressors, famously used by artists like Lowell George for his iconic slide guitar tones, all within a compact stompbox format.
The Origin Effects Slide Rig Compact Deluxe isn’t just another compressor pedal; it’s a meticulously crafted tool for serious tone seekers. It essentially packs two 1176-style compressors into a single unit, allowing for a wide range of compression effects. You can utilize a single stage for standard compression, evening out your dynamics and adding clarity. However, the real magic happens when you cascade both compressors. This configuration allows you to achieve remarkable sustain, making notes bloom and sing for far longer than with typical compression.
Controls on the Slide Rig Compact Deluxe offer precise shaping of your sustain. You can adjust the input level to fine-tune how the pedal reacts to your guitar’s signal. A blend control is crucial, letting you mix the dry signal with the singly or doubly compressed signals. This is key to maintaining clarity while adding sustain. Finally, an output level control ensures unity gain or a boost if needed. The Mark II version even adds a simplified attack/release control, offering even greater flexibility compared to the original Mark I, which had fixed settings.
While some instruments like steel guitars often rely on volume control for dynamics, the Slide Rig Compact Deluxe truly shines for slide guitar. It eliminates the need for constant volume pedal adjustments to maintain sustain, providing a consistent and expressive playing experience. Even for standard guitar playing, this pedal proves invaluable when you desire notes that seemingly hang in the air. If you’re looking to extend notes and create a more sustained and vocal-like tone without resorting to distortion, the Origin Effects Slide Rig Compact Deluxe stands out as a premium solution.
Despite its higher price point, often around $350 new, the consensus among players is that the Origin Effects Slide Rig Compact Deluxe justifies the investment. Its unparalleled sustain capabilities and studio-quality compression in a pedal format make it a top contender for guitarists who demand the very best in clean sustain and dynamic control. If achieving truly exceptional sustain is your goal, exploring the Slide Rig Compact Deluxe is highly recommended.
