"The humble compressor is one of the most subtle but useful effects of the multitude available to guitarists. So its good to see that Oklahoma-based Robert Keeley has produced a new pedal based on the much sought-after Ross grey compressor, but with a few added bonuses

Keeley has recreated the original Ross circuit and upgraded many of the components (for example Ross' cheap ceramic capacitors have been converted to audiophile-grade metal film). The upshot is that the Keeley retains the fast compression of the Ross, but with superior tone, excellent transparency, and - unlike the original - very low noise.

Other improvements on the Ross are a true bypass mode (switching the effect off doesn't cause any loss of tone). You can even use the Keeley in bypass mode when the battery goes dead. The other improvement over the Ross is the attractive blue LED that lets you know when the pedal is on or off.

The Keeley has two controls - sustain and level. Using a Les Paul, I was able to summon up a gorgeous creamy Sanatana-like tone and by increasing the sustain control was able to hold a note endlessly at low volume through a Fender valve amp. The level control can be used to set up a volume boost for solos, making this a more versatile pedal than you might think (JS) Rating: 4 out of 5 - Total Guitar Magazine May 2003 Issue

"After much research and disappointment with AKAI, Boss, and Guyatone units( all thin-sounding and noisy ) I found some rave reviews of the Keeley unit ... and liked what I read.

Likes: It is exquisitely designed and built and yields far more than the other units I've tried. It actually enlivens rather than restricts tone and, being true bypass, if I want to click it off it doesn't suck my tone. However, I almost always leave it ON because it adds so much even at very subtle settings. If I push it I can get the molten sustain of the 60s guitar heroes at bedroom volume with a lot of pleasing harmonics. A must for legato players!

Dislikes: I like everything about it and it does not have a bunch of useless and confusing knobs to fool you into thinking you are actually shaping your sound. It's got Level and Sustain and that's it. The power jack has been placed on the side rather than the front of the unit as Robert says this reduces noise. Never seen anyone else bother, but he does.

Quality: Premium grade switches/components, heavy cast box with small footprint (about DynaComp size), blue jewel LED and barrel-jacked for powering by Valvulator/Juice Box, etc. This would clearly survive a direct hit.

Summary: Robert is a degreed electrical engineer and tone freak. I wish all makers cared as much about build quality AND exhibited the same humble and helpful kind of customer care Robert does. The unit is not cheap but then 3 Boss comps do not equal one Keeley, if you get my point. There is no substitute for quality.These units will be sought after and reverently written about 20 years from now while commanding ridiculous prices, I am convinced" - Dan in Santa Cruz, on MusicGearReview.com

"Speaking from the point of view of a player who doesn’t like too much at his feet when playing live, a foot pedal has really got to show its worth.

The Keeley Compressor does just that, with simple controls (you don’t want any more for live work !) and a blue neon which doesn’t seem to ‘disappear’ under the lights.

A lot of venues just aren’t big enough to let an old valve amp really come into its own. Adding too much drive or boost on low volume can really muddy the sound or make it sound like a ‘bag of angry flies’. However, put the Keeley in line with a good drive pedal and everything you need is there, crisp and clear !

Using the compressor as a level boost for soloing; adding a touch of sustain on a clean sound and it’s like you’re really wringing the neck for every last bit of note. It makes using harmonics a lot easier and the tone is still maintained, Nils Lofgren type use of harmonics and Jeff Becks clean but menacing sound are still there. Used with the boost pedal, the more outrageous and flamboyant sounds of Mr Hendrix are readily available, and yet, turn the guitar down and the rich sounding chord work is still there.

This is a great little pedal, easy to use, seems quite robust, no unwanted noise and doesn’t alter the tone of the guitar. Its only a compressor I know, but it can add a lot to your sound. It really needs to be tried to be appreciated. " - Dave Robinson from The Idle Hands

" Very simple to use, just two knobs. Very easy to set, no much guessing here. Robert (Keeley) includes an instruction sheet with suggestions on how to set up.

Sound Quality is where this thing really shines. I used to use a maxon cp101 but there is really no comparison. This thing is so tranparent, I really love the way it does not change your picking sound like the maxon. I keep it on almost all the time. I like to use it for clean rythym too, keeps it real even sounding without screwing up tone" - Tim Clardy, on Harmony Central

"I play R&B, blues, pop, hard rock, country. I'm 53 and have been playing/performing since age 16. I play mostly Gibsons thru Marshalls, but always drag along my Tele or Strat. I've played thru every conceivable effect and amp and own a studio. I like to think I know what I'm talking about...this is a great piece of equipment built by a first class guy. The Keely products I own are the best of the "boutique" pedals. I hope his inevitable mainstream commercial success doesn't change this..I doubt it will" - Irish on Harmony Central

"Cleanest, quietest most tonefull compressor around.A have used most of them (carl martin,boss,mxr,etc..) This kiss them all. Great tonal range from not noticable to super squeeze. I set mine differently for different things but I NEVER turn it off! The rig consists of a Prs then compressor into a gibson goldtone amp and I have finally found the tone.

I play guitar professionally for a Capital recording artist and this pedal is a must for any pro regardless of the style of music played. Go get one now while you still can because once the secret is out you will be on a year long waiting list!" - Shane, on Harmony Central

"I am a blues rock/power pop old school dude who thinks it's a good idea to actually pay some dues and learn how to play your instrument, been playing since I was a boy, over 35 years now.I compared the AKAI Hexi Comp (OK sound but a noise bomb) and the Guyatone tube-driven model but it was defective on arrival and after I f***ed with it I still couldn't get much but noise out of it. The BOSS CS-whatever is not even in the running. Very disappointing. So I read every single effects review in Harmony-Central and came across Keeley and liked what I read and what his website has to say (www.robertkeeley.com)The Keeley comp is the greatest advance since penicillin.If you really care about tone and can tell great tone from just-OK tone, call Robert and place an order.These are going to be collector's items" - Danimal, on Harmony Central