It seems everything from Jeorge Tripp’s Way Huge workbench has been a treat lately. His new Saffron Squeeze Mk II resurrects one of his lesser-known classics, a compressor based in turn on the much-coveted Ross Compressor. Like its inspiration, the SS Mk I was deliciously smooth, but like most stompbox compressors, it could be noisy. This newest evolution tames noise with a highly effective tone knob. I love compressors in less-than-subtle settings (super-squashed 12 strings and ’60s fuzz are specialties) so an added knob to dial out post-comp high-end noise is a godsend.
The tone control isn’t the only new feature. The attack control has great range. And the new input gain control interacts awesomely with the sustain and volume controls (which are already interactive). The result is smooth, quiet compression at subdued settings (it’s a fantastic clean boost and low-gain sustainer) and the ability to precisely sculpt high-gain sounds. (It made unruly silicon Fuzz Face and Fuzzrite clones sound huge and smooth.) The pedal is a joy to work with, and its price is more than fair.
Test Gear: Fender Jaguar, Fender Telecaster Custom, silverface Fender Bassman, Xits X10
Ratings
Pros:
Pragmatically interactive sustain, volume, and gain controls. Effective tone control. Great with fuzz and overdrive. Quiet at subtle settings.
Cons:
Small knobs not the easiest to use on dark stages.
Street:
$149
Way Huge Saffron Squeeze Mk II
jimdunlop.com
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