The Sawbones Optical Compressor is a hand-wired optical compressor pedal from Bolt & Forge Analog Audio. It is built as a tone conditioner or boost for the front of a signal chain, with a 100% all-analog signal path, a Clean control for blending in your dry signal, and true bypass switching1. Like other compressor pedals, it evens out dynamics and adds sustain, but the optical design and dry blend aim to keep the note's attack intact while it does so.
Controls and circuit
Pedal of the Day's review describes a Clean control that lets you mix in your uncompressed dry signal, "so there's none of the 'dullness' you might hear when" the compression works alone1. A parallel dry blend of that kind is a practical feature for players who want sustain without losing pick attack: the compressed signal sits under the untouched one, and you dial the balance by ear.
The circuit itself is specified with hand-selected germanium diodes, metal-film resistors and audio-quality film capacitors, and the pedal is hand-wired1. Germanium parts are usually associated with older fuzz and treble booster designs, so their use in a compressor gives the Sawbones a component set that stands apart from the integrated-circuit approach most modern compressors take.
The pedal can run on up to 18 volts1. A supply with a dedicated 18V output is needed for that, which rules out sharing power with pedals running at lower voltages.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the Sawbones in December 2023 as the third of four effects Bolt & Forge Analog Audio sent over1. The reviewer's verdict was that it is a "noise-free, full-featured [optical compressor] that's ideal at the beginning of your signal chain as a tone conditioner or boost"1. In other words, the reviewer found it quiet in operation, flexible enough in its controls, and best placed first in the chain, where it shapes the guitar's signal before any overdrive, fuzz or delay pedals downstream.
Videos
Mike Hermans
Pedal of the Day
Questions
Is the Sawbones Optical Compressor true bypass?
Yes. Pedal of the Day describes the Sawbones as hand-wired with true bypass switching, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through without the compressor's circuitry loading it. That matters on a pedalboard where several pedals in a row can each add a little tone loss when engaged.
Is the Sawbones Optical Compressor fully analog?
Yes. Pedal of the Day lists a 100% all-analog signal path among the pedal's features, built around hand-selected germanium diodes, metal-film resistors and audio-quality film capacitors. There is no digital conversion in the audio path.
What voltage can the Sawbones Optical Compressor run on?
Pedal of the Day notes the ability to run up to 18 volts. Running a pedal at a higher supply voltage can increase headroom, but you will need a power supply that offers an 18V output; check what your supply provides before plugging in.
Does the Sawbones Optical Compressor have a dry blend control?
Yes. Pedal of the Day describes a Clean control that lets you mix in your uncompressed dry signal, which the reviewer says avoids the dullness compression can cause. Parallel blending like this is useful for keeping attack and openness while still getting sustain.
Who makes the Sawbones Optical Compressor?
The Sawbones Optical Compressor is made by Bolt & Forge Analog Audio. Pedal of the Day reviewed it in December 2023 as the third of four effects the maker sent over.
Sources (1)
- Bolt & Forge Analog Audio Sawbones Optical Compressor, Pedal of the Day, 2023-12-17