The Jeds Peds Orange Squeezer kit is a DIY compressor pedal kit that recreates the Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer, a small FET-style compressor first built as a plug-in unit that attached directly to the guitar. Jeds Peds describes the original as "one of the oldest and most popular DIY pedal projects out there," and the kit follows the same single-knob circuit1. If you would rather buy a finished compressor than build one, see the wider field of Compressor Pedals.
The circuit it comes from
The Orange Squeezer was designed by Dan Armstrong, and Jeds Peds describes the circuit as simple to construct1. Musitronics Mu-Tron, the company associated with the original, lists it among its vintage Musitronics products as the Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer compressor2. The original unit plugged directly into the guitar rather than sitting on a pedalboard3.
The circuit's design credit is shared. In a Premier Guitar builder profile on the Mu-Tron story, Mike Beigel said of the Orange Squeezer that George Merriman "did most of it," while Beigel himself "had a bit of a hand" in it4.
The design has a documented pedigree among players. General Guitar Gadgets, which sells its own OSQ replica kit of the same circuit, notes that Jeff "Skunk" Baxter of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers is known to have sometimes used an Orange Squeezer compressor, including on the Doobie Brothers' "Takin' It To The Streets" album solos3. JHS Pedals, writing about compressor circuits, describes the Orange Squeezer as FET style compression, and the circuit its Pulp 'N' Peel is based on5.
What the kit includes and what you supply
The kit is supplied with a JP1590B enclosure1. One thing to plan for before ordering:
- You will need 1 knob for the kit, and the maker suggests you get a big one1
- For pre-built kits, you must add your knobs from the knob section or the pedal will come without any1
- All kits require full assembly, and any images of completed PCBs are for reference only1
Jeds Peds calls the build straightforward, with no specialist skill required, but also an ambitious beginner project, perhaps mostly suited to those who have built a couple of pedals before1. In other words, a first-timer can attempt it, but a couple of earlier builds under your belt will help.
Versions and prices
Jeds Peds sells the kit in several levels of completeness1:
| Version | What you get |
|---|---|
| PCB Only | Just the plain PCB1 |
| PCB & Components | PCB, onboard components and any pots and toggle switches1 |
| PCB & Components and off board parts | As above, plus off board parts1 |
| Full Kit | As above with undrilled enclosure1 |
| Full Kit & Drilling | Full kit with drilled enclosure1 |
| Pre Built | Built for you, knobs not included1 |
The pre-built version is listed at £32.00 GBP on the Jeds Peds page1. For comparison, General Guitar Gadgets lists its complete OSQ replica kit of the same circuit at $44 USD with every part included, among them the germanium diode and 2N5457 JFETs the circuit depends on3.
The pre-built Jeds Peds Orange Squeezer carries a 12 month repair warranty: should a fault develop, the maker will repair it1.
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Questions
Does the Jeds Peds Orange Squeezer kit come with a knob?
No. The maker says you will need one knob for the kit and suggests getting a big one. For pre-built kits, the same applies: you must add your knobs from the knob section or the pedal will arrive without any.
How much is the pre-built Jeds Peds Orange Squeezer?
The pre-built version is listed at £32.00 on the Jeds Peds product page, as of the date shown there. That price is in British pounds as stated by the maker; it is not a US dollar figure.
Is the Orange Squeezer kit good for a first build?
Jeds Peds calls it an ambitious beginner project, perhaps mostly suited to those who have built a couple of pedals before. The maker also describes it as a straightforward build with no specialist skill required, so it sits between a true first build and an advanced one.
What enclosure does the Jeds Peds Orange Squeezer kit use?
The kit is supplied with a JP1590B enclosure. The Full Kit version comes with the enclosure undrilled, and the Full Kit & Drilling version comes with it drilled.
Is there a warranty on the pre-built Orange Squeezer?
Yes. Jeds Peds gives a 12 month repair warranty on pre-built kits, so if a fault develops the maker will repair it.
Sources (5)
- Orange Squeezer, Jeds Peds (jedspeds.co.uk)
- Dan Armstrong, Musitronics Mu-Tron
- Orange Squeezer™ Clone Kit: Dan Armstrong Compressor Pedal, General Guitar Gadgets, 2014-05-12
- Builder Profile: The Mu-tron Story, www.premierguitar.com, 2013-09-12
- OUR MOST FLEXIBLE PEDAL, JHS Pedals
