The Suhr Woodshed Comp Andy Wood Signature is an analog compressor pedal built around a VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) circuit, the gain-control design common in studio compressors. Suhr describes it as tailored towards a studio-type schematic, and the goal, per RockBoard's PedalPedia, was to provide compression while maintaining the tone and transients of the guitar, without being as temperamental as vintage pedals12.
It is a signature design: Suhr says it was designed in collaboration with guitarist Andy Wood, and Wood plays it across multiple musical environments. On Suhr's product page he says, "Together, Kevin Suhr and Andy Wood have built a compressor that is the foundation of some of Andy's favorite tones"2.
Controls
The pedal's defining control is its attack, set on a three-way toggle rather than a continuous knob. Suhr chose the three positions from Andy Wood's own settings: "So with the Woodshed Compressor, we chose my favorite versions of what my optimum fast, medium, and slow attack settings"2. That means the toggle steps between three fixed attack times chosen by the artist instead of asking the player to dial one in by ear, which makes the pedal quick to set up and repeatable from gig to gig.
Design intent and build
RockBoard's PedalPedia notes that the conception of the Woodshed Comp was to make something unique, with more character than the commonly used compressors1. Physically it is a small pedal: "Don't let its size fool you. The tonal characteristics of this tiny pedal can only be eclipsed by its durability," the PedalPedia entry says1.
The 80mA current draw1 is higher than many small pedals need, so it is worth matching to a supply output that can deliver it comfortably.
For readers comparing compressors within the same maker's range, Suhr also makes the Suhr Koji Comp, and the wider category is covered on the Compressor Pedals page.
Videos
Suhr Custom
Andy Wood Music
Jack's Guitar Trax
Questions
Is the Suhr Woodshed Comp analog?
Yes. RockBoard's PedalPedia lists the circuit type as analog, and Suhr's own product page describes it as a VCA compressor tailored towards a studio-type schematic. A VCA, or voltage-controlled amplifier, is the gain-control element found in many studio compressors, so the pedal brings that approach to a pedalboard format rather than using an optical or FET circuit.
What power supply does the Suhr Woodshed Comp need?
The pedal runs on 9V DC with a center-negative plug, the standard arrangement used by most modern pedals. It draws 80mA, so a standard low-current output on a daisy-chain supply may not be comfortable for it; a dedicated or higher-current output on a pedalboard power supply is the safer match.
How much current does the Suhr Woodshed Comp draw?
RockBoard's PedalPedia lists the current draw as 80mA at 9V DC. That is worth checking against your power supply's per-output rating before adding it to a board, since some simple daisy-chain outputs deliver less than that.
Who designed the Suhr Woodshed Comp?
Suhr says the pedal was designed in collaboration with guitarist Andy Wood. On Suhr's product page, Andy Wood says that together with Kevin Suhr he built a compressor that is the foundation of some of his favorite tones, and that the attack toggle carries his optimum fast, medium and slow attack settings.
Sources (2)
- Woodshed Comp Andy Wood Signature by Suhr, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Woodshed Comp, Suhr (www.suhr.com)
