Do I want a compressor pedal?

[Sir GuitarCozmo]

I'm looking to update my tone some - I'd like to add a few things or change a few things.  Primarily, I've never owned a compressor pedal.  I get the general idea behind how they work.  Add sustain, even out pick attack and volume, etc.  I gather that it gives your cleans a nice sparkle, but it always seems to be one of those things where some people love them, some people are like "meh".  Can anybody give me their thoughts on the idea?  I have two bands, one that plays heavier 80's and 90's metal, with very few instances of a clean channel, and one that plays more classic rock, with a number of instances of clean channel usage.  Just not sure if it's the kind of thing that will dramatically improve my tone enough to bother with.  I'll go to Guitar Center and play around with it and see how it feels, but thought I'd at least ask you all for some input as well.

[kirksnosehair]

I don't do much live playing these days, but when I did play live back in the day I used a compressor to achieve more sustain and to smooth out my tone.  If you listen to the lead guitar in that link that's been pretty heavily compressed, it gives it that sort of glassy sound.

[Sir GuitarCozmo]

It won't allow me to view it, as the video is marked as private.

[kirksnosehair]

oops, try it again

[Sir GuitarCozmo]

Pretty cool.  I see what you mean (you were playing the lower harmony, I take it).  I think it's probably worth it.  If NOTHING else, it could very possibly help me get those sparkly clean tones I've always been in search of, though clearly a much better amp would help with that as well. 

[kirksnosehair]

Pretty cool.  I see what you mean (you were playing the lower harmony, I take it).  I think it's probably worth it.  If NOTHING else, it could very possibly help me get those sparkly clean tones I've always been in search of, though clearly a much better amp would help with that as well. 

Yep, I was playing the low harmony, and the compressor does wonders for situations like that.   It's also great for increasing sustain without having to turn up the gain too much.