Fender The Bends Compressor V2 Analogue Pedal

Smooth Compression with Flexible Boost Placement

The Fender The Bends Compressor V2 is an analogue compressor pedal for guitar and bass, combining low-noise compression with an independently switchable ultra-clean boost. Its OTA-based compression circuit reacts to playing dynamics, helping balance louder and quieter sections while adding sustain and thickness to notes.

The Attack switch gives three response speeds, the Release control adjusts how the compression lets go, and the Input control sets the level feeding the compression trigger. A centre-detented active Tone control can cut or boost treble, while the Blend control mixes clean signal back in so picked notes and bass lines can keep their original attack.

The rear Vintage switch changes the response from crisp, more precise compression to smoother coloured compression with a hint of natural saturation. The Comp Pre/Post switch places the boost before compression for longer sustain, or after compression for a solo level lift. Buffered and true bypass modes, latching or momentary footswitch action, top-mounted jacks and a road-ready aluminium enclosure are included. Powered by a 9V centre negative AC adaptor, not included.

At Riffs & Licks Music, we think this pedal is best suited to guitarists and bassists who want compression that can tighten clean rhythm parts, thicken single notes and add a separate level boost, with the movable boost circuit being the key feature for choosing sustain before compression or extra output after it.