This is more than simply an old Maxon compressor. It comes from one of the most important periods in the history of guitar compression.

During the 1970s and early 1980s, the RCA CA3080 OTA became closely associated with some of the most celebrated compressor pedals ever made. The original MXR Dyna Comp helped establish this style of compression, and the legendary ROSS Compressor further developed the idea.

This 1981 Maxon CP-101 belongs to that same era of analog OTA compression and, remarkably, this particular example is equipped with an RCA CA3080E — the DIP-package version of the famous CA3080 family.

RCA CA3080E devices can also be found in vintage examples of both the ROSS Compressor and period Dyna Comps. That does not mean the Maxon is an identical circuit — it is not being presented as a clone — but it places this pedal firmly within the same fascinating generation of analog compressor design.

And that is what makes this particular CP-101 so interesting.

Rather than the transparent, almost invisible compression found in many modern pedals, the CP-101 has the unmistakable feel of an early OTA compressor. Notes are gently rounded, the attack becomes more controlled, and sustain seems to bloom behind the initial pick response. Turn the SUSTAIN control up and you get that wonderfully tactile, slightly “squashed” compression associated with classic analog compressor pedals.

Vintage CP-101s are often described as a little less aggressive than a Dyna Comp, allowing the guitar to breathe while still giving chords, clean picking and lead lines that unmistakable vintage compression character.

This example is particularly special: Made in Japan in 1981, early Big Case construction, RCA CA3080E inside, and still accompanied by its original box and instruction manual.

More than four decades later, finding one this complete and this clean is becoming increasingly difficult.

For a player, it is a beautifully musical vintage compressor. For a collector of early Japanese effects, it is also a fascinating snapshot of the period when the CA3080 was helping define what a guitar compressor pedal could sound and feel like.

Accessories

• Original Box
• Original Instruction Manual
• Items shown in the photos

The pedal can be powered by a standard 9V battery or an appropriate Maxon-compatible DC power supply.

No AC adapter is included unless shown in the photos.

Condition

Excellent condition for its age.

Cosmetically very clean for a vintage pedal from 1981, with only minor signs of age and use.

Fully functional and works perfectly.

Please check the photos carefully for the exact cosmetic condition.

Shipping

I ship worldwide via UPS / DHL / FedEx Express with tracking and careful packing.

Remote Area Fee

Some locations may require an additional Remote Area Surcharge charged by the carrier (UPS/DHL/FedEx).
If this fee applies to your address, I will contact you after purchase to confirm the extra cost before shipping.

Import Duties / Taxes (Important)

Import duties, taxes, tariffs, and customs clearance fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.

Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs may be before purchasing.

Customs fees are usually collected by the shipping carrier during the customs clearance process or upon delivery.

We cannot undervalue the item or mark it as a gift on customs forms. Thank you for your understanding.