Jim,
That's a lot of questions. My guitar has plenty of sustain. For a good part of my playing, I don't mind the contrast between pick attack and sustain volume. There are times, however, when I want much less contrast between the two that can only be obtained by a VP that is almost off at the attack point with immediate swell to desired volume and then "milking" the VP to maintain a smooth sound (think ambient music). I feel limited without that in my toolbag.
I don't think that a compressor is the tool that I am looking for. b0b mentioned the POG2 with its adjustable attack. That led to me search for ADSR pedals. I found the Mooer Slowengine which affects the attack and nothing else. Nowadays, I'm reluctant to jump into instant buying mode having gone down that path in the past with less than desirable results. I am going to try getting more info on this type of device to see if I want to spring for this.
In the meantime, I want to thank you for your thoughtful response to my questions.
Karlis
Compressor effect pedal with steel
Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn