I used to use an MXR Dyna Comp first in my chain (after the wah) for many years. I loved having a little extra kick if I needed it and instant good feedback too.
Now days I'm like Robert and use a clean boost or a little overdrive with the tube amph tuned up so that it just starts to sweat.
I got rid of the Dyna and have a vintage Ibanez CP9 but I almost never use it except for when I play bass. I guess I let the tubes do the compressing and I don't care if my sound has a little grind to it even if I'm trying to play clean.
"No Tele For you." - The Tele Nazi
Ha! Tele-ish now inbound.