Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

by BOSS

Product Features

• Compact compression/sustainer pedal with high-quality circuitry
• Compresses loud signals and boosts softer signals for a smooth overall sound
• Onboard Level, Tone, Attack and Sustain controls for precise tonal shaping
• Low-noise design for super-quiet operation

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.9 x 2.4 inches ; 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0002CZV7I
• Item model number: CS-3
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,307 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #5 in Musical Instruments > Instrument Accessories > Guitar & Bass Accessories > Effects > Electric Guitar Effects > Single Effects > Compression

Product Description

The CS-3 Compression Sustainer pedal compresses louder signals while boosting lower signals, providing smooth sustain without degrading the original sound quality. This is the perfect pedal for guitarists and bassists who want to sound their best.  Compact compression/sustainer pedal with high-quality circuitry Compresses loud signals and boosts softer signals for a smooth overall sound Onboard Level, Tone, Attack and Sustain controls for precise tonal shaping Low-noise design for super-quiet operation BOSS 5-year warranty

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Compression Sustainer decent once you work with it for awhile, November 5, 2010

By 

Bradley P. Voris "Brad V." (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

This is a decent pedal, I wouldn't say one of the best that Boss has made but is pretty decent on sustain/compression. Great for thin leads and improving sustain. My recommendation is to read up on this pedal before you buy, its not for everyone. It does have a hiss to it that will drive you nuts and most people recommend getting an NS-2 (noise gate) if you use this pedal. Recommendations for this pedal is to have this as the first in line (I have my at the end of the line sometimes and its still a little noisy), I try to find a good middle ground on my gear to eliminate the majority of the hiss then play the rest by ear. This will take a little time to find out what works for you because everyone's gear is different and everyone wants to achieve a different sound ;o)

Good: Great sustain, can add a few more seconds on with the right equipment and setup

Bad: Hiss is terrible but manageable

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
If you want to have better sustain and decent compression its not a bad pedal to pickup used, if Boss redesigns the pedal then they should find a way to eliminate the hiss and slightly improve the compression.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Transparent, February 28, 2010

By 

Dennis (Raleigh, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

This compressor DOES compress, but it isn't transparent. There is such an audible tone sucking that when you take it OUT of your signal chain, or turn it off, you really notice the difference (I use Elixir cables, might not be able to tell on a 10 dollar cable)

For that, this is at best "average". What KEEPS it an average pedal, no not a GREAT pedal like their Blues Driver, is that the extreme ranges are NOT pleasing, they're harsh. You don't get a nice squish compression, it's just an unusable setting.

I guess the point is, you can't get GOOD compression at this price range. Sorry, but if you're not dropping at least 2 clams, your compression will never be truly transparent and any more than average.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Unit, September 12, 2011

By 

William J. Stasse (The Jersey Shore, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

As a pro musician, I am always on a quest for better tone to expand and comply with different gig situations. I had a bad experience with a few Compression Pedals through my years only to toss them in the closet & give up on the thought.
When I upgraded my pedal board, I decided to give the idea of adding a Compression unit to give my G&L American Legacy (Stratocaster style guitar) more sustain at lower volumes. Boss is the company that dominates my effects board... I rely on their Chormatic Tuner, Digital Delay (2 of them), Line Switch & Direct Box almost every night (for gig & Practice).
With a somewhat negative attitude going into this I had a great surprise to find that I really, really like this unit. It did what I wanted & then some! Great tone & sustain oozes from this little box & stays in the "On" position for most of the time I am playing my electric guitars, especially any Stratocaster styled guitar I own.