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CS-3 Compression Sustainer

collapse expand iconDescription

The BOSS CS-3 Compression Sustainer pedal provides enhanced sustain, balanced string response and punchy tone at any volume. Designed for guitarists and bassists, from beginners to pros, this innovative pedal compresses louder signals while boosting softer ones, allowing for a consistent, full sound across all volume levels. The CS-3 delivers smooth sustain and precise control over dynamics to help you sound your best on stage or in the studio.

Sustain Without Distortion

The CS-3 provides enhanced sustain and a fatter tone without degrading your instrument's natural sound. Its advanced circuitry compresses the dynamic range of your playing in a musical way, allowing notes to sustain evenly without distortion. From subtle compression to extreme squash, the CS-3 puts a range of sustain effects at your feet.

Precise Tonal Control

Shape your tone with the CS-3's EQ knob, which cuts or boosts midrange frequencies to your liking. Roll the EQ knob clockwise for an open, airy tone with added punch, perfect for layering with vocals or keys. Turn it counterclockwise for a neutral tone with a balanced frequency range. The CS-3 also features an Output knob to ensure unity gain and prevent signal loss, allowing you to set the ideal level for any amp or effect chain.

Low Noise and Reliability

The CS-3 is built with advanced circuitry that provides smooth compression with very low noise, even at extreme settings. Powered by a 9V battery or optional power supply, the CS-3 delivers top performance and reliability for any gigging musician.

Versatile and Intuitive

With its simple, intuitive controls, the CS-3 is easy to use but versatile enough for any musical situation. It's a must-have for recording, providing a balanced, polished tone with clarity and punch. It also works great alone for a clean sound or in front of your favorite distortion, chorus or wah pedal. The CS-3 helps guitarists and bassists of all levels achieve a consistent, full sound and enhance their performance.

BOSS CS-3 Compression Sustainer Effects Pedal
BOSS CS-3 Compression Sustainer Effects Pedal
BOSS CS-3 Compression Sustainer Effects Pedal

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Smooth sustain with clarity and punch
  • Balanced string response
  • Level, Tone, Attack and Sustain controls
  • Full 5-year warranty

collapse expand iconWarranty

Boss pedals - 5 year parts warranty
90 day labor warranty.
1 year warranty - Multitracks, Jamstations, etc.
Check with manufacturer for specific product warranty.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.38

50 Reviews

85%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Very Effective

I've owned this pedal for 20+ years. The beauty of this pedal is that it's effect is very subtle but very important. Unless you're really listening for it's function you may miss it. This pedal, in a very subtle way, evens out your sound. Your soft sounds become louder and your loud sounds become softer. It gives a "tubey" sound even from a cheap solid state amplifier. It's very difficult to describe to someone who hasn't used one before but it really is a must have, especially if you play live. It gives a very even and predictable distortion as well as sustain. If you don't own any pedals, this should be your first one. This is a "Must Have" pedal for any guitar player.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Acted as a tone suck

I was using this in an effects chain for a solid body electric violin, so not the same as guitar. I bought it mostly for the sustain, but found that only open strings would sustain. Violin does not have frets, so finger acted as a mute. But that is not the reason for a low rating. I know a compressor is supposed to even out the highs and lows, but the resulting tone was anemic and unacceptable. I tried various different settings. To be fair, it was a used unit I got from GC, but not sure that had anything to do with the final sound.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Performances9
  2. Amateur Recording7
  3. Home Studio7
  4. Outdoor Events / Games4
  5. Pro Audio / DJ / Mixing2
Cons
  1. Poor Sound Quality4
  2. Limited Selection Of Effects2
  3. Difficult To Use1
  4. Not Responsive1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced16
  2. Novice2
  3. Professional Musician2
Pros
  1. Compact15
  2. Excellent Sound Quality12
  3. Responsive12
  4. Versatile11
  5. Good Selection Of Effects6

Reviewed by 50 customers

  • Just what I was looking for

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted5 months ago

    byDon

    fromNewman California

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    It's helping me get the sound and sustain for playing some of my favorite songs of Santana. Easy to use once you find that sweet spot.

  • Definitely a quality product

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byKevin

    fromBellingham, WA

    I would buy this pedal again if stolen.

  • This pedal kicks butt

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byMatthew

    fromNashville, TN

    I already love this pedal as I have recently got it. This pedal does an excellent job at evening out the sound. It makes my playing sound crisper. This is an excellent pedal for both guitar and bass and will always stay on in my repertoire.

  • World of difference

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byDavid

    fromTampa, FL

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    This product made a world of difference for my pedal board. It really helped even out my sound and bring everything together.

  • Essential Pedal for most guitarrists

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byFelipe

    fromLivermore

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Compression is a not very obvious but completely necessary guitar effect. For a beginner, the best way of explaining of what this pedal does in practice is thar if you play chords or individual notes and both will play at the same volume. That said, although great this is not a very useful for by itself, ypu will need other pedals. The reasons why I am giving 4* is because the sustaim know adds a very high humming noise if it is more than half.

  • Great peddle

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byMichael

    fromVerona pa

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Great sound

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byJeff

    fromSacramento, CA

    Will this pedal work well with acoustic-electric guitars paired with Fender Acoustisonic amp?

    Will this pedal work well with acoustic-electric guitars paired with Fender Acoustisonic amp?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Yes it will be compatible

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byScot

    fromZeeland MI

    Is the Boss Cs-3 made for a Bass Guitar also?

    Is the Boss Cs-3 made for a Bass Guitar also?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Absolutely