Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

475 Customer ratings

4.5 / 5

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116 Reviews

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer
$98
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A
You Can't Go Wrong.
Anonymous 07.02.2017
The Boss CS-3 is without doubt, one of the most versatile pedal compressors on the market. It can go from subtle compression all the way to slamming limiter with the turn of a knob or two.

I'm a session guitarist and constantly use the CS-3 in the studio for everything from clean country solos to rock rhythm and lead. With a minimal amount of adjustment, I can do anything I need with this pedal.

The tone knob is a particularly good feature. When used correctly, it can make guitars pop out of the mix without sounding harsh. It can also help to thicken up a thin sounding guitar. Very useful indeed.

Like all Boss pedals, it's very well built and should last a lifetime. The only issue I've ever had with a Boss pedal was when I used a bad power supply and fried a DD-3 :-( Totally my fault!!

I've used a lot of different brands of effect pedals in the past but I keep returning to Boss. I'm rarely disappointed by a Boss pedal (there are a few exceptions).

Don't get me wrong, the Keeley and Carl Martin comps are great pedals, but they are two or three times the price!! Let me tell you, they are NOT two or three times better than the CS-3.

A large number of guitarists insist that if you're not spending hundreds of Euro/Pounds on pedals, then you're not getting a good product. A lot of the same players look down their noses at Boss pedals. I like to call these people the "True Bypass Brigade". I don't subscribe to this way of thinking at all. Some of the greatest and most revered tones in guitar history would not pass the true bypass test.

A good guitar and amp and a handful of Boss pedals will get you as good a tone as you will ever need. Fact!!

Guitarists as diverse as Andy Summers, Steve Lukather, Joe Walsh, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steuart Smith, Mark Knopfler, Steve Vai and many, many more have used and continue to use Boss effects, so I'm more than content to do likewise!!

Anyway, that's enough about that!! Go ahead and buy a CS-3. You won't be disappointed :-)
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M
Really nice sound
Matyas_R 06.12.2021
It works wonders on my clean tone. The guitar has a very strong presence when used with this compressor. Each note picked cuts through the mix.
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K
good compressor
Kapser 26.08.2023
I was interested in a compressor with good buffer capacity to save pedal and cable space. This one sounds good and buffers good. It has the typical noise when you put up the level, but that is normal. Good pedal. Though I must say the Behringer Clone is also very similar soundwise, but buffer capacity won't be that good. I am also curious about the cp1x. More mellow it seems, but very clear and mysical
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Great success!
SammyK 12.09.2023
It is my first guitar pedal ever. Would like to say that it really does what a compressor should, but even better. When you open it you do not see the ordinary settings as threshold and so on. It's something different for sure. Lovin' it so far!
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MW
good price/quality
Mr. Woody 10.03.2020
is not the best compressor but is the best at this price.
you can use it as booster.
it change a little bit the tone but i'd like this sound!
it fit perfect in my pedalboard.
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Sv
DOES WHAT IT SAYS
Sciurus vulgaris 12.01.2023
Easy to use and does what it says
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c
Very useful
csGuitar 20.02.2023
More professional sound can be achieved with this compressor pedal.
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G
Great addition
Glenn007 04.05.2020
Great for balancing your sound but also provides great sustain and picks up screams and harmonics really clearly. A must have.
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A
it's a classic!
Anonymous 28.01.2017
Unbeatable compressor for the price. Works really well with my strat. You can dial it in the way you want it. The sustain is also practical, cause well "can you hear that sustain?" ;)

Would definitely buy it again.
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d
Simple and good.
davidemmings 22.04.2017
Boss has standard and good pedal. They are mostly not amazing but do the work perfectly.
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Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer