Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer Pedal
Control noise and feedback, smooth out string and pickup response, boost too-low signals or even out too-hot ones -- all with the Boss CS-3 compressor pedal.
$109.99
- No Credit Check6 x$18.33
- No Credit Check4 x$27.50
Overall User Ratings (based on 107 ratings)
Submitted August 8, 2013 by Vanessa P in Sedona, AZ
"The catalyst of my sound"
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Let's face facts - your sound is incomplete without compression somewhere in the mix. You could spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a several thousand dollars on rack gear and great effects, but if there's no compression in there it's like a new tire with a pin-hole leak in it. Your sound isn't airtight.This Boss pedal gives you that element in a simple, affordable package and brings it all together like the salt in your stew. And it does so amazingly well. I have two other rack compressors, but this pedal gives me a much greater mobility and versatility without compromising my sound.It really shines when you run it into your amp clean, with no other effects engaged. Just your naked guitar, neither too loud nor too soft.Beautiful!
Sound
It has no sound of its own, it just brings out your guitar's tone in a simple, effective manner.
Features
The Sustainer aspect of this pedal performs amazingly well for the price range. At higher settings, though, you may need a noise gate at the end of your effects chain.
Ease of Use
It's a Boss Pedal. Great quality ... easy as pie.
Quality
Absolutely made well. I've had mine for many years and it still holds out like a tank.
Value
It's very much worth its price. You could spend tons more on a boutique item, but you'll hear very little difference.
Manufacturer Support
Never had to use Manufacturer Support.
The Wow Factor
At the front of my effects chain, this thing tames the peaks while delivering smooth, amazing tone.
Musical Background:
I've been playing a long time - don't ask!
Musical Style:
My style ranges from Classical to Blues, with heavy doses of Jazz and Progressive Rock.
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Submitted March 20, 2020 by John T in East Stroudsburg, PA
"Nice pedal, but ..."
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It's a nice pedal, but I actually prefer the behringer compressor/sustainer, CS400. The boss is very noisy, while the behringer is much quieter. I love boss pedals and have used a ton over the years. I love the build quality, all metal cases etc. This one just doesn't work for me unfortunately.
Musical Background:
Guitar player for 32 years
Musical Style:
Rock, folk singer songwriter, originals.
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Submitted September 21, 2014 by David D in Lakeland, FL
"Started to hate it, but love it instead."
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I'm a novice guitar player. After watching YouTube reviews on the Boss CS-3, I decided to give one a try. It certainly wasn't love at first sight. The sound coming from my tube amp after I plugged the CS-3 in for the first time was a BIG change that took a while to get used to. The highs and lows coming from my amp were noticeably compressed, but my wildly erratic picking dynamics suddenly became more controlled as well. YouTube reviews suggest that this compressor is rather heavy-handed, but that's exactly what I needed at this juncture.Give one a try. I think you'll see why a compressor appears on the pedal boards of many, if not most, current professional guitarists. My 4.5-star rating is based solely on the fact that I've never used another compressor, so I have nothing to compare it to. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my CS-3.
Musical Background:
Beginning guitarist
Musical Style:
Early 60's rock & roll, rock, blues
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Submitted January 3, 2011 by a customer from aol.com
"Buy this pedal and improve your sound instantly"
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It does what it does very well.No need to replace it
Sound
This is exactly what I was looking for.It performs well and adds the sonic flavor that I was looking for.Much better htan my Dunlop
Features
Sustainnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Ease of Use
twist a knob and get immediate response
Quality
built like a tank
Value
The price is spot on
Manufacturer Support
I.ve never had o deal with Boss/Roland directly.They have a lot of info on their site
The Wow Factor
It's the first pedal in my line up and the first one I step on
Musical Background:
active mad scientist
Musical Style:
Classical Jazz Death Metal
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Submitted May 25, 2009 by a customer from yahoo.com
"If you want the best sound for a cheap price, get it."
I'm gonna use it, marry it, do it, and honestly die with it. [HAHA]
Sound
it gives a great feel when your playing. I play rock/metal and I heard Synyster used it, so i tried it at guitar center, and it's just what I've been looking for
Features
i just tried it out.
Ease of Use
it's perfect, and anyone who wants a shreddin' hard rock sound should get one.
Quality
get a Marshall amp to go with it.
Value
it's under priced, it's too awesome to bee $90.00
Manufacturer Support
I have other BOSS products, but this is my favorite.
The Wow Factor
It would be better in black, dark blue, or red.
Musical Background:
just a player.
Musical Style:
Metal
7 of 13 people (54%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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Submitted June 16, 2015 by John G in Grand Haven, MI
"Boss CS-3"
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This has to be the worst compression/sustain pedal on the market. Was not impressed with this piece of Taiwan junk. It is more of a volume pedal if anything. I dumped it soon after I bought it and sprung for the Janglebox Compression/Sustain pedal. Which by the way is built in the USA. You only get what you pay for.
Musical Background:
50 years playing mostly 12 sttring guitars
Musical Style:
Folk/Folk Rock
1 of 9 people (11%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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Submitted December 11, 2008
"Boomshakalaka"
This peddal is overall great for what I use It for. If I had to By it again, I would.
Sound
Sounds awesome when you get the pefect sound you want.
Features
You can get lots of sounds from smooth dynamics to a killer boost.
Quality
Built Like A Tank
6 of 9 people (67%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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