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Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer

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$75.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (8)

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

$93.00 - $120.99

4.0 (471)

Find out who is using Boss CS-1

1 community setup

5 wishlisted

27 saved

Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (15)

$75.00 57 available Used

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Average Price: $75

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

In the Compressor Effects Pedals category, Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Introducing the Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer, a pioneering piece of kit in the world of guitar effects pedals. Known for its bright, punchy attack, the CS-1 will ensure your sound cuts through even the densest mixes. Its intuitive controls allow for easy adjustment of level and sustain, while the unique two-way switch caters to both normal and treble-focused compression. Whether you're aiming for the bright twang of a country melody or the commanding presence of a guitar solo, the CS-1, built on robust photocouplers, is your go-to pedal.

Key Features:

Two-way switch for normal or treble-focused compression
Intuitive controls for level and sustain
Delivers bright, punchy attack
Built on dependable photocouplers
Suitable for a variety of music genres, from country to rock.

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	CS-1 Compression Sustainer (Black Label)
Finish	Blue
Year	1978 - 1982
Made In	Japan
Categories	Compressor Pedals

FAQs

What kind of compression does the Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer provide?: The Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer offers smooth and natural compression, ideal for enhancing sustain and balancing dynamics without altering the original tone significantly.
Is the Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Boss CS-1 is well-suited for live performances, providing consistent compression and sustain that helps your guitar stand out in a mix.
How does the Boss CS-1 differ from the CS-2 and CS-3 models?: The CS-1 is an earlier model with a simpler design and a unique tonal character, often described as warmer and more vintage compared to the CS-2 and CS-3, which offer more control and features.
Can the Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer be used with bass guitars?: While primarily designed for electric guitars, the Boss CS-1 can be used with bass guitars, though results may vary depending on the player's tone preferences.
What power supply does the Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer require?: The Boss CS-1 requires a 9V battery or a compatible 9V DC power adapter for operation.

Videos

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Cameron Johnson

Boss Pedal Review 39: CS-1 Compression Sustainer

Cameron Johnson

1980 BOSS - CS-1 Compression Sustainer guitar TEST

ANTENNA565

BOSS CS-1 COMPRESSION SUSTAINER

KRAZEEIZATION

BOSS CS-1 Compression Sustainer

Cryptic Mask Guitar

1980 BOSS - CS-1 Compression Sustainer BASS TEST

ANTENNA565

Reviews

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PROS

Cleans up signal path effectively
Wide range of control on knobs for versatile sound shaping
Warm sound with huge musical application range
Long sustain and even sound volume across playing dynamics
Unique vintage tone adds character to pedal setups
Effective even at extreme settings for punchy, smooth attack without volume boost
"Treble" switch offers a significant tone boost, ideal for lead sounds
Works well before dirt/fuzz pedals, enhancing pedal board flexibility
Offers two distinct sounds with Normal/Treble switch

CONS

Can be pricey compared to other compressors
Limited range: mostly high compression levels
Extreme settings might not suit all players
Minimal signal boost available, could be a downside for some
Not transparent; heavy squash and obvious compression might deter some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer.

Features and functionality

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The Boss CS-1 may have a significant volume drop, requiring near maximum settings for unity volume, making it less suitable as a boost.
Source

Comparisons

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The CS-2 is favored over the CS-1 for its attack knob, allowing more control over compression levels, from squashy tones to subtle effects.
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User experience

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Some owners find the CS-1 noisy and overly squashy, lacking the transparency and subtlety offered by newer models.
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Owners observe that the CS-1 pairs well with the T wah and OC-2, creating a cohesive, dynamic sound on a Boss pedal board.
Source

Use cases and applications

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The CS-2 is noted for its warm and musical sound, often compared to tones found in David Gilmour's Pink Floyd performances.
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The CS-1's thick, compressed sound is favored for finger-picking styles, offering a pronounced squishy compression that complements certain musical techniques.
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Mods and upgrades

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Swapping ACA resistors and adjusting pad 16 with a .047 or .015 resistor can enhance volume, leaning towards a Dyna Comp-like country twang.
Source

Value and pricing

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The CS-1 is becoming scarcer but remains relatively affordable compared to other vintage pedals, prompting interest from collectors.
Source

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

halloween

1137

about 1 year ago

Old School Compressor

Very good compressor for Thrash metal & Country

Very agressive compression, but with a massive loss in volume. meaning the level knob needs to be maxed out to reach unity levels

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Audio Engineer

Genres:

Metal old school thrash norwegian metal

memeshaw

663

almost 9 years ago

Has a sound

This thing is a SAVAGE BEAST - which is a quality most players don't want out of a compressor (I'd say most guitarists/bassists want their compressors to be transparent and not obvious). However, for what I do, this thing is perfect; really heavy squash-y compression, and a really crazy sustain knob.

The Normal/Treble switch is the Icing on the cake, it gives you two vastly different sounds. I use mine on bass. Definitely one of my favourite effects ever, but it's not for everyone, hence why I can't give 5 stars.