Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer main image

Photo of Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer and more gear in a pedalboard and guitar

Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer

^# 2

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$94.34 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (43)

3 Critic Reviews

7 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-2

23 community setups

36 wishlisted

174 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (50)

$94.34 37 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $94

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

In the Compressor Effects Pedals category, Boss CS-2 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

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Experience a vintage touch to your guitar effects with the Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer. This iconic pedal, dating back to the early 80s, offers a distinctive mix of compression and sustain that has remained a favorite among musicians even after three decades. Its robust build and smooth tone make it a reliable choice for those seeking an evenly responsive guitar effect. With its tried and tested performance, it's not just a pedal, but a piece of musical history that brings back the unforgettable sound of the golden era.

Key Features:

Combines compression and sustain in one pedal
Sought-after by musicians for its smooth tone
Even response that's perfect for any genre
Rugged and reliable, built to last
A piece of vintage gear, dating back to 1981-1986

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	CS-2 Compression Sustainer (Black Label)
Finish	Blue
Year	1981 - 1986
Made In	Japan
Categories	Compressor Pedals

FAQs

What does the Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer pedal do for guitar tone?: The Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer evens out your guitar's volume by compressing loud signals and boosting softer ones, enhancing sustain and articulation. It adds a smooth, warm character to your sound, making it ideal for achieving a more polished, consistent tone.
How does the Boss CS-2 compare to the CS-3 in terms of sound?: The Boss CS-2 is known for its warm, vintage tone and simplicity, while the CS-3 offers more control with an additional Attack knob for tailored response. The CS-2 is often preferred for its classic sound and straightforward operation.
Is the Boss CS-2 suitable for bass guitar?: Yes, the Boss CS-2 is suitable for bass guitar and is favored by bass players for its ability to enhance tone, add sustain, and smooth out dynamics. It provides a warm, thick sound that complements bass frequencies well.
What are the main controls on the Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer?: The Boss CS-2 features three main controls: Level, Tone, and Sustain. Level adjusts the output volume, Tone shapes the sound's brightness, and Sustain controls the amount of compression applied to your signal.
Can the Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer be used with other effects pedals?: Yes, the Boss CS-2 can be effectively used with other effects pedals. It's often placed early in the signal chain to even out dynamics before modulation, delay, or reverb effects are applied, ensuring a consistent signal throughout.

Videos

Add video

Pedals and Effects

Boss CS-2: My Number One Pedal

Pedals and Effects

BOSS Compression Sustainer CS-2 Pedal (1980's)

intheblues

Vintage Boss CS-2 Compressor Sustainer

shnobel

BOSS CS-2 | Review | Ferdi Floyd

Ferdi Floyd

Boss CS-2 compressor demo and tutorial

Gearfacts

Boss CS-2 vs Mxr SUPER COMP | Comparison for GILMOUR and PINK FLOYD sound

A CACCIA DI PEDALI

Boss CS 2 Compressor Sustainer - VGW

Vintage Guitar Workshop

My MIJ BOSS CS-2 Compression Sustainer Pedal

Ben Coombs

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Provides a classic, organic compression sound
Versatile for both guitar and bass applications
Simple, easy-to-use three-knob layout
Can push amps into slight overdrive for desired tones
Enhances playing dynamics with effective sustain
Maintains clarity and preserves guitar tones
Offers a range of compression from subtle to heavily squashed
Preferred over other compressors like Keeley and Dynacomp for specific styles
Some versions, especially the 1982 model, highly praised for superior quality

CONS

May reduce bass frequencies more than some competitors
Slightly noisy operation reported by some users
Lacks the thickness in sound some other compressors provide
Buffer quality could be improved

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer.

Features and functionality

0 0

The Boss CS-2 uses the BA662a VCA chip, originally custom-made for Roland's synths, providing cleaner compression compared to the Dyna Comp's OTA.
Source
0 0

The CS-2 can easily enter 'squish' mode with higher-output pickups like SD Pearly Gates, which may not suit players seeking a clean tone.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Users prefer the CS-2 over the Wampler Ego and CS-3, citing superior tone.
Source
0 0

An optical compressor is recommended over the CS-2 if minimal signal 'squish' and treble retention are desired.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

The CS-2 is often priced 3-4 times higher than the original cost due to its unique chip, making it a sought-after item.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners in Toronto report difficulty finding the CS-2 in good condition at reasonable prices, often encountering inflated costs or poor condition pedals.
Source

Other

0 0

People who need the BA662a chip for their Juno synths sometimes gut the CS-2 pedals to source it, indicating its high demand in both guitar and synth communities.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Setting both attack and sustain to minimum on the CS-2 helps balance high and low note volumes when using SD Pearly Gates pickups.
Source

Critic Reviews

Boss CS-2

ovnilab.com

The Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer is a vintage pedal that offers a warmer, smoother sound compared to the CS-3, albeit by rolling off highs rather than providing true warmth. It exhibits less noise, likely due to this tonal roll-off. The CS-2's compression feels more organic, providing a musical touch, though differences with the CS-3 are subtle. Ideal settings deliver a balance of squashed sustain and crisp articulation, yet it loses some low end, typical of guitar-focused compressors. While some prefer the CS-2 over the CS-3, these claims might be overstated.

neutral

Full Review

CS-2 Compression Sustainer Review: It's a great match, because it gives the subtle squeeze I... | Boss | Guitar Effects | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer shines with its warm, smooth tone and reliability, making it a favorite among players of blues, jazz fusion, and indie/pop. Despite being noisy—common among compressors—it's praised for having the least issues with hiss compared to competitors. Its subtle effect enhances sustain and note definition, and it excels in both clean and overdriven contexts. The pedal’s durability is lauded, withstanding decades of use. While easy to use, it requires some tweaking to find the perfect sound. Overall, the CS-2 is a treasured pedal for its organic sound and dependable build, though a noise gate might be necessary for those sensitive to hiss.

positive

Full Review

Rex and the Bass: BOSS CS-2 Compressor Sustainer Guitar Effect Pedal Review

rexbass.com

The Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer is a vintage gem that outshines its successor, the CS-3, with smoother tones and less noise. Ideal for country and classic rock, it offers reliable compression and sustain without muddying your sound. While it lacks true bypass, a common shortcoming in its price range, this pedal’s ability to enhance a Telecaster’s classic tones makes it a worthy investment. Despite being discontinued, the CS-2 remains highly recommended and accessible on resale markets. A must-try for those seeking a balanced, vintage sound.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 43 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

papercut

220

about 1 month ago

good impression

He does his job honestly. One of the best in his field. I recommend it.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Drummer

Genres:

Rock Metal Shoegaze

jimmarchi1

41029

over 7 years ago

thanks for the extra knob boss...

the CS-2 gives you an attack control on the front and it is probably the first comp pedal to do that... but I still prefer the sound of the dynacomp. If I played more country back when I owned both I probably would have kept the CS-2 though because it really did great country chickin' pickin' sounds through a fender amp... it could get a Gibson to sound country. Defintiely has more bass reduction going on than the dynacomp and all of its cousins.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

jmcosmicorion

232

about 5 years ago

Number one in my pedalboard

This is by far the best compressor in the world. It gives some kind of soft overdrive perfect for rock style, the compression it's pretty fast and responsive, finally the sustain it's 100% effective. My favorite pedal.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Jazz Jazz fusion

From Gear Setup