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Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

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$95.00 to $120.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (471)

3 Critic Reviews

54 Reviews

Find out who is using Boss CS-3

75 community setups

182 wishlisted

1160 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.0 (63)

$120.99

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4.5 (52)

$120.99 $117.50 $3.49

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4.6 (1372)

$98.00 Used

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5.0 (161)

$95.00 120 available New

$50.00 202 available Used

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4.0 (150)

$117.50 $111.50 $6.00

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5.0 (8)

$120.99

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$117.50

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4.5 (518)

$105.00 $103.00 $2.00 · All time low

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£93.00

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Average Price: $105

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

In the Compressor Effects Pedals category, Boss CS-3 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

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer is a pedal designed with the musician in mind. It enhances sustain, balances string response, and delivers a punchy tone at any volume. With this pedal, you gain control over your dynamics like never before. It compresses louder signals while boosting softer ones, creating a balanced and full sound across all volume levels.

The pedal offers smooth sustain without degrading the original sound thanks to its advanced circuitry. It compresses the dynamic range of your playing in a musical way, producing notes that sustain evenly without distortion. Whether you're looking for subtle compression or an extreme squash, the CS-3 delivers.

One of the standout features of the CS-3 is its EQ knob. This allows you to shape your tone by cutting or boosting midrange frequencies. You can adjust it to achieve an open, airy tone with added punch or a neutral tone with a balanced frequency range.

The CS-3 is also designed for low noise and reliability. It has advanced circuitry that provides smooth compression with very low noise, even at extreme settings. This pedal is versatile and intuitive, making it a must-have addition to your gear for recording or live performances.

Key Features:

Enhanced sustain without degradation of the original sound
Compresses louder signals and boosts softer ones for a balanced sound
EQ knob for precise tonal control
Low noise and high reliability due to advanced circuitry
Versatile and easy to use in any musical situation
Operates on a 9V battery or optional power supply
Controls: Level, Tone, Attack & Sustain
Power consumption: 11 mA

Owner's manual

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type	Compressor
Inputs	1 x Instrument
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
Power Source	9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Batteries	1 x 9V
Height	2.4"
Width	2.9"
Depth	5.1"
Weight	1 lb.

FAQs

What does the Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer pedal do?: The Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer pedal compresses louder signals while boosting quieter ones, providing smooth sustain and articulation without altering your original tone. It helps create a more balanced and polished sound, ideal for both live performances and studio recordings.
Is the Boss CS-3 suitable for use with single-coil pickups?: Yes, the Boss CS-3 can be used with single-coil pickups, but it may introduce some noise or hum at higher sustain settings. Adjusting the pedal's settings can help minimize any unwanted noise while maintaining the desired compression effect.
What power supply does the Boss CS-3 require?: The Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer pedal requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It can also be powered by a 9V battery for convenience during performances or practice sessions.
How does the Boss CS-3 compare to other compressor pedals?: The Boss CS-3 is known for its affordability, durability, and effective compression capabilities. It offers a good balance of features for both beginners and experienced players, making it a popular choice among guitarists who need reliable compression and sustain.
Can the Boss CS-3 be used for bass guitar?: Yes, the Boss CS-3 can be used with a bass guitar to enhance sustain and even out dynamics. It helps bass players achieve a consistent tone, especially in live settings or when recording.

Videos

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BOSSchannel

BOSS CS-3 Compression Sustainer [BOSS Sound Check]

BOSSchannel

BOSS CS-3 Compression Sustainer Pedal Review by Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Boss Compression Sustainer CS-3 Effects Pedal

World Music Supply

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer: Stompbox Walkthrough Video

gearwire

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

Wall of Sound

How to hit the tone of JOHN FRUSCIANTE

Guitar and Coffee Show

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer-Sound Samples

János Makkai

Boss CS-3 Compression/Sustainer Pedal | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer

Pedal Sessions

Reviews

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PROS

Enhances true tone from AMP without processed sound
Versatile with adjustable attack for customized sound
Solid build quality and durability
Works well with both electric and bass guitars
Affordable with good value for performance
Subtle to heavy compression range available
Improves clean tone presence and sustain
Compatible with other pedals for expanded effects
Easy to use with immediate knob response
Can be used for a variety of musical styles

CONS

Can be noisy, especially at high sustain levels
Consumes batteries quickly; adapter recommended
Some users find it too heavy-handed or aggressive
May muddy tone when used with certain setups
Lacks a blend control for dry/compressed signal mixing

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer.

Features and functionality

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The "Attack" knob on the CS-3 controls both attack and release: fast attack/slow release counterclockwise, slow attack/fast release clockwise.
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The CS-3's sustain knob is highly sensitive, moving from minimal effect to full compression within a quarter turn.
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The sustain knob functions as a ratio control, operating in reverse: more limiting counterclockwise and lighter compression clockwise, with a fixed threshold.
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Mods and upgrades

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Replacing 1uf electrolytic caps with 1uf film caps reduces noise, significantly improving the CS-3's sound quality.
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Users recommend Monte Allums mods to reduce noise, significantly enhancing the pedal's utility for noisier setups.
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Comparisons

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The CS-3 is frequently compared to the Keeley Compressor Plus for its blend and control features, though the CS-3 offers attack control absent in the Keeley.
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The Keeley Compressor is noted as a noisier alternative, even with isolated power, in comparison to the CS-3.
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Value and pricing

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Owners suggest purchasing the CS-3 used for around $60-70 as a cost-effective way to explore compressor effects.
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Use cases and applications

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The CS-3 excels in creating tight overdrive tones, making it particularly suitable for rock and power ballad clean sounds.
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The CS-3 is recommended for ambient or soft melodic styles like Explosions in the Sky, using settings with level at noon, tone at 1-2 PM, attack and sustain at 1 PM.
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Setting the attack knob to a slower position can preserve dynamics and maintain punch, beneficial for styles requiring strong presence.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners advise placing the CS-3 at the start of the signal chain, after the tuner, to optimize its effect on guitar tone.
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Adjusting the bass's volume knob can act like a threshold adjustment, which helps accommodate high-output basses and improve compression balance across strings.
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User experience

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Some owners find the CS-3 more effective when used with single-coil pickups for enhanced tonal clarity, rather than with humbuckers.
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Some bassists successfully use the CS-3 for bass, despite its design for guitar, proving the pedal's versatility with proper settings adjustments.
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Critic Reviews

Boss CS-3

ovnilab.com

The Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer is a notorious high-ratio squasher, ideal for sustain but infamous for amplifying noise and killing dynamics. Its lack of input-level control often results in your signal being over-compressed, with sustain boosting noise levels further. While modding can improve sound quality, it's only worthwhile if you already appreciate the stock pedal's harsh action. Its construction is rugged, but its noise issues and inability to maintain low-end presence make it a less appealing choice. For more natural tones, consider alternatives like Pigtronix.

negative

Full Review

Review: BOSS CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer | Guitar Gear

guitargear.org

The Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer offers budget-friendly compression with its versatile four-knob configuration, appealing to hard-rock and metal players seeking a "squishy" sound. However, its severe compression can compromise tone, especially with tube amps, making it less ideal for jazz, blues, or classic rock enthusiasts. While well-built and reliable, the CS-3 isn't the most transparent pedal, and its noise levels may deter tone purists. Overall, it's a decent option for those wanting compression without breaking the bank, but it may not satisfy those seeking high-end sound quality.

neutral

Full Review

Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer – review – Lone Phantom

lonephantom.com

The Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer offers solid build quality with user-friendly controls typical of Boss pedals. It effectively provides compression and sustain, but at the expense of some natural tone coloration and noticeable noise, particularly when the level and sustain are cranked up. While the pedal is reasonably priced, its noise issues, especially in combination with overdrive pedals, can be frustrating. Those willing to mod the pedal could find it a worthwhile investment for its price. Overall, it's a decent choice for budget-conscious musicians, but not without its drawbacks.

neutral

Full Review