Alex Bonanno 
Overview
The Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer is a guitar effects pedal that is designed to enhance the sustain of a guitar's signal and smooth out the dynamic range of the instrument. It can be used to add sustain to a solo or to even out the volume of different notes played on the guitar.
Overall, the Boss CS-3 is a versatile and easy-to-use compressor pedal that is suitable for a wide range of guitarists, from beginners to professionals.
What is it? | Analog/Digital | Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor/limiter | Analog | Yes |
Here is a summary of the controls and features found on the CS-3
Level: Controls the overall volume of the effect.
Tone: Controls the overall tonality of the effect.
Attack: Controls the amount of compression applied to the signal. A higher setting will result in more compression and a slower attack, while a lower setting will result in less compression and a faster attack.
Sustain: Controls the amount of sustain added to the signal. A higher setting will result in more sustain, while a lower setting will result in less sustain.
Footswitch: Activates and deactivates the effect.
Led: Indicates when the effect is active.
To use the CS-3, simply connect your instrument to the input jack, connect the output jack to your amplifier or other effects pedals, and adjust the level, tone, attack, and sustain controls to achieve the desired sound. Press the footswitch to activate the effect, and the LED will light up to indicate that the effect is active. Press the footswitch again to deactivate the effect.
How to use it
It's a good idea to start with the attack and sustain controls set to their middle positions and adjust from there. Experimenting with different settings on the CS-3 and your guitar can help you find the sound that works best for you.
One of the main features of the CS-3 is its compression circuit, which evens out the volume of the signal passing through it. This can help to smooth out the overall sound of the instrument, especially when playing with a lot of dynamics or when using a clean tone. It can also help to bring out the attack of the notes, making them stand out more in the mix.
In addition to the compression circuit, the CS-3 also has a sustain circuit which can add extra sustain to single notes or chords. This can be especially useful for solos or when trying to create a more ambient sound. The sustain circuit can also be used in conjunction with the compression circuit for even more control over the dynamics of the instrument.
The CS-3 also has a level control, which allows the player to adjust the overall volume of the effect. This can be useful when trying to balance the volume of the compressed signal with the rest of the band or when using the pedal as a boost.
One of the great things about the CS-3 is its versatility. It can be used with both electric and acoustic instruments, and it works well with a wide range of playing styles and genres. Whether you're looking to add some subtle compression to your clean tone or to create a more aggressive, sustained sound, the CS-3 is a great choice.
Overall, the Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer is a reliable and versatile pedal that can add a lot of dynamic control and sustain to your sound. It's a must-have for any guitarist or bassist looking to expand their tonal options.
Here are a few suggestions for where to place the CS-3 in your pedal chain
As the first pedal in the chain: Placing the CS-3 first in the chain allows it to affect the entire signal coming from your guitar. This can be useful if you want to shape the overall sound of your instrument and smooth out any dynamics.
After your distortion pedals: If you have any distortion pedals in your chain, you may want to place the CS-3 after them. This allows the CS-3 to affect the distorted signal, which can be useful for adding sustain and shaping the dynamics of your playing.
After your modulations and delays: If you have any modulations (e.g. chorus, flanger, etc.) or delays in your chain, you may want to place the CS-3 after them. This allows the CS-3 to affect the modulated or delayed signal, which can be useful for adding sustain and shaping the dynamics of your playing.
As the last pedal in the chain: Placing the CS-3 last in the chain allows it to affect the entire signal coming from your pedals. This can be useful if you want to add sustain and shape the overall sound of your pedals.
Ultimately, the best place to put the CS-3 in your pedal chain will depend on your specific setup and the sound you're trying to achieve. Experimenting with different configurations can help you find the perfect spot for the CS-3 in your pedal chain.
Guitarists who have used, or are using, the BOSS CS-3
There are many guitarists who have used the Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer pedal in their rig. Here are a few examples: Joe Satriani: Satriani is known for his fluid and expressive playing style, and he often uses the CS-3 to add sustain and smooth out his sound. David Gilmour: Gilmour is known for his signature, melodic lead guitar work, and he has used the CS-3 as part of his rig for many years. John Mayer: Mayer is known for his bluesy, soulful guitar playing, and he often uses the CS-3 to add sustain and smooth out his sound. Brad Delson: Delson is the lead guitarist for the band Linkin Park, and he has used the CS-3 to add sustain and compression to his sound. Eddie Van Halen: Van Halen was known for using the CS-3 to add sustain to his lead guitar lines and to smooth out the overall sound of his guitar. Steve Vai: Vai is another guitarist who has used the CS-3 in his pedalboard. He has spoken about using it to add sustain and to control the dynamics of his playing. These are just a few examples, and there are many other guitarists who have used the CS-3 in their rig. It's a popular choice among players of all styles and genres.
