Pre Loved CS-3 Compressor Sustainer Pedal Made in Japan

This pre loved CS-3 Compressor Sustainer Pedal was made in Japan and is in good used condition

What it is

• The BOSS CS-3 is a guitar effects pedal that functions as a compressor and sustainer.

• Originally introduced in the mid-1980s, it is designed to even out dynamics, add sustain, and subtly shape tone.

• Made in Japan (MIJ) units are considered the classic version, praised for build quality, reliability, and a slightly warmer, more natural compression than later Taiwan-made or overseas models.

Key Features

• Controls:

  • Level — sets the output volume after compression.

  • Tone — adjusts brightness of the compressed signal.

  • Attack — controls how quickly compression is applied.

  • Sustain — determines the amount of compression and how long notes are held.

• Compression & Sustain:

  • Smooths out volume differences in your playing, making soft notes louder and loud notes softer.

  • Enhances sustain, allowing notes or chords to ring longer without loss of clarity.

• True Bypass (on later models) vs Buffered Bypass:

  • Classic MIJ CS-3 uses a buffered bypass which preserves high-end tone over long cable runs.

• Power:

  • Runs on a standard 9V battery or a 9V DC power adapter.

• Input Impedance:

  • High impedance input (~1 MΩ) ideal for guitar and bass, works well with passive pickups.

Best Uses

• Lead guitar: Adds sustain for solos, smooths attack, and helps notes ring evenly.

• Rhythm guitar: Evens out dynamics for consistent chord volume.

• Recording and live performance: Provides subtle compression to stabilize tone without overprocessing.

• Works well for clean, overdrive, or mild distortion setups — maintains clarity and articulation.

What’s special about Made in Japan versions

• Classic circuitry: MIJ units use early components and circuitry known for a slightly warmer, organic tone.

• Build quality: Sturdier than later Taiwan or overseas models, with solid construction and long-lasting footswitches and jacks.

• Vintage value: Often sought by collectors and players for both tone and durability.

• Slight tonal differences compared to modern CS-3 units — MIJ tends to have a smoother compression curve.

The MIJ CS-3 is a classic choice for guitarists looking for smooth, reliable compression with sustain, excellent for both live performance and recording, especially for players who value a slightly warmer, vintage tone.