Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best-selling in Compressors & Sustainers
This is a vintage compressor made during the 80's (1981-1986) in Japan. For a long time BOSS sells CS-3, the successor of CS-2. CS-3 is a good cheap basic compressor that does the job and many swear by them. But if you've ever tried two models side by side you'd figure out CS-2 sounds better. This is the reason I've bought CS-2 and this is the only pedal I have a backup for (this purchase was my second CS-2). BOSS pedals are probably the most durable pedals on the market, so even a 30 year old stompbox should work. I've got my CS-2 since mid-90's and it still works flawlessly. It's been through many gigs, it was dropped stepper, abused, the paint chipped everywhere but the potentiometers work without any noise and the switch is also silent. I'm not going to describe the sound, it's a personal thing, you can go and hear it yourself, there are plenty of reviews. It does one thing which is quite special. The harder you play - the better it sounds. This made me change my technique during the years I've had it on my pedalboard. My attack became much stronger and I've noticed the same thing among musicians who use CS-2. I play passive Jazz bass through CS-2 and that's my main setup. I use many other effects, but CS-2 is on most of the time. Bascially, it makes a passive bass sound active. I turn it off only for quiet parts. CS-2 is noisy on extreme settings (attack and sustain maxed). I'm not sure why BOSS hasn't reissued the pedal, maybe some components are unobtainable today. In any case, this is my secret weapon and I'm happy it's still cheap. If you search the www for CS-2 users you will find several high league players, like David Gilmour and such.Read full review
The following review is written relative to the current market price of the CS-2 (discontinued) available on eBay today: It's good. Excellent value. Got this on eBay, & when it arrived, I still had the CS-3, so I got to do a live side by side comparison. I immediately knew I liked the CS-2. It was a better fit in conjunction with my other pedals...So I sold a newer, much fresher CS-3 for an older, worn out, MIJ CS-2 - w/no regrets (and had to add money out of pocket). You can get the Boss CS-3 NIB for same price as a used CS-2 (about). Depends on how comfortable you are with working with pre-owned gear, and how you use your compressor. For me, it's almost always on with my dirt (especially the buffered dirt, like the Ibanez TS-9), so really needed to minimize tone alteration. Would I consider sacrificing the buffer for a true bypass compressor (thinking Keeley, the new 'pro' that's being released soon)? I hope not...need to stop playing with pedals other than when actually utilizing the pedals IMO. All in all - the CS-2, given it's age at this point in time, is a Boss Compression Sustainer that you will have absolutely no regrets in purchasing (so long as you get one that doesn't die too soon after purchase). (Yes, I did loop it out of my chain - don't like it in the mix, especially when it's off - or any buffered pedal for that matter ((I know, need one for the boost, but I haven't felt that need yet))). Note: the CS-3 was fantastic as well. Relative to the CS-2, louder & more of an exagerated compression (something some people might need if being used as part of an effect/eg: combined with modulation). I'd recommend getting either one of these, confidently. Especially if you are a non-pro like myself (if it's good enough for Prince ('the Artist'), should be good enough for you and me...for now lol).Read full review
In short, an excellent compressor sustainer, vintage sound, much better than CS-3, less noise, more solid sound, with Demeter Compulator and MXR Dyna Comp Script one of the best pedal of this type. It would certainly confirmed and David G ;-)) Recommend!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The Boss CS-2 was (is) and excellent compressor pedal for guitar. It's a version of the MXR Dynacomp with some internal component differences and uses Roland's custom OTA (BA662A) instead of a 3080 or LM3700 like other popular pedals. With that in mind, it behaves very much like a Dynacomp, but doesn't lose as much very low-end and is a little 'softer' and smoother sounding (presumably due to the BA662A). It's a very 'musical' compressor for guitar, not hi-fi or completely transparent, not nearly as technically capable as some more modern and sophisticated compressors (though most boutique compressors are merely Dynacomp clones themselves), but as far as just getting it right for guitar this does it as good as any compressor you're likely to find. There's a reason why these are so coveted... they really do sound and react beautifully. Not laden with features, controls, or technically perfect transparency, but a true classic that's been used by some of the best guitarists on some of the best recorded guitar of all time. Hard to beat.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is the first compressor pedal I’ve ever used. I have to say, it’s taken my rig sounding good to great with a few knob adjustments. Awesome sounding compressor, I might just buy another one for my bass.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned