From private collection up for sale very rare and highly appreciated Made in Japan near mint condition 1980 Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer “Long Dash / Silver Screw”

Serial Number 9800, Made in Japan (Black Label).

Fully working, with light signs of use, one of the very few complete with box and paperwork.

One of the best and characteristic compact compressors ever made, using its Optocuplers for warm and punchy compression

I also throw in a specific still boxed Boss ACA-230G Power Adapter and a genuine brand-new era-alike Toshiba 9V S-006P battery.

Photos speak for themselves.

Worldwide shipping, ask for quotes.

Follows description from Equipboard:

The Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer is a vintage guitar effects pedal produced between 1978 and 1982, notable as the first compact compressor released by Boss. Unlike its successors, it uses an optical compression circuit (photocouplers), which gives it a distinctively warm, "squishy," and less transparent sound compared to modern VCA-based compressors. 

Key Features and Controls

The pedal is designed to even out signal dynamics by lowering the volume of loud notes and raising the level of quieter ones, thereby increasing sustain. 

• Sustain Knob: Controls the intensity of the compression effect. At higher settings, it produces a pronounced "dip and swell" effect.
• Level Knob: Adjusts the output volume to match or boost the bypassed signal.
• Mode Switch: A two-position toggle that allows users to choose between Normal and Treblesettings. The Treble mode emphasizes higher frequencies to help the guitar cut through a mix.
• Build Quality: Manufactured in Japan, early units are often identified by a silver thumb screw on the battery compartment and a black label on the base.

Sound Character and Use Cases

Reviewers from Equipboard and Ovnilab highlight its specific tonal footprint:

• Heavy Compression: Even at low settings, the CS-1 provides a very noticeable "squeezing" of the tone.
• Vintage Warmth: Its photocoupler circuit is praised for an organic, "funky" response that is ideal for clean rhythm parts, such as country "chicken pickin'" or funk.
• Noise Profile: While effective, the pedal can become noisy at extreme sustain settings, a common trait for vintage compression circuits. 

Specifications

According to official documentation from Roland Corporation:

• Power: 9V Battery or Boss ACA-series AC adapter.
• Current Draw: 5mA at 9V DC.
• Dimensions: 70(W) x 55(H) x 125(D) mm (approx. 2.75 x 2.19 x 4.9 inches).
• Weight: 400g (14oz).
  

Disclaimer: minor characteristics due-to-age such as light pots scratching /  hums / hisses / clicks on every 10+ years old electronic equipment for sale may occur. 

During the life span of the items, repair or restoration actions may have been made and different era / craftsmanship components may have been used.

For mentioned items are sold as-is according to the description and provider / e-commerce platform rules.

Please make sure that your shipping address is correct prior to purchasing, incorrect addresses and failing to fulfil eventual customs fees and instructions will result in additional costs.