Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I was searching through compressor pedal reviews last week, to see how my Boss CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer compares to other models. I came across some great reviews for the Monte Allums hardware mods...

http://www.monteallums.com/

I ordered a kit for the CS-3 (his most popular mod kit, but there are many others) from him and got it yesterday. Seems very straightforward with many circuit board components to replace and a bright white LED. I will be doing this mod over the weekend and will port here what happens.

Some components are the same values but just better quality, while others are different values.

Has anybody else used any of his mods on pedals?

Thanks

I made the mods today on this pedal. It made a huge difference in the sound. A really nice deep tone and great sustain in that mode. I was not crazy about this pedal before but It sounds great now. Pretty simple changes as long as you know how to de-solder & solder components.

Worth the $22 I'd say.

-Greg

You didn't happen to make sample before/after recordings, did you?

I thought of that after the fact unfortunately

I did the same mod a few days ago. The tone is much cleaner, full fat bottom, much quieter, sustain that goes on and on, very smooth, low distortion. Overall this turns a CS-3 into a compressor very similar in tone to a vintage optical compressor like the CS-1 (even though the mod itself is not optical). The only downside is the attack is a little subdued and the attack control doesn't make much of a difference. I also have a Maxon CP 101 which is optical and very high quality. It is very transparent and neutral by comparison. The Maxon is kind of like pure drinking water vs. Monte's cherry coke. After seeing the handful of cheap parts you extract from your CS-3 you will be glad you did this mod. When you see pros using Boss pedals it's a good bet they've been modded too.