I have a CS-2, but i dont really use it for adding sustain but more to warm up a too sterile sound on for instance a Telecaster. Thats the main difference to other CSers, the very tastefull warming effect IMO.
The CS-2 has level, sustain and attack control. Level for boosting, sustain for sustain, but the attack controll lets you clear out any harshness in the sound. You can add sutain in the mix but the attack you cant smooth out that well afterwards.
This is probably what to focus on, a smoother attack on your solos presumambly. Im guessing here, but i think if you take your Matamp and a guitar with less attack on the highs youll probably have solved most on this issue, lay back a little on the mids if they sound harsh also.
The CS-2 does pop up at times for a decent price, they are MIJ so they would cost a bit more then the CS-3 used. The CS-3 has an added tone control which IMO only makes it noisier(allthough still really quiet for a CS IMO), its also more contemporary sounding so it doesnt warm up/smoothen out like the CS-2, still they seemed fairly comparable to me.
Then for the CS, i would say ask your local shop if you could borrow one for the night. Usually they wont mind especially when they have one used anyway, most are players themselves and understand your situation.
Another option would be to ask around, if you can get your hands on any noise free CS it would be fine, just in case your 'solo' selection for amp and guitar wont match the expectations.
Rereading i hope i dont come across too blunt again, it seems so hard to put things into the proper words, but i often just get frustrated and write everything down like it comes to my mind the easiest hoping people dont take offence too much.
Greetings, and im sure youll kick it tonight.....
Henk
EDIT: PS. It often happened to me that band members start messing with my tone, this seems especially appealing when recording, JUST DONT LET THEM!
