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Boss SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal Demo

Synthesizer and Effects Pedal for Electric Guitar and Bass, with 1/4" Instrument Input, 13-pin GK Interface, Effects Loop, and 8 Assignable Footswitches
19 Write review Item ID: SY1000d1

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Infinite Sonic Possibilities Await

The BOSS SY-1000 synthesizer pedal for guitar and bass represents the pinnacle of BOSS and Roland's guitar synth technology, refined over decades of player feedback. Three distinct synthesizer instrument engines can be played simultaneously for exceptionally deep and rich sonic textures. You can plug your guitar or bass in directly via 1/4" cable just like any other effects pedal, or you can use Roland's GK pickup for the most precise pitch tracking and per-string parameter tweaking. Factor in its built-in effects loop, multi-effects capabilities, instrument modeling, external control inputs, and freely assignable footswitches, and it's clear the BOSS SY-1000 is the most advanced synthesizer pedal ever devised.

Related Videos: SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal

Updated sound engine for more sonic potential than ever

With its updated sound engine, driven by custom DSP and featuring 32-bit/48kHz sound quality, the BOSS SY-1000 is the best-sounding BOSS guitar synth to date. You'll also notice that the tracking is ultra-precise, with no latency to distract you from your performance. And with the ability to dial in three simultaneous instruments, from synth leads and pads to bass and more, you've got a ton of creative potential right at your feet.

Ready to adapt to your preferences

Whether you normally plug straight into your amplifier, multiple amps, or go direct, the BOSS SY-1000 synthesizer pedal is ready to adapt to your style. Its footswitches are freely configurable, so you can put your most-needed functions right at your toes. And the outputs are freely assignable too, making it easy to split up your signal path however you like. You could send the synth sounds to a separate amplifier, for example, or record your guitar and the synth sounds on separate tracks in your DAW. You even have a send/return effects loop built right into the SY-1000, allowing you to add your favorite effects pedals to the mix.

Create hybrid guitar and bass tones

By connecting your guitar or bass to the SY-1000 with both your GK pickup (sold separately) and your instrument's 1/4" output, you can combine your instrument and synth tones to create an endless array of sonic textures. Add a saw-wave lead synth sound to your guitar to take your solos to new heights. Add pads to your bass tone to create extra octaves of sonic interest. With the ability to dial in three simultaneous instruments, the various tonal combinations you can craft are practically endless.

Dynamic Synth engine makes guitar-synth more expressive than ever

We're no strangers to BOSS guitar synth technology here at Sweetwater, and we're mightily impressed with the Dynamic Synth in the SY-1000. For the best results, connect your instrument to the SY-1000 via your GK pickup as well as your 1/4" instrument output. The GK pickup will give you ultra-precise pitch tracking for the synth sounds, while your 1/4" output will inform the synth's envelope shape and how it responds. In other words, Dynamic Synth follows the natural volume envelope of your instrument, further fusing your synth sounds with your playing style.

Dual step sequencers for animated, evolving synth patches

The Dynamic Synth engine features two 16-step sequencers that you can use to add whole new dimensions of movement to your synth patches. Each step of each sequencer can control pitch, filter, and amplitude independently, with 13 different envelope curves to explore. While the results can obviously sound extreme, adding these sequencers in a subtle, barely-heard fashion could be the key to drawing your listeners in even further.

Covering decades of synthesizer technology

In addition to the ultra-expressive Dynamic Synth engine, the SY-1000 pedal packs two additional synth instruments. The OSC Synth is based on classic analog synth architecture, offering lots of filter options, a versatile ADSR envelope, and impeccable sound quality. To tap into the iconic sound of '80s guitar synths, the GR-300 synth engine offers a spot-on re-creation of the classic Roland GR-300.

Instrument modeling, multi-effects, and much more

While its synthesis capabilities are vast, the SY-1000 goes even further by offering advanced guitar and bass modeling. Covering a huge range of electric, acoustic, and bass guitar types, you can also experiment with independent tuning, EQ, virtual amp settings, and much more. To create bowed-instrument sounds, tap into the VIO Guitar instrument, which alters your guitar or bass signal's envelope and harmonic characteristics. Or check out the Poly FX instrument, which promises to deliver "richly textured voices with high-res definition only possible with GK processing." And on top of these advanced modeling and effects capabilities, you're also free to run your guitar or bass signal through the SY-1000's synth filters, LFOs, and step sequencers for creative sound-shaping.

Instant access to altered tunings

When used with a GK pickup, the SY-1000 gives you instant access to alternate tuning for your guitar or bass. From open tunings and drop tunings, to Nashville tuning, pitch-shifted tunings (-12 to +12), and even a 12-string guitar mode, you'll be able to explore the creative potential of alternate tunings without spending any time re-tuning and re-intonating your instrument.

BOSS SY-1000 Synthesizer Pedal Features:

  • The most advanced BOSS synthesizer pedal ever created, for guitar or bass
  • Updated synth engine with custom DSP and 32-bit/48kHz processing for unparalleled sound quality and zero latency
  • Layer up to three simultaneous instrument sounds for rich, evocative timbres
  • Independent control of pitch, level, and panning for each string, when used with GK pickup (sold separately)
  • Dynamic Synth engine follows your instrument's natural volume envelope for exceptional expressive playability
  • Dual 16-part sequencers allow you to modulate pitch, filter, and amplitude
  • OSC Synth engine re-creates classic analog synth architecture for epic leads, pads, and bass sounds
  • GR-300 synth engine is a spot-on re-creation of the iconic Roland GR-300 guitar synth from the '80s
  • Works with your guitar or bass via 1/4" cable, Roland GK pickup (sold separately) required for full access to all synth and modeling features
  • Stellar effects and amps derived from the acclaimed GT-1000 guitar synth
  • Footswitches are freely assignable to customize your control layout
  • Connections for USB audio/MIDI, 5-pin MIDI I/O, plus guitar-to-MIDI/bass-to-MIDI functionality
  • Dedicated Guitar and Bass modes are optimized for peak performance with each instrument type
  • Customize your sounds with the BOSS Tone Studio editor software, and download pro-created patches at BOSS Tone Central

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At Sweetwater, we're so picky that what we call a "demo" is actually better than what most music retailers sell as "new" gear! Our gear hasn't endured hundreds of people a week plunking away at all the keyboards, fumbling through Stairway to Heaven on every guitar or playing with every fader and knob on a mixer or control surface.

What demo means to us is that we've had it out of the box, or maybe it was in a customer's hands for a few days and isn't "factory fresh" as a result. Every demo item we sell has Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ warranty, and has been tested and verified up to "new" specs by our factory-authorized technicians to make sure it's in perfect working order before we ship it to you.

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Additional Media

Electric Guitar Buying Guide
BOSS SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal at Winter NAMM 2020

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Tech Specs

  • MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru
  • USB: 1 x USB-B
  • Power Source: 9V DC power supply (included)
  • Manufacturer Part Number: SY-1000

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Bog step up from GP-10

I have had the GP-10 for years and this is a huge improvement. Its basically 4x the GP10, you can use your normal gtr plu 3 synth engines. The synths are elec gtr, acoustic guitars, synths and more. This is NOT a PCM synth with sax and pianos etc. This is def a guitar centered item but you can do some otherworldly stuff. Easy to control and setup and love the Boss Tone Studio editor, makes is super easy to build and craft patches. I love that I can separate strings so I can use a bass on the low two strings and guitar on the top 4, or even add a synth pad on the middle two strings. The normal guitar side has a ton if not most of the stuff in the Boss Gt1000 so it has towns of amps and can do way more FX at one time than the GP-10. Great unit that I am only starting to tap into. The SY-1000 is the heart of my updated loop rig.
by Suke Cerulo from New York, NY on
Music background: professional for over 30 years

Some Problems, but Still FIVE STARS

Without going into what this can do again - you can see all the videos and articles for that - I'd rather relate my experiences with it. They SY-1000 is, by all means, a powerhouse of GREAT sounds. It is a subtractive synth (not with sampled sounds), which is cool because it is a much better approach to synthesis with a guitar. The idea of playing piano on guitar is stupid to me anyway - if you want a good piano sound, learn to play piano or hire a keyboardist. The synth tones in the SY-1000 are meant to work with the guitar. That said, the "DYNAMIC" synth engine is what should be used for this. The "OSC" engine comes across as having multiple oscillators, but BOSS did a bad job that that engine. I rarely use it because it requires pitch to midi and it doesn't track as well as the "DYNAMIC" engine - not even close. I like to use the "DYNAMIC" in conjunction with the "NORMAL" guitar sound block. You can get some really useful and great tones that way. The GR-300 engine is very cool, but ONLY if you are using a magnetic Gk pickup. If you are using a Piezo hexaphonic GK pickup, it makes horrible farty sounds all over the place. I have a Godin with the Piezo (also have used a Brian Moore with Piezo) hexaphonic, and a Fender Roland-Ready standard strat with the built in GK (magnetic). The regular GK pickup works better, by far, on the SY-1000 than the Piezo. This is highly unfortunate. I have tried to get the Piezo hexaphonic's settings just right, but it is still not on par with the magnetic GK.

The SY-1000 can be used, in limited capacity, without the GK pickup. However, to use the guitar models, Alt tunings, and many other great features, you'll want a guitar with a GK built in, or you'll want to buy the GK-3 pickup - SWEETWATER sells these as well. I have never liked the look of a midi pickup on a guitar, so I have opted to go with the built in.

I have used the SY-1000 in multiple rehearsals and in a medium sized jazz club (through a FRFR speaker). Live, it sounds wonderful. The amp sims are great, the guitar sims are great. You will need to take some time to get your settings right, to how you play, ensuring the right pickup for the GK input is set.

Who this is for - guitarists who want to explore sonic territory that they have never been able to before - the world of synthesis is not the guitarist's normal playground, so there is a massive learning curve - but it is a lot of fun to come up with new sounds - it's easy to get lost in it. However, you can EASIlY create good, usable sounds just like any other processor. Again, a very powerful tool. It is also for the guitarist (or bassist) who wants a lot of options at a gig without having to carry multiple instruments and amps. The idea of guitar modeling is not new, but the models in the SY-1000 are great. I will always prefer the sound of a real tele or jazz box, but in a pinch it's nice to have this and not worry about carrying around multiple guitars (or amps and effects). This is, apart from the synth, a great guitar processor and I found its interface intuitive. I spent about 2 hours figuring how to navigate and create some great sounds. I still recommend going through the manual, even if it's a cursory review (you'll be glad you did as it can do some very useful things). BOSS is great at userability - the SY-1000 lets you assign pretty much any function to any footswitch (and add expression pedals and more footswitches). I typically use two or three patches on a gig and have everything set up inside each patch (various footswitches) for the sounds I need. It becomes a simple, and easy to use, machine at that point.

I do wish BOSS would stay more on top of their firmware updates with the SY-1000. There are some things that could probably be fixed (like the "OSC" engine, some warbles in pitch with PIEZO pickups on ALT tunings, but I know this machine pales in popularity compared to their more traditional processors.

All in all, the SY-1000 is a great tool and worth having, even if you don't gig a lot. It is fun and useful. The tones are incredible and give you access to a universe of sounds and possibilities that other machines can only dream of - The SY-1000 lets you seek out strange new worlds and to go where no guitarist has gone before. . .
by Bill from NC on
Music background: Hobbyist, Church musician, music is my therapy

the new beast

I've been using Roland and Boss processors for over 20 years now and for the last 13 years, I haven't seen anything on the market (including from Roland) that could compete with my VG-99 and VB-99. Although there have been several other units since that have made improvements in specific areas like modeling and processing, this is the first processor that has all the capabilities I've been looking for to upgrade from the VG-99. It has all the routing options I would need, great tracking, improved synth and modeling sounds, and it's a very solid piece of gear. Plus, the editor which is a must for me is much more straight forward and quite powerful. Looking forward to using these bad boys for the next 10 years and glad to see that Roland/Boss are still supporting flagship processors for those of us that like to dig deep into sonic possibilities.
by Nima from LA on
Music background: professional musician

Fun

The SY 1000 is a lot of fun. The sounds produced work very well for me. No latency. Still learning all of the options. Compared to other synthesizers I have tried this is the best.
by Kenneth Friedman from Buffalo,NY on
Music background: Guitar

Hidden Secret

I purchased this from sweetwater a while back. I have finally found time to program some presets and I got more familiar with this new product from Boss. This has got to be Boss's best-kept secret. It has the same amp models that are found in the Boss GT-1000 (AIRD) which is far better amp modeling than the Cosm amp models found in older products by Boss and Roland. It also has upgraded guitar models which are slightly better than the ones you find in the Roland GR-55. You will need the GK pickup to use the amp models. You should get the GK pickup anyway to unlock the full potential of this device. Some of the new amp models are wide range, bright hum, and fretless guitar. you also get a new model that is a fretless bass. The guitar models sound a little closer to real guitars when compared with the guitar models on my Roland GR-55. The hidden secret is that each FX block contains a reverb unit. This allows you to stack reverb types and you can get some incredible sounds when you do this. You can stack up to 4 reverb units. The GT 1,000 is their flagship multi-effects processor and it only has one reverb unit. This alone is worth the cost of admission. In addition to this, you can stack guitar models. You can blend up to three guitar models in a preset and combine them together. Each model has its own amp. All the amps are the AIRD amps and you have an additional amp you can use on your regular pickups. I have made some amazing presets with this thing. You can also plug this unit into your computer and use it as a midi controller for your DAW. This means you can play all the software synths you download from the internet using this device. You must have the GK pickup for this too. The sy-1000 is also a great analog synth which is much different than the Roland GR-55. I have linked both units together using the Roland US-20. This allows me to use both units at once with one guitar. I take the guitar output from the Roland GR-55 and run that into my GT-1000. Now I have access to all three devices from a single guitar. What a setup! This unit has been full of surprises and I would by it all over again in a heartbeat.
by Marcus from Tulsa on
Music background: Pro Musician
See also: midi guitars, Boss, Boss Multi-effects Pedals, Boss MIDI Guitars & Pickups
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