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Boss SY-1 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal

Polyphonic Synthesizer Effects Pedal for Guitar and Bass, with Send/Return Loop, and Expression/Switch Input
$199.99

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Polyphonic Synth Pedal for Guitar and Bass

Packing a huge range of synthesizer sounds into a compact, easy-to-use BOSS pedal format, the BOSS SY-1 Guitar Synthesizer pedal is loaded with creative potential. This polyphonic guitar synth doesn't require any extra hardware on your guitar, and you don't need to know anything about programming synth sounds to get the best out of it. Just plug your guitar or bass in, select from 121 vibrant sounds, and start exploring. Sounds range from classic analog tones to leads, basses, layered organs, sweeping pads, and even arpeggiated sequences. Complete with a parallel send/return loop to integrate with other effects, the BOSS SY-1 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal is a value-packed solution for generating synth sounds with your guitar or bass.

Over 100 synth sounds in a single pedal

121 sounds, to be precise. Select from 11 core synth types, like leads, pads, and bass, then select from 11 variations of that core synth sound. No special pickup system or other hardware is required, and the results are expressive and dynamic. Whether you're looking to highlight a specific song section, or are creating complete synth scores with your guitar, you'll be proud of the sounds you can create with the BOSS SY-1 guitar synth pedal.

Optimized for both guitar and bass

Guitarists and bassists alike can take advantage of the SY-1's synth sounds. You'll find a mode switch to optimize its pitch tracking for either guitar or bass — select the appropriate instrument, and you're ready to play. Using the blend control, you can mix your guitar or bass tone along with the synth tone.

Send/Return loop for routing flexibility

Adventurous musicians at Sweetwater appreciate the SY-1 pedal's send/return loop, which opens up a lot of creative possibilities. This loop can be mixed in parallel with the main synth output, allowing you to use other effects pedals to add another layer to your synth sound — try a slow phaser into a deep, fast tremolo to add a whole new element of movement and depth. Or you could use the send as a direct output, routing the synth sound to a different amplifier.

BOSS SY-1 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal Features:

  • Polyphonic synthesizer pedal for electric guitar and bass
  • 121 total sounds, featuring 11 synth types with 11 variations for each
  • Requires no special pickup or additional electronics
  • No perceptible latency to distract you from your performance
  • Hold function allows you to sustain a synth sound to play over
  • Blend your guitar and synth tones with independent volume controls
  • Parallel send/return loop for integrating effects pedals, or for use as a direct out to a separate amp
  • Additional control via expression pedal or footswitch (not included)

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Tech Specs

  • Pedal Type: Guitar Synthesizer
  • Effects: Strings, Bass, Layered Pads, Lead, Bell, SFX 1/2, Pulsating
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/4" (return)
  • Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (main out), 1 x 1/4" (send)
  • Other I/O: 1 x 1/4" TRS (expression/control)
  • Bypass Switching: Buffered Bypass
  • Power Source: 9V DC power supply required (sold separately)
  • Power Usage: 85mA
  • Batteries: 1 x 9V
  • Height: 2.37"
  • Width: 2.87"
  • Depth: 5.12"
  • Weight: 1 lb.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: SY-1

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

BOSS SY-1

THIS I AN AWESOME PEDAL ! YOU CAN DO ALMOST ANYTHING WITH IT, 121 SOUND VARIANTS ! CHECK IT OUT ONLINE & WATCH THE VIDEO !
Music background: LEARNING GUITAR .....!
Rated 5/5

Gives immediate results, flawless tracking, straightforward to use

I've used the SY-1 in my setup for a couple hours, and it is a magical device. One of Boss's best that I've ever seen. Tracks insanely well. The sequencer mode is out of this world. I'm going to be recording a lot of keyboard and organ parts, at long last, without needing a keys player. It's basically a General MIDI synth module in pedal format and a Boss interface for selecting synth patches.

Things get real interesting really fast with the sequencer and Bell categories. I've barely dipped into this thing but I'm finding it much more approachable than the Source Audio C4, although it doesn't support presets. Some of the organ parts are pretty shrill, but you can use EQ and the tone knobs on your guitar to take care of that.

Its performance is spectacular. The patches I've pulled up that sound good, REALLY sound good. It is hard to get this device to drop a note. I have not managed to do that. True polyphony and it never drops a note on the guitar. It's uncanny. To replicate some of the instruments most effectively, like keys and organ, you will need to change your technique (and be super accurate). Dynamics will change and things you do in normal guitar passages may not be as effective. Spend time exploring the various instrument patches and you will find many that work extremely well. I can't wait to try out the expression pedal with it. Also, pressing the pedal sustains the current tone. Awesome.

Using the effects loop is a whole different animal. You can get more of a 'guitar-y' tone doing it this way. It still sounds incredible and can fatten up your sound. The Effect and Direct knobs interact a lot with the effects loop. I also find that using humbuckers gives a more saturated keyboard sound than single-coils. I've already started recording with this, two hours after I set it up on my board. The photo shows my second board hooked up to the SY-1 effects loop.

Two big thumbs up from me. Highest recommendation.

I waited a long time for this pedal and it was worth the wait. Shipping from Sweetwater could have been better. I think they should use US Postal Service and drop FedEx.
Rated 4.5/5

Awesome

Must have pedal, if you are looking for something different! This is it ! Watch the videos you will see what i mean! So many cool sounds! Wish I bought this sooner! Thank You RAY and sweetwater for being there!
Music background: 49 yrs playing all kinds of guitars !
Rated 5/5

Glad i bought it!

Works great, great product. Sounds just like a synthesizer, hammond organ, strings, you name it!
Music background: Guitarist
Rated 5/5

BOSS SY-1 "The Periwinkle Wonder "

Boss SY-1 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal is amazing. I don't have the time or interest in a device that requires programming or a lot of set up. My pedal arrived on Sunday afternoon, I plugged it in and immediately began using it to add additional flavor to songs. I mainly am a solo performer and When I'm performing I cover a lot of genres. With Boss SY-1 I was able to quickly pick types and variations of sound that would add another dimension to my performance. It was so easy I took it out with me and used it the next day at a gig. I know I just hit touched the tip of the iceberg with this pedal and I'm looking forward to the learning all the different ways I can use it to add to my performances. PS> In addition to this pedal I use a Boss OC-5 to add bass and an octave above on my first three strings for a 12 string guitar effect, I also us an Alesis SR-18 for drum back up and have 10 other pedals I use for additional coloring.
Music background: Gigging Musician
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