What kind of sounds can the Boss SY-1 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal create?

The Boss SY-1 transforms your guitar into a versatile synthesizer, offering 121 distinct synth sounds across 11 types like Leads, Bass, Pads, and Organs. You can easily dial in classic analog synth tones, shimmering pads, powerful bass lines, or unique sound effects. It's perfect for adding rich, expressive textures to your music without needing a dedicated keyboard.

Do I need special pickups or modifications to use the Boss SY-1?

No, the Boss SY-1 works with any standard guitar, bass, or other stringed instrument without requiring special pickups or modifications. Simply plug your instrument in, and the SY-1's advanced processing will track your playing with low latency, converting your signal into a wide array of synthesizer sounds. This makes it incredibly easy to integrate into your existing setup.

How do I control and customize the synth sounds on the SY-1?

The SY-1 features intuitive controls to shape your synth sounds. The "Type" knob selects from 11 categories, while the "Variation" knob offers 11 different sounds within each type. "Tone/Rate" adjusts parameters like filter cutoff or modulation speed, and "Depth" controls the intensity. You can also connect an expression pedal for real-time control over various parameters, adding dynamic expression to your performances.

What is the purpose of the Send/Return loop on the SY-1?

The Send/Return loop on the Boss SY-1 allows for flexible signal routing and external effects integration. You can use it to apply effects specifically to the synth sound, or to process your dry guitar signal independently before it's mixed with the synth sound. For example, you could add reverb to just the synth output, or run your dry guitar through an overdrive pedal while the SY-1 generates a clean synth pad. This offers extensive creative possibilities for shaping your overall sound.

Boss SY-1 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal

Name: SY-1 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal
Brand: Boss
Rating: 4.5 (72 reviews)

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

Item ID: SY1

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In Stock!

SY-1 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal with Gator Flat Patch Cables

SY-1 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal with Power Supply and Cable

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Polyphonic Synth Pedal for Guitar and Bass

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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.