Boss
Boss SY-1 Synthesizer
Best creative tool for guitarists seeking instant, versatile synthesizer textures.
Unleash a universe of synth sounds with the Boss SY-1 Synthesizer pedal. This intuitive stompbox instantly transforms your guitar into a rich, diverse palette of synthesizer tones, perfect for exploring new sonic territories. Designed for guitarists, it offers easy sound shaping with straightforward controls, fitting seamlessly onto any pedalboard. Experience the classic synth sounds and innovative textures that Boss is known for, all in a reliable, pedalboard-friendly format. This unit is a used item, previously available from our Columbus, OH store.
$149.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
88
/ 204
#88 in Effects Processors
Price vs Category Average
-67%
Below average
Type
Synthesizer Guitar Effects Pedal
/ Synthesizer Guitar Effects Pedal
Who it's for
- Guitarists wanting instant synth sounds without complex gear setups
- Creative musicians seeking a vast library of sonic textures
- Performers requiring reliable, glitch-free polyphonic tracking
Who should skip it
- Sound designers needing deep control over synthesis parameters
- Gigging players who need to save and recall custom patches
- Ambient artists requiring wide stereo imaging for their soundscapes
Performance breakdown
Tracking accuracy
Digital processing captures fast picking with minimal latency or glitching.
Sound variety
Expansive library of leads, pads, and textures for endless sonic exploration.
Ease of use
Intuitive knob layout makes dialing in complex synth tones remarkably simple.
Pedalboard footprint
Compact stompbox design fits easily into any existing signal chain.
Build quality
Rugged metal chassis built to withstand years of heavy touring abuse.
Input compatibility
Optimized for standard guitar signals without requiring specialized pickup systems.
Key Specs
Type
Synthesizer Guitar Effects Pedal
Category
Effects Pedal
Effect Type
Synthesizer
Form Factor
Stompbox Pedal
Parent Category
Guitar Effects
Signal Path Type
Digital
Processing Type
Digital
Input/Output Interface
1/4 inch Jack
Features
- Instantly converts guitar to synth sounds
- Wide variety of synth tones available
- Intuitive controls for easy sound shaping
- Compact stompbox for pedalboards
- Designed for guitar input compatibility
- Diverse synthesizer effect types
What customers say
The Boss SY1 synthesizer pedal earns high praise for its groundbreaking accessibility and superior tracking. Guitarists and bassists love the plug and play nature, instantly accessing authentic polyphonic synth sounds without complex MIDI setups. The pedal offers 121 distinct synth types, providing immense creative potential in a small package. Users consistently note its accurate note tracking, even with chords. While the sound quality is generally excellent, some users desire deeper tonal warmth. The main functional critique centers on limited parameter control; the single Tweak knob simplifies operation but restricts deep sound sculpting. Overall, the SY1 is viewed as a revolutionary, highly effective tool that offers exceptional value for bridging guitar and synthesizer sounds.
Know before you buy
No, the SY-1 works with a standard 1/4-inch guitar cable. It uses Boss’s advanced polyphonic technology to track your playing directly from your guitar's existing pickups.
The SY-1 is designed for near-zero latency, allowing you to play naturally without feeling like you are waiting for the synth sound to catch up. However, like most digital pitch-tracking pedals, it performs best with clean, accurate picking technique.
The SY-1 does not feature onboard memory for saving presets. It is designed as a 'what-you-see-is-what-you-get' pedal, where the sound is determined by the current position of the knobs.
Yes, the SY-1 is fully compatible with bass guitars. It tracks low-frequency signals effectively, making it a great tool for adding synth-bass textures to your sound.
The pedal is fully polyphonic, meaning it can track and synthesize multiple notes at once. It handles chords and complex intervals very well, maintaining the integrity of your playing across the fretboard.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$150