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.
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.
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.
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.
We're no strangers to BOSS guitar synth technology here at Music Experience, and we're mighty 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The SY-1000 is a breakthrough creation machine that transforms your guitar or bass rig with limitless sound design options. This powerhouse music tool opens a bold new chapter in the legacy of BOSS guitar synth innovation, fusing decades of R&D with our latest software and hardware advancements. Backed by a cutting-edge sound engine, high-octane DSP, and evolved GK technology, the SY-1000 delivers the finest performance and most organic playing experience to date. Three simultaneous instruments and premium processing let you craft any sound you can imagine—intense analog-style leads, warm pads, moving synth textures, modeled electric and acoustic tones, or all at once. And with freely configurable footswitches, outputs, and external controls, you can maximize the hardware for any workflow. Sonically vast and deeply expressive, the SY-1000 is an infinite well of inspiration, energizing your musical vision with endless possibilities.
The SY-1000 is the most advanced guitar/bass synth we’ve ever made, hands down. Custom DSP delivers six times the processing muscle of the SY-300, and the newly developed sound engine leverages the power of GK independent string processing for ultra-articulate performance, lightning-fast response, instantly variable tuning, sound panning/layering, and much more.
The all-new Dynamic Synth takes guitar synthesis further than it’s ever gone. GK processing and speedy DSP track your instrument’s characteristics with precision detail, allowing you to craft sounds never before possible. Choose from ten oscillator waveforms—sine, triangle, PWM, three saw types (including Roland’s famous supersaw), and more. Then shape the sound with six different filters, amplifier control, two LFOs, and two powerful step sequencers. Optimum performance is realized with the GK input, but it’s also possible to play the Dynamic Synth via the normal guitar/bass input.
Complementing the powerful Dynamic Synth are two additional synth instruments. OSC Synth is an analog-style engine with lots of filter options, full ADSR control, and high-definition sound with the discrete GK input. Also included is a perfect sonic recreation of the Roland GR-300, the legendary 1980s analog guitar synth used by some of the world’s most influential guitarists.
The SY-1000’s signal processing and user interface are derived from BOSS’s flagship GT-1000 multi-effects, lauded for its exceptional audio quality and simple operation. Shape sounds any way you like with a huge palette of effects, plus ultra-responsive guitar and bass amps. Quickly edit instruments and effects, change routings, create parallel chains, and more via the large LCD and hands-on knobs. And to speed up your patch workflow even more, you can save favorite instrument and effect setups in ready-to-go Variation libraries.
The SY-1000’s USB audio/MIDI interface opens a world of creative options with your favorite DAW. With the GK input, you’re able to record each of your instrument’s strings to separate audio tracks, either processed live or captured dry for later “re-synth” processing through the SY-1000. And with the Guitar-to-MIDI/Bass-to-MIDI function, you can use your axe to play soft synths, record MIDI sequences, input notation data, and more.
A standard SY-1000 patch includes three simultaneous instruments—each with a number of distinctive types to choose from—and you can combine and layer them for an endless range of sounds. Fed by the 13-pin GK input, every instrument offers an extensive set of parameters for tone shaping, mixing, and tuning. A normal ¼-inch input is available as well, letting you blend regular guitar/bass pickup sounds alongside the three instruments.
After shaping a basic sound with the Dynamic Synth, the fun’s just starting—with two step sequencers, you can infuse it with movement to create complex textures that pulse, breathe, and groove. Each sequencer features 16 customizable steps that control pitch, filter, and amplitude independently. Better still, every step includes 13 different envelope curves for unprecedented sonic control. And by stacking three Dynamic Synths together, you can build massive moving sounds with three oscillators and six separate step sequencers!
The SY-1000 doesn’t stop at synthesis—it also features refreshed instrument modeling derived from historic BOSS and Roland GK gear. A large selection of electric, acoustic, and bass guitar types are available, each with independent tuning, EQ, virtual amp settings, and more. There’s also a highly expressive VIO Guitar instrument, which alters the input signal’s envelope and harmonic characteristics to create tones reminiscent of bowed instruments. Finally, the cool Poly FX instrument delivers richly textured voices with high-res definition only possible with GK processing.
By default, the SY-1000’s eight footswitches select patches, banks, and two control assignments. But you can easily reassign them to nearly any function you want. There’s also a Manual mode for fast on/off access to the three instruments and normal input. Up to four external footswitches or two expression pedals are supported, and MIDI I/O is provided as well. The Main and Sub outputs are normally used for mixed stereo signals, but can also be configured as four discrete outputs, complete with dedicated EQ on each. And with the moveable effects loop, you can smoothly integrate all your external gear.
| Pedal Type | Guitar Synthesizer |
|---|---|
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 13-pin GK Interface |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (main out), 2 x 1/4" (send/return), 2 x 1/4" (sub out) |
| MIDI I/O | In/Out |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" |
| Other I/O | 2 x 1/4" (control/expression) |
| Expression Control | Built-In |
| Compatibility | PC, Android, iOS |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (included) |
| Usage | 1200mA |
| Height | 2.75" |
| Width | 18.18" |
| Depth | 9.76" |
| Weight | 7.93 lbs. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | SY1000 |
