Boss SY-1 Compact Pedal Guitar Synthesizer

BOSS "guitar-synth" technology, finally in a compact format

With the SY-1, BOSS condenses its historic expertise in guitar synthesis into a simple, straightforward pedal designed for the stage. The idea is clear: to give you immediate access to rich and dynamic synth textures without complex setup and without forcing you to "think like a keyboard player." The result: a modern, versatile guitar synth pedal that naturally fits into a traditional setup.

Who is it for, which styles, and in what contexts?

The BOSS SY-1 is aimed at both curious guitarists and gigging musicians who want to enrich a set without overloading their pedalboard. In alternative rock, pop, electro, ambient, funk, or fusion, it allows you to add synth leads, thick basses, pads, organs, and rhythmic sequences in one gesture. In the studio, it speeds up arrangement creation; live, it transforms a guitar part into an immediately usable synth layer.

Controls, modes, and integration: simple on the surface, powerful in practice

Navigation is designed like a classic BOSS pedal: choose a TYPE, then a VARIATION, and quickly shape the sound with TONE/RATE and DEPTH. Then balance the mix using the EFFECT (synth) and DIRECT (guitar signal) levels, handy for retaining your instrument's attack and tone. The GUITAR/BASS switch optimizes the generator according to your instrument. Finally, the parallel Send/Return loop makes it easy to add other effects in your chain, and the EXP/CTL input opens the door to foot controls (footswitch or expression pedal). The Hold function (via holding the footswitch) lets you sustain a synth sound while you play over it with your direct tone.

Sound character

The SY-1 covers a very wide palette, ranging from characteristic analog-style sounds (synth leads and basses) to expansive pads, organs with rotary modulation feel, strings inspired by vintage synths, percussive bells, and SFX and SEQ for pulsed patterns and moving textures. The character is intentionally musical and responsive: it follows your playing, adapts to chords, and allows precise control over the synth presence without overpowering your guitar identity.

Technical specifications

Effects	Sound Generator, Synthesizer	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Blue
Type	sector

121 sounds	11 types with 11 variations each	Nominal input level (INPUT, RETURN)	-20 dBu
Available types	Lead 1, Lead 2, Pad, Bass, Str, Organ, Bell, SFX 1, SFX 2, Seq 1, Seq 2	Input impedance (INPUT, RETURN)	2.2 M ohms
Knobs	Type, Variation, Tone, Depth, Effect, Direct	Nominal output level (OUTPUT, SEND)	-20 dBu
Indicator	CHECK (also serves as battery indicator)	Output impedance (OUTPUT, SEND)	1 k ohm
Input	6.35mm Jack	Recommended load impedance	10 k ohms or higher
Output	6.35mm Jack	Bypass	Buffered bypass
FX Loop	Send 6.35mm Jack, Return 6.35mm Jack (parallel loop)	Dimensions (W x D x H)	73 x 129 x 59 mm
EXP/CTL input	stereo 6.35mm Jack	Weight (including battery)	450 g
Power input	DC IN	Documentation (leaflet	"USING THE UNIT SAFELY", "IMPORTANT NOTES", "Information")