Boss SY-1000

A New Chapter in the Lineage of BOSS/Roland Guitar Synths

The BOSS SY-1000 continues the heritage of guitar synths that have marked the brand's history, while pushing performance and expressiveness much further. It features approaches inspired by iconic technologies (such as the spirit of the GR-300) alongside more modern engines, all combined into a platform designed for real-time sound creation. The concept is simple: retain an organic "guitar" playing feel while providing immediate access to synthesis textures, instrument modeling, and advanced processing.

Who Is the SY-1000 For and In Which Contexts Does It Shine?

The SY-1000 targets guitarists and bassists who want to compose, arrange, and perform with a single device: electronic music, modern rock, pop, ambient, progressive, soundtrack, worship, atmospheric metal... It suits both curious musicians eager to explore uncompromising synthesis and experienced creators seeking a control center for a high-end pedalboard.
In the studio, it becomes a formidable idea box (pads, analog leads, sequences, orchestral layers). On stage, its assignable footswitches and configurable outputs allow building a reliable setup: a Main sound ready for the front of house, a Sub dedicated to an amp, a monitor, or an external effects chain.

Architecture, Controls, and Connectivity: A True Creation "Hub"

At the heart of the SY-1000 is a structure designed to layer three instruments within a single patch. Each instrument can be finely adjusted, including string by string (pitch, level, pan), to create harmonizations, virtuosic splits, stereo doubles, or instant tuning changes. The Dynamic Synth is designed to follow the natural envelope of playing and offer a more "alive" feel than simple note-to-MIDI conversion.
Going further, the Dynamic Synth includes two 16-step sequencers per part to animate pitch, filter, and amplitude: perfect for moving textures, rhythmic patterns, or cinematic builds. On the traditional guitar side, a standard instrument input allows blending your usual signal with synthesis or processing it with internal tools. Premium effects and amps inherited from the GT family provide the finishing touch: drive, modulations, delays, reverbs, and a full chain usable on stage or in recording.
The interface prioritizes fluidity: large backlit LCD screen, clear editing, and extensive control possibilities (footswitches, external controller jacks, effects loop, USB Audio/MIDI, MIDI In/Out). With a GK-compatible pickup and a 13-pin connection, you access all synthesis and modeling options with very precise tracking and imperceptible latency during play.

Sound

The SY-1000 stands out with a very wide and very "hi-fi" sound when desired, but also capable of getting gritty and gaining character through its effects and modeling sections. Analog-style leads can be thick and present, pads remain clear even in rich chords, and evolving textures benefit from particularly expressive dynamics. String tracking (via GK) promotes clear articulation, useful for fast attacks, complex voicings, and performances where every nuance counts.

Technical specifications

Effects	Multi-effects, Modeling Processor	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedalboard	Color	Blue
Type	sector

Global processing	48 kHz / 32-bit	Effects loop	SEND (6.35mm jack), RETURN (6.35mm jack)
AD conversion (divided pickup)	32-bit (AF method)	Main outputs	MAIN OUTPUT L/PHONES, R/MONO (6.35mm jack)
AD conversion (instrument input)	32-bit (AF method)	Secondary outputs	SUB OUTPUT L, R/MONO (6.35mm jack)
DA conversion	32-bit	External control	CTL3,4/EXP1 and CTL5,6/EXP2 (6.35mm TRS jack)
Instrument types (depending on modes and patches)	Dynamic Synth, OSC Synth, GR-300, E.Guitar, E.Bass, Acoustic, VIO Guitar, Poly FX	USB COMPUTER	USB type B (USB Audio and USB MIDI)
Patch memory (guitar mode)	200 presets + 200 user patches	MIDI	IN, OUT/THRU
Patch memory (bass mode)	200 presets + 200 user patches	Power input	DC IN
Display	backlit graphic LCD 512 x 160	Nominal input level	GUITAR INPUT -10 dBu; RETURN -10 dBu
Footswitches	8 assignable	Maximum input level	GUITAR INPUT +16 dBu; RETURN +8 dBu
Main controls	BANK UP, BANK DOWN, CTL switches, navigation and editing buttons	Input impedance	GUITAR INPUT 1 megaohm; RETURN 1 megaohm
Potentiometers	1 to 6 + OUTPUT LEVEL control	Nominal output level	MAIN OUTPUT -10 dBu; SUB OUTPUT -10 dBu; SEND -10 dBu
GK IN input	13-pin DIN connector	Output impedance	MAIN OUTPUT 44 ohms; SUB OUTPUT 1 kohm; SEND 1 kohm
Instrument input	GUITAR INPUT (6.35mm jack)	Recommended load impedance	MAIN OUTPUT 10 kohms or higher (headphones 44 ohms or higher); SUB OUTPUT 10 kohms or higher; SEND 10 kohms or higher