Boss Intros SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer

BOSS has introduced the SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer, an advanced synthesizer and modeling processor for guitar and bass.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“The SY-1000 is the most powerful guitar/bass synth processor to date, fusing decades of R&D with the latest software and hardware advancements. Leveraging custom DSP and GK independent string processing, the SY-1000 brings numerous musical advantages to players, including ultra-articulate tracking, lightning-fast response, instantly variable tuning, sound panning/layering, and more.

SY-1000 users can build patches with three simultaneous instruments—each with a number of distinctive types to choose from—and combine them for an endless range of sounds. Fed by the processor’s 13-pin GK input, every instrument offers an extensive set of parameters for tone shaping, mixing, and tuning. A normal 1/4-inch input is also available to blend in regular guitar/bass pickup sounds.

Deep and expressive, the SY-1000’s Dynamic Synth takes guitar synthesis to a new level, allowing players to craft sounds never before possible. Ten oscillator waveforms are available, plus six filter types, amplifier control, two LFOs, and two 16-part step sequencers for automating pitch, filter, and amplitude parameters. 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 Dynamic Synth are two additional synth instruments. OSC Synth is an analog-style engine with numerous filter options and full ADSR control. Also included is a faithful sonic recreation of the GR-300, Roland’s legendary analog guitar synth from the early 1980s.”

Features:

  • BOSS’s most powerful guitar/bass synth and modeling processor ever
  • Synth engine with custom DSP and 48 kHz/32-bit processing throughout
  • Three simultaneous instrument types and advanced real-time signal processing
  • Each instrument provides pitch, level, and panning of each string for instant alternate tunings and wide, layered voicings
  • New Dynamic Synth follows the guitar’s natural envelope for uncompromised tone shaping
  • New sound engine and GK 13-pin interface deliver clear, dynamic sound and precision tracking with zero latency
  • Dynamic Synth includes two 16-part step sequencers for evolving control of pitch, filter, and amplitude
  • Newly refreshed versions of historic BOSS/Roland guitar synth and modeling technologies: OSC Synth, GR-300, E.Guitar, E.Bass, Acoustic, VIO Guitar, and Poly FX
  • Normal ¼-inch guitar/bass input for blending and Dynamic Synth processing
  • Premium effects and amps derived from the flagship GT-1000
  • Large LCD and intuitive editing interface for free-flowing sound creation
  • Eight freely assignable footswitches, external control support, effects loop, and configurable Main/Sub outputs
  • USB Audio/MIDI and MIDI I/O, plus Guitar-to-MIDI/Bass-to-MIDI function
  • Dedicated Guitar and Bass modes
  • Customize sounds with the BOSS Tone Studio editor and download pro patches at BOSS Tone Central
  • Roland GK-compatible pickup and 13-pin cable required for full access to all synth and modeling features

Pricing and Availability

The Boss SY-1000 will be available in January 2020 for $999.99.

10 thoughts on “Boss Intros SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer”

  2. Not a guitar player but this almost makes me wish I was – really nice design. Boss has been the more interesting part of Roland in recent years.

  5. Definitely interested in hearing more from this thing. Curious how much functionality you have when you don’t use the pick up.

    1. The GP-10 (which is perhaps in this lineage) also has a normal guitar input. However, for that device, you can’t access ANY of the models with the regular guitar input. But you can have access to all the effects, amps, etc. IMHO, it would have been nice if they allowed you to run the normal pickup into the models with the caveat that it probably won’t sound right, but they were trying to make it idiot-proof, I suppose.

      It’ll be interesting to find out if they give you any more freedom in that regard.

      Though the GP-10 has a few little weak areas, I’ve actually been extremely pleased with how reliable, versatile, and generally easy it is to use. My GK-equipped guitar has saddle piezos– so the dynamic range is a little limited. I wonder what the trade-offs are with the Roland GK pickups.

  6. Guitar is the best original “alternate” controller for synths. Roland has been the best friend guitar synthesists have had for years. They made a VG-something that Bonnie Raitt once used on tour because it held all of her tunings and she never had to touch the pegs. That’s astounding. I’m a keys player, but I’d love to jam with someone who had a good handle on the GR and SY world. I can’t help but appreciate it after all of the Boss pedals I’ve enjoyed over time.

  7. I wish my GP-10 had midi out (not just over usb). I wonder if this has better latency and/or doesn’t skip notes like the GP-10.

    1. You would be stunned at how good the Boss modeled guitars & pickups are. They sound nuanced to me. On the GP-10, it is easily the most jaw-droppingly stunning aspect. No latency, just sounds like I’m playing a different guitar. BTW, the pitch shifting on the GP-10 might be as good or even better than the H9. That might say more about the H9, than the GP-10. Still, relative to the competition, it’s pretty amazing. Downward is more reliable stable. Upward gets a little warbly above an octave.

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