Boss Announces the SY-1000 Guitar/Bass Synthesizer
Boss has expanded its synth pedal lineup with the SY-1000, which they call an “advanced synthesizer and modeling processor for guitar and bass.” The new unit incorporates a newly developed Dynamic Synth plus updated versions of classic Boss and Roland modelers and synth technologies.
“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,” Boss writes. “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 ¼-inch input is also available to blend in regular guitar/bass pickup sounds.”
The SY-1000 features 10 oscillator waveforms, six filter types, an amplifier control. two LFOs, two 16-step sequencers. In addition to the Dynamic Synth, the unit has an analog-style OSC Synth and a sonic recreation of Roland’s GR-300 from the early ’80s. For connectivity, the SY-1000 has main and sub stereo outputs with independent EQs, an effects loop, a headphone output, MIDI I/O, and more.
“Dedicated power-up modes optimize the SY-1000 for guitar or bass operation,” Boss adds. “For full access to all synth and modeling features, a Roland GK-compatible pickup and 13-pin cable are required. User-installable options include the GK-3 Divided Pickup, which is compatible with most standard electric guitars, and the GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup, which works with most 4-, 5-, and 6-string electric basses.”
A sample of what it can do on bass can be heard in this demo:
The Boss SY-1000 will be launching in January with a street price of $999.99.
Boss SY-1000 Guitar/Bass Synthesizer Features:
| BOSS’s most powerful guitar/bass synth and modeling processor ever |
| Next-generation synth engine with custom DSP and 48 kHz/32-bit processing throughout |
| Unprecedented sound and expression with 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 perfectly 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 |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
sounds pretty kick ass
I was thinking the same thing. I can see my 6 string bass along with the SY-1000. Wow! My imagination is kicking!????