SY-1Synthesizer

SY-1 Synthesizer
Where to Buy

Journey to New Sonic Frontiers

With the SY-1, it’s never been easier to infuse your creative arsenal with BOSS’s legendary guitar synth technology. This amazingly expressive tool is filled with 121 ultra-responsive sounds, all distilled down into a BOSS compact pedal that slides easily into any setup. Best of all, it’s as simple to use as a standard stompbox, so you don’t need any background in synth programming to bring a new world of sonic textures to your music.

SY-1

Features

  • Authentic BOSS polyphonic guitar synth in a compact pedal
  • No special pickup required—play rich, dynamic synth tones with any guitar or bass
  • 121 total sounds (11 types and 11 variations), all ready to play with no programming knowledge needed
  • Includes a wide variety of analog-style synth sounds, from leads, basses, and layered organs to sweeping pads and arpeggiated sequences
  • Latency-free performance for unrestricted musical expression
  • Quickly adjust sounds to taste with Tone/Rate and Depth controls
  • Hold function for playing normal guitar over sustained synth voices
  • Blend synth and normal guitar sounds with independent level controls
  • Parallel send/return loop for easy integration with other pedals on your board
  • Mode switch optimizes the synth engine for guitar or bass
  • Supports extended control with an external footswitch or expression pedal

SY-1 SYNTHESIZER Sound Tryout

Get interactive with our custom TonePedia player and explore hundreds of sound variations. Select your instrument, tweak and choose pedal settings.
*Use headphones and Google Chrome web browser for optimal experience.

SY-1

Expressive Synth Sounds, No Programming Needed

The SY-1 transforms any guitar or bass into a versatile synthesizer that’s fun, inspiring, and ready to play. Backed by advanced tech first developed for the SY-300, this super-cool pedal delivers a huge selection of analog-style synth sounds while occupying minimal space on your board. What’s more, all the sounds are polyphonic, allowing you to play both single notes and chords.

SY-1

Plug-and-Play and Latency-Free

The SY-1 can be used with any guitar or bass via a standard 1/4-inch cable, providing an easy, plug-and-play experience. Thanks to custom DSP and the latest BOSS innovations, the SY-1 offers latency-free performance that’s a natural extension of your instrument, letting you to play freely and organically without altering your normal technique in any way.

SY-1

A Universe of Synth Sounds Inside

With its 11 categories and 121 total sounds, the SY-1 puts an enormous array of synth colors at your fingertips. Expressive leads, sweeping pads, layered organs, fat basses, and more are all on tap, plus a variety of rhythmic synth patterns that are a blast to jam with. And with the grab-and-go Tone/Rate and Depth knobs, you’re able to adjust any synth voice just how you like, including changing the pitch on some sounds.

SY-1

At Home in Any Rig

As a standard BOSS compact, the SY-1 drops into a serial pedal chain like any other stomp. But with the send/return loop and dedicated mix controls, it’s also possible to blend one or more pedals in parallel with the SY-1’s synth voices. For example, you can patch drive pedals in the loop, and then send the combined output to mod, delay, and reverb pedals for overall processing. The send can be used as a direct out as well, enabling you to route synth and guitar sounds to separate destinations.

SY-1

Enhance Performances with Real-Time Control

The SY-1 offers a numbers of ways to make your synth performances even more dynamic and expressive. Pressing and holding the pedal switch sustains the last-played synth sound, allowing you to jam with regular guitar over the top. You can also connect an external footswitch for tap tempo and octave-shift effects, or plug in an expression pedal for continuous Tone/Rate control.

SY-1

SY-1 Sound Types

• LEAD 1/2—A wide range of sounds suitable for single-note soloing.
• PAD—Full tones that work great with chords, from layered pads to synth brass and more.
• BASS—Fat synth bass sounds, including filtered and sub-octave tones.
• STR—Classic analog-style strings, including layered voices and sweeping textures.
• ORGAN—A large selection of organ sounds, including many with rotary-style modulation.
• BELL—Percussive synth sounds with metallic resonance.
• SFX 1/2—A variety of synth sound effects, including explosive one-shot sounds, animated pitch/filter voices, and more.
• SEQ 1/2—Pulsating sounds with rhythmic pitch or filter changes.

Nominal Input Level
INPUT, RETURN: -20 dBu
Input Impedance
INPUT, RETURN: 2.2 M ohms
Nominal Output Level
OUTPUT, SEND: -20 dBu
Output Impedance
OUTPUT, SEND: 1 k ohms
Recommended Load Impedance
10 k ohms or greater
Bypass
Buffered bypass
Controls
Pedal switch
GUITAR/BASS switch
TYPE knob
VARIATION knob
TONE knob
DEPTH knob
EFFECT knob
DIRECT knob
Indicator
CHECK indicator (Serves also as battery check indicator)
Connectors
INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
OUTPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
SEND jack: 1/4-inch phone type
RETURN jack: 1/4-inch phone type
EXP/CTL jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
DC IN jack
Power Supply
Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)
AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)
Current Draw
115 mA
Expected battery life under continuous use
Alkaline: Approx. 2 hours
*These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Accessories
Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information")
Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)
Options (sold separately)
AC adaptor: PSA series
Footswitch: FS-5U
Dual footswitch: FS-6, FS-7
Expression pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5
Size and Weight
Width
73 mm
2-7/8 inches
Depth
129 mm
5-1/8 inches
Height
59 mm
2-3/8 inches
Weight (including battery)
450 g
1 lb
* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
*The specifications are subject to change without notice.

Video Library

Behind the Board: Andre Cholmondeley with Pat Metheny

Behind the Board: Andre Cholmondeley with Pat Metheny

V-Guitar and guitar synth wiz Andre Cholmondeley talks guitar tech duties for Pat Metheny, Adrian Belew, Steve Howe, and others.Read more…

Reverberations: Guitar Synthesizer Magician Nate Mercereau

Reverberations: Guitar Synthesizer Magician Nate Mercereau

Recording artist Nate Mercereau explains how he is redefining the role of the guitarist with Roland and BOSS guitar synthesizers.Read more…

Pedal Partners: Combining a Synth Pedal with Other Effects

Pedal Partners: Combining a Synth Pedal with Other Effects

A synth pedal can transform a guitar signal into another instrument entirely. Explore the versatility of this powerful tool.Read more…

Strings and Synths: A History of Roland and BOSS Guitar Synthesizers

Strings and Synths: A History of Roland and BOSS Guitar Synthesizers

Guitar synthesizers have come a long way. Learn how early Roland guitar synths and MIDI innovation led to current BOSS technology.Read more…

Five Creative Ways to Use a Synth Pedal

Five Creative Ways to Use a Synth Pedal

The SY-1 is one of the most versatile effects ever. Learn to utilize this powerful synth pedal for maximum expression.Read more…

BOSS SY-1: Be Your Own Keyboard Player

BOSS SY-1: Be Your Own Keyboard Player

Looking to add synth tones to your band's sound without adding members? Learn how to expand your sonic palette using just the SY-1.Read more…

Strings and Synths: A History of Guitar Synthesizers

Strings and Synths: A History of Guitar Synthesizers

MIDI guitar has come a long way. Learn how early Roland guitar synths and MIDI innovation led to current BOSS technology.Read more…

Downloads

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact our Product Support department by email.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.

Owner’s Manuals