Guitar synths are a tricky breed of instrument. A picked guitar note is harmonically complex. Thus, translating string pitch, picking nuance, and harmonics for a synthesizer to control is no easy task. BOSS continues to innovate in the world of guitar synthesis systems. With the EURUS GS-1, BOSS brings its advanced synth engine into a high-quality electric guitar. The instrument allows guitarists to access a range of synth sounds as easily as using an overdrive. The EURUS GS-1 builds on BOSS technology while breathing fresh air into the guitar synth conversation.
Advanced Synth Engine
To understand what makes the EURUS GS-1 tick, let’s first look at the BOSS SY-300 synth pedal. It uses the output from a conventional guitar to produce synth sounds. This polyphonic process generates sounds by processing the signal from the string, allowing for full chords. Welcome to the world of analog-style synth tones with the expressiveness unique to a guitar.
These tones range from string machines and analog brass to organs and bass synths. There are also scores of rich pads and searing leads. All respond naturally to playing dynamics, vibrato, and string bending. There are sounds to fit any genre, from floor-shaking EDM basses to dreamy ambient pads and leads.
EURUS GS-1 Sound Sample (Paul White)
A New Wind
Powered by batteries or the PSA series, the EURUS GS-1 presents itself just like a regular electric guitar. It even has the classic 25.5-inch scale length of a Stratocaster. The Indian rosewood fingerboard has a compound radius (12 to 16 inches) that provides a low, fast action. It’s also fitted with a bone nut and vibrato bridge and tuners by Gotoh. The two humbuckers pickups come wired via a five-way switch for useful coil-split options.
"The EURUS GS-1 has scores of rich pads and searing leads. All the tones respond naturally to playing dynamics, vibrato, and string bending."
Nothing about the EURUS GS-1 will intimidate guitarists who don’t wish to wrestle with technology. It’s a user-friendly instrument. A small toggle switch selects between synth and guitar, and there is a single master volume and tone control for guitar functions. In addition, players can use a six-way rotary switch to access one of six onboard synth sounds. Another knob adjusts the essential aspects of the selected sound—such as filter brightness.
Two Jacks—Two Paths
The EURUS GS-1 has a pair of output jacks, giving the user two choices. A player can send both sounds to their usual amplifier. Alternatively, they can split out the synth sound to send to a separate amplifier or direct into the PA. There are voicing options to suit both options.
It’s often beneficial to send a synth sound to a full-range system. Some examples include a powered PA, acoustic guitar amplifier, or small keyboard amplifier. Sending a signal straight to the PA is a pragmatic option as it eliminates the need for a second amp.
"Nothing about the EURUS GS-1 will intimidate guitarists who don't want to wrestle with technology. It's a user-friendly instrument."
Balance and Control
It’s straightforward to assign the control knob to act as a synth/guitar balance. However, players can also use the separate synth output via conventional volume pedals, such as the BOSS FV series. A pedal is a hands-free option for fading the synth in and out of a mix.
Guitarists can also add pedal effects before feeding the signal into a separate amp or PA. A smidge of delay or reverb makes these sounds come alive. Using the synth output unlocks the option of sending different effects to the synth and guitar outputs, respectively.
Editing without Complexity
Yet what if a player requires more than the onboard synth sounds? No problem. A free GS-1 application for iOS or Android allows users to craft and save new sounds. The app also connects to the GS-1 via Bluetooth for cable-free operation. This feature makes it easy to control functions like synth volume using the optional BOSS EV-1-WL.
Editing within the app allows users to select from many sound types before adjusting key parameters like Tone, Resonance, Depth, Direct Level, and Synth Level. There are also functions for Hold and Pitch. One can even assign the EV-1-WL wireless MIDI expression pedal and its switch functions to these parameters. Editing requires few controls. As a result, there’s no unnecessary complexity. Simply load the guitar with the desired sounds and start playing.
EURUS GS-1 Sound Sample (Paul White)
Taking It to the Stage
The EURUS GS-1 provides a perfect solution for bringing synth sounds to a live set without the burden of adding extra cables. As a full-featured guitar, the GS-1 pickup configuration can cover most styles. Moreover, its exceptional build quality makes the instrument a dream to play. This means guitarists don’t need to alter their playing style to explore the world of synthesis.
"The EURUS GS-1 provides a perfect solution for bringing synth sounds to a live set without the burden of adding extra cables."
Ultimately, this instrument is as powerful as its mythological namesake: the Greek god of the East Wind. As described by BOSS when it debuted, the EURUS GS-1 “presents a bold new creative path for adventurous sonic explorers.” These winds can propel players towards unknown destinations.
