The BOSS SY-1 is one of the most comprehensive, versatile, and multi-functional effects ever squeezed into a single stompbox. The range of voicings for this pedal makes it essential for creative guitar and bass players looking to create new and exciting tones. BOSS has a long history of synth-based guitar effects designed to transform the guitar into something new and exciting. The SY-1 is highly accessible—easy to slot into any guitarist’s setup with minimal fuss. Learn to utilize this powerful pedal for maximum expression.
Synth Pedal History
Synth effects for guitar have been popular since the early days of guitar effects pedals. The concept of transforming a guitar into an electronic synthesizer is, however, more complex. The ’70s saw a slew of inventions claiming to do so, but they were often just clever fuzz pedals. The first step forward came from Roland. Its pitch-to-voltage conversion technology revolutionized guitar synthesis in 1977 with the iconic GR-500, a unique instrument with built-in synth effects.
In 1986, Roland continued its journey into expanding guitar synthesis by introducing the GK-1. This hexaphonic pickup could be retrofitted onto any guitar and used with Roland’s GK synthesizer processors. However, it required a dedicated instrument or guitar mod to create complex polyphonic effects.
"The SY-1 offers a simple method of control for guitarists through simple rotary control knobs on a familiar stompbox chassis."
With the SY series of effects, it’s now possible to experience a wealth of unique synth, bass, and organ effects with a guitar and the pedal. The SY-1 offers a simple method of control for guitarists through simple rotary control knobs on a familiar stompbox chassis.
Using a Synth Pedal
The BOSS SY-1 has a massive range of synth effects accessible via the Type control. One hundred twenty-one unique tones are available in eight effect types and 11 variations for each.
On top of the broad range synth voicings, the SY-1 also includes an effects loop, so it’s possible to blend one or more pedals in parallel with the SY-1. For example, patch drive pedals in the loop and then send the combined output to modulation, delay, and reverb pedals for processing. The send works as a direct out as well, enabling you to route synth and guitar sounds to separate destinations.
The SY-1 can be expanded further with its external expression input. This allows users to connect a footswitch for tap tempo or a dual footswitch, like the FS-7, for tap tempo and octave-shift effects. It’s also easy to connect an expression pedal for continuous Tone/Rate control and tonal sweeps.
Maximizing a Synth Pedal
Synth Accompaniment to Separate Output
The SY-1 is a fantastic tool for transforming your guitar into a synthesizer, bass synth, organ, or sequencer. However, sometimes, you’ll want to retain your natural guitar signal, allowing the SY-1 to perform as an accompaniment. This is easy, simply by balancing the Direct and Effect Level knob in favor of your clean guitar signal. Still, often, you’ll want to add other effects to the clean guitar signal without affecting the SY-1’s clear, crisp synth tones.
To achieve this separation, utilize the SY-1’s built-in effects loop to send the affected and clean signals to different outputs. Run the normal pedal output into one amplifier, DI, or front of house. Then, run the Send output to the rest of your pedalboard and finally into your guitar amplifier.
"The SY-1 synth accompaniment can act as an additional, invisible band member."
You’ll now have clear and exact separation between the two tones. The SY-1 synth accompaniment can act as an additional, invisible band member. Fatten up riffs and progressions without having to choose between either a guitar tone or a synth tone.
Bass Octave Filter Effects
The SY-1 is as effective on bass as on guitar. Simply switch between Guitar and Bass mode via the dipswitch on the pedal. In Bass mode, the SY-1 excels as a tone expander, octave, fuzz, and filter pedal. Achieve outstanding results by adding an expression pedal to the EXP/CTL output.
Try selecting any Lead presets and blending the Effect and Direct knobs to favor the clean bass signal. Now, use the expression pedal like a wah or manual filter to open up the cutoff of each note as it’s played. The result is a funky, aggressive fuzz wah-type tone with a helpful octave up for thickening the impact of any bassline or progression.
"In Bass mode, the SY-1 excels as a tone expander, octave, fuzz, and filter pedal."
Sequencer
A feature that separates the SY-1 from many other synth pedals is the onboard sequencer. It allows the player to use their guitar to set the pitch for complex, shifting arpeggio rhythms. The Sequencer mode is comprehensive and includes several catalogs and progression variations within each. Players can adjust the tempo, rate/depth, and then balance with the organic guitar signal for layering.
Bass Synth Lines
For solo performers and bands without a bass player, the Bass catalog of synth tones on the SY-1 can be a powerful creative source. There are 11 variations of bass synth tones, all shapeable and adjustable.
The SY-1 bass synth tones offer full-bodied sounds, complete with triggered envelopes and a range of octave and pitch effects. These can transform your guitar into a thick and sub-heavy undercurrent for any song.
Ambient Organ
The versatility of the SY-1 lends itself to a massive range of sonic applications, including classic rock, blues, and jazz. The Organ catalog of tones offers 11 unique organ voicings, from Rhodes-style tones to the classic Hammond organ. The advanced polyphonic response lets you create organ-like chords, perfect for traditional accompaniment.
"The SY-1 can provide subtle accompaniment or transform a guitar into an entire range of synth-like instruments."
Uniquely Versatile
The SY-1 is uniquely versatile in the world of synth effects for guitar. It can provide subtle accompaniment or transform a guitar into an entire range of synth-like instruments. The addition of a built-in effects loop also means that it pairs well with several different effects to expand its tonal options further.
