There are numerous ways of capturing high-quality guitar recordings. Of course, you can go the traditional route using microphone techniques. Still, today’s guitarist has many other additional choices available: BOSS Katana amps, IR-2 Amp & Cabinet and IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet pedals, Waza Tube Amp Expander/Core reactive load boxes, and GT-, ME-, and GX-series multi-effects processors all provide professional-sounding DI options. There’s also a plethora of amp plug-ins to explore, like the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Software Effect.
However, the BOSS VG-800 V-Guitar Processor—which adds guitar and pickup modeling to amp/cab and effects sounds—delivers a more versatile solution. It’s also flexible enough that you can make use of each element as required. For example, if you only need the effects section for a session, you can plug in your guitar and create a patch to suit your needs. Similarly, you can easily turn it off if you don’t require amp modeling. Find out how the BOSS VG-800 is the ideal recording tool.
The Culmination of Three Decades
Released in 2025, this cutting-edge unit builds on three decades of V-Guitar innovation. It lets users achieve the right sound fast without changing guitars, amplifiers, and effects. The VG-800’s ability to offer alternate tunings is also a huge time saver, and when working against the clock in the studio, making the most of the available time is essential.
The VG-800 V-Guitar Processor pedal is designed for use with the latest GK-5 Divided Pickups. This V-Guitar System gives players access to tones and techniques that conventional guitar gear cannot deliver. With the VG-800, you can recreate the sounds of different guitars (plus some non-guitar-like tones) while allowing individual strings to be pitched up or down for alternate tunings.
The VG-800 can be started up in guitar mode or bass mode. This means if you have a bass guitar fitted with a GK-5B Divided Pickup, you can access a wide range of bespoke bass functions, including instrument and amp modeling.
Divided Pickup Compatibility
Though the VG-800 is designed to work with a guitar fitted with GK-5 Divided Pickups that use the next-generation Serial GK digital interface, it can also be used with older GK Divided Pickups that employ an analog 13-pin connection. The BOSS GKC-AD GK Converter converts the analog output of a 13-pin GK Divided Pickup to the new Serial GK digital interface that utilizes a familiar quarter-inch TRS jack.
Conversely, older processors with 13-pin connections can be hooked up to a GK-5 Divided Pickup via the BOSS GKC-DA GK Converter, which converts the digital pickup signal into an analog signal for processing.
An often-overlooked feature of GK-5 Divided Pickups is that they are designed for quiet operation. In fact, the BOSS V-Guitar System’s emulation of a guitar with single coil pickups may actually be quieter than the real thing. This is especially valuable in studio environments where noise issues are more pronounced.
"The VG-800's excellent DI sounds avoid bleed issues between other instruments and microphones."
Keep the Muse Flowing
Yet another significant plus point is that the VG-800 introduces no latency, so playing feels and sounds very natural. Unlike with most plug-ins, lag will never compromise your technique and performance.
In the home studio, quickly switching between different setups helps keep the creative muse flowing, meaning you can concentrate on the music rather than the gear. The VG-800’s excellent DI sounds avoid bleed issues between other instruments and microphones. Its virtually silent operation is also a massive bonus when working within earshot of family or neighbors, especially late at night.
The VG-800’s USB port allows for direct-to-DAW recording and playback interfacing. DAW users can record the unprocessed string sounds from the GK Divided Pickup into a track and later output them for ‘re-amping’ via the VG-800. This innovative, flexible way of working allows musicians to change the sounds after recording.
A Complete Recording Solution
Another secret weapon is its fast pitch-to-MIDI conversion, which means the VG-800 can drive software (and hardware) synths directly, making it a complete solution for the recording guitarist. Note that the VG-800 does not rely on the pitch-to-MIDI feature to create sound. It’s a modeler, not a synth, and sounds are generated from your guitar strings, not samples.
However, the addition of pitch-to-MIDI is enormously valuable in the studio. Jump straight from an audio track where you’ve been recording the modeled guitar sound to a software instrument track that you can now play directly from your instrument without stopping work and changing settings.
"The BOSS V-Guitar System offers a portable, all-in-one alternative to transporting multiple guitars, amplifiers, effects/pedalboards, cables, and power supply equipment for the busy studio session player."
Travel-Friendly Tool
When traveling for session work, the V-Guitar System is unbeatable. To be prepared for all eventualities, you only need to take one instrument equipped with a GK-5 Divided Pickup, a Serial GK cable, and the VG-800 V-Guitar Processor.
The BOSS V-Guitar System offers a portable, all-in-one alternative to transporting multiple guitars, amplifiers, effects/pedalboards, cables, and power supply equipment for the busy studio session player. It can also reduce or eliminate the need for a raft of plug-ins.
The accompanying BOSS Tone Studio software editor is available for macOS and Windows. It’s available to download for free from the BOSS website, so you can access it virtually anywhere to make quick, easy edits, optimize settings, customize parameter control options, and the like.
Sonic Experimentation
Once you’ve explored the essential features of the VG-800, you may like to experiment with some of the more unique sound creation options. For example, hybrid instruments can be set up by assigning different tones to specific strings. Dual guitar and bass functions mean you can create simultaneous combinations of tones. You can dial in synth-like pads, emulate sitars and banjo sounds, and more. The possibilities are endless. We’ll dive deeper into these advanced features in another article.
The VG-800’s ability to store a vast number of presets means you can prepare for a session well ahead of time. With some preparation, you will be ready to present a range of single- and dual-coil pickup options, your own choice of alternate tunings (such as DADGAD, drop D, virtual capos, baritones, etc.), plus a range of amp/speaker types and a huge selection of effects.
While the BOSS V-Guitar System can replace your entire rig, it can just as easily enhance your existing setup, giving you infinitely more creative choices alongside your favorite instruments, pedals, amplifiers, and plug-ins.
