AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Boss Guitar / Bass Synthesizers 2026
The top pick is Boss VG-800 V-Guitar Processor ($557). Boss GKC-AD Analog-to-Digital GK Converter gives you the most for the money at $189. Boss SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 7
Full detail for the 7 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Strings12-string
This processor gives you a lot of sound options for guitar and bass. You can switch to custom or alternate tunings quickly, and you can blend a guitar and a bass into one sound. It suits you if you want to explore new sounds and you have a GK-5 or GK-5B pickup ready to connect.
Pros
- Dual guitar/bass function merges two different guitar or bass elements into a single instrument
- Instantly switch to custom or alternate tunings, including Drop, Open, 12-String and more
- Classic Roland GR-300 guitar synthesiser and VIO guitar sounds are built in
Cons
- Needs a GK-5 (guitar) or GK-5B (bass) pickup to use its guitar synth features
- GK input and output only work with a BGK cable
80AudioFu
Index↓ 18.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$683 · Aug 17$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get a lot of synth sounds from this small pedal, with 128 memory spots to save the ones you like. Because it needs no special pickup, you can plug your current guitar straight in. It suits you if you want synth tones in a compact box that runs on batteries or a DC power supply you buy separately.
Pros
- Huge range of analogue-inspired polyphonic sounds in a small pedal
- 128 memory locations for saving and recalling your own sound setups
- No special pickup needed, so it works with your existing guitar
Cons
- Power supply (Art.#409939) is not included, so you must buy it separately for DC power
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$335 now$335€300 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get a guitar and bass synth with over 1200 tones and 150 User scenes, plus USB and MIDI so it also works with a keyboard or computer. It suits you if you want synth sounds from your guitar or bass and like to organise your sounds on a computer with BOSS Tone Studio. Remember you will need a GK pickup and a serial GK cable, which are sold separately.
Pros
- Newly developed serial GK interface connects to a guitar or bass pickup for synth tones
- Roland ZEN-Core synthesizer sound engine with over 1200 tones and 70 rhythm sounds
- 150 User scenes, with over 90 effect types available in each scene
Cons
- Weighs 1200 g and measures 246 x 134 x 63 mm, so it takes up noticeable space on a pedalboard
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$692 now$692€620 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
If you want to go well beyond normal guitar tones, this unit is worth a look. It can run three sound types at once, and it can tune each string on its own. To use all of its synth features, you will need a GK pickup and a 13-pin cable, so plan for those before you buy.
Pros
- Uses a 48 kHz / 32 bit processing engine with custom DSP
- Tracks pitch, level and panning of each string for alternative tunings
- Includes two 16-part step sequencers for pitch, filter and amplitude control
Cons
- Full synth and modeling functions need a Roland GK compatible pickup and 13-pin cable
- Requires a 9 V DC power adapter, as battery operation is not possible
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Boss GK-5 Divided Guitar Pickup
GK-5B Bass Synth Pickup · Boss
14 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
This is a slim pickup that adds synth capability to your electric bass. It works with four, five and six string basses and uses the Serial GK interface, so you will need a compatible Boss cable, which is sold separately. If you already use Boss guitar synth gear and want to play synth sounds from your bass, this is a good fit for you.
Pros
- Next-generation split pickup built for the Serial GK interface
- Stable digital signal transmission, improved over the previous 13-pin interface
- Flat, slim pickup that fits most four, five and six string electric basses
Cons
- Requires a 6.3 mm stereo jack Serial GK cable, sold separately (BGK-15 or BGK-30)
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$253 now$253€227 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Boss GKC-AD Analog-to-Digital GK Converter
GKC-DA GK Converter · Boss
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
You would use this box if you want a GK pickup system to control a 13-pin device such as the SY-1000 or GP-10. It takes the Serial GK signal from a GK-5, GK-5B or GM-800 and turns it into the analogue 13-pin signal those units need. It also has an instrument input, so your regular guitar or bass pickup sound can pass through to the 13-pin output.
Pros
- Converts the newly developed Serial GK digital interface to analogue 13-pin GK output
- Lets a GK-5 or GK-5B Divided Pickup or GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer control a 13-pin device
- Has an instrument input that routes normal guitar or bass pickup sounds to the 13-pin output
Cons
- Needs a DC power supply to run, drawing 240 mA of current
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Boss GKC-AD Analog-to-Digital GK Converter
GKC-AD GK Converter · Boss
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
Okay, so you've got a vintage Roland guitar or bass with those classic 13-pin GK pickups, but you’re wanting to use it with newer BOSS synth pedals? This little box is your bridge. It’s a clever and surprisingly well-built solution for getting that legacy GK signal into a modern digital workflow – essential for serious synth bass players.
Pros
- Seamlessly integrates legacy GK pickups with modern BOSS synths
- Preserves the original GK pickup's characteristic tone and response
- Instrument output allows for parallel signal path and normal operation
Cons
- Adds another box to your signal chain, increasing clutter
- Limited to compatibility with Serial GK systems; older Roland systems not supported
Guitar/Bass Synthesizers by the numbers
Measured across all 24 models we track, not a sample.
Median $479 — half of all guitar/bass synthesizers here cost less.
How to choose the best guitar/bass synthesizers
Heritage & Reliability
Boss gear is known for its bulletproof build quality. You're not getting a fragile, temperamental piece of gear - these synths are built to last, even if you're tossing them in a gig bag every night.
Sound Palette
Boss synthesizers aren't about emulating vintage Moogs. Their strength lies in creating unique, often digital-sounding textures - think glassy pads, evolving drones, and percussive sounds that cut through a dense mix. The earlier models lean into a more straightforward, almost cheesy 80s vibe, while newer ones offer more nuanced control.
Ease of Use
The interface, while sometimes limited, is generally intuitive. You won't be buried in menus trying to dial in a simple bass patch. That's a big win for live performance where you need to make quick adjustments.
Polyphony & Voice Architecture
Earlier Boss synths, like the SY-1, are often monophonic, limiting your chordal possibilities. Newer units, like the SY-300, offer more polyphony and advanced voice architecture, allowing for more complex sounds and layering.
Integration & MIDI Control
Boss synths typically integrate well with other gear via MIDI. While they don't always have a ton of physical controls, MIDI allows you to leverage external controllers for more expressive manipulation of the synth's parameters.
Buying guide
So, you're looking to add some synth textures to your guitar or bass rig? Boss has been a quiet giant in the synth world for decades, often overlooked in favor of the flashier boutique offerings. But their synthesizers are workhorses - reliable, surprisingly versatile, and built to withstand the rigors of gigging. Let's break down the best Boss synth options and see if they're the right fit for your sound.
Don't expect boutique-level sonic perfection. These are utility synths - they do what they do well, and they do it reliably. Older models can be found cheap, but be aware that the sound palette is more limited.
The SY-300 is the current flagship, and it's worth the investment if you need more versatility and polyphony, but the SY-1 is still a great value for basic synth sounds. Think about your needs-a bassist needing sub-bass rumble will want more polyphony than a guitarist looking for quirky lead sounds.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 11 guitar/bass synthesizers from the Thomann catalogue (of 24 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Boss synthesizers easy to use live?
Generally, yes. The SY-1 and SY-300 have straightforward controls that are easy to tweak on the fly. However, mastering the nuances of each patch takes practice.
Can I use these synths with my DAW?
Absolutely. They all offer MIDI connectivity, allowing you to control them from your DAW and record synth parts. The SY-300 even has USB MIDI capabilities.
What's the difference between the SY-1 and SY-300?
The SY-300 offers significantly more polyphony, a wider range of sounds, and more advanced features like looping and effects. The SY-1 is a simpler, more affordable option for basic synth sounds.
Do I need a lot of MIDI gear to use a Boss synth?
Not necessarily. You can use the onboard controls to create sounds, but a MIDI controller will give you much more expressive control over the synth's parameters.
Are Boss synthesizers loud enough to use on stage?
Yes, they have plenty of headroom. The output level is more than sufficient for driving an amp or PA system. You shouldn't have any issues cutting through the mix.
