AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Guitar / Bass Synthesizers for Professional 2026
The top pick is Boss SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer ($1,280). Electro Harmonix KEY9 Electric Piano Machine gives you the most for the money at $239. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 18 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Boss SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer
SY-1000 Guitar Synth Bundle · Boss
25 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight3.7 kg
The SY-1000 is a powerhouse synth pedal, bringing a level of sophistication and control previously reserved for rack units. It’s perfect for players wanting to explore expansive sound design and intricate synth textures, especially those already familiar with BOSS's legacy. Expect a steep learning curve, but the payoff is immense for dedicated soundscapers.
Pros
- Exceptional tracking across all string combinations, a significant leap forward.
- Dynamic Synth accurately responds to playing dynamics, adds expressive control.
- Comprehensive synth engine with familiar BOSS/Roland legacy sounds and new models.
Cons
- Complex interface demands considerable time investment to master fully.
- Size and weight make it less than ideal for smaller pedalboards or gigging frequently.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,280 now$1,280€1,146 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Boss GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer
GM-800 Guitar Synth. Bundle · Boss
34 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
The GM-800 is a serious step up for guitar synth players. The improved tracking and the massive sound library powered by the ZEN-Core engine make it incredibly capable for everything from synth leads to layered textures. It’s perfect for players wanting a versatile, high-performance synth experience without needing a full rack setup.
Pros
- ZEN-Core engine delivers incredible sonic versatility, far beyond previous Boss synths
- Serial GK interface offers significantly improved tracking and natural feel compared to older systems
- Standalone synth module expands utility for studio and live performance scenarios
Cons
- The learning curve for ZEN-Core can be steep for those unfamiliar with Roland's engine
- The graphic LCD display, while functional, feels a bit dated compared to modern interfaces
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$930 now$930€833 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This pedal lets you make real synthesizer sounds straight from your guitar without extra pickups. It handles six voices at once and has a nice color screen that feels familiar to other Meris units. It is a powerful tool for players who want rich tones without buying a whole keyboard.
Pros
- Five distinct synthesizer modes for mono, polyphonic, and dry processing
- Polyphonic pitch recognition works without needing special pickups
- Six fully polyphonic voices play simultaneously in any mode
Cons
- Price of $866 is high compared to basic effect pedals
- No specific power supply details are provided in the text
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$836 now$836€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
- Weight3.3 kg
You get a guitar synth that can also model guitar, bass, synth, effects and amps, with 910 sounds to pick from. It suits you if you want synth, piano or strings tones from your guitar, and you already have or plan to buy a compatible Roland GK pickup and GKC cable, since those are not in the box.
Pros
- 910 editable Roland synthesizer sounds, including piano, strings, wind instrument and vintage synths
- Complete modelling chain from the VG-99, including a virtual tuning pickup
- Up to two sounds can be selected and combined at once
Cons
- Needs a compatible Roland GK pickup and a Roland GKC cable, which are not included
68AudioFu
Index↓ 13.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$746 · Aug 17$646 now$646€579 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 ↗ -
Boss GK-5 Divided Guitar Pickup
GK-5 Guitar Synth Pickup · Boss
14 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
The GK-5 is a solid upgrade over the older 13-pin system, offering more reliable tracking for synth guitar. It’s a great option for players wanting to expand their sonic palette without major guitar modifications, especially those already invested in a Boss synth. Just be prepared for the need of a specific, and sometimes hard to find, cable.
Pros
- Improved Serial GK interface offers significantly better tracking stability.
- Slim profile minimizes impact on guitar feel and string clearance.
- Robust construction ensures reliable performance under gigging conditions.
Cons
- Requires a dedicated Serial GK cable, adding to the overall cost.
- Tracking, while improved, still isn't perfect for extremely fast passages.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$260 now$260€233 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Electro Harmonix KEY9 Electric Piano Machine
99 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The KEY9 is a pedal that turns your guitar or keyboard signal into electric piano and organ style tones. It has nine presets, such as Wurli, Suitcase and Vibes, plus knobs to blend your original tone with the keys sound. It suits you if you want to add keyboard textures to your guitar or keys playing.
Pros
- Generates electric piano and organ style sounds from your guitar or keyboard signal
- Lets you mix your instrument tone with the keyboard sounds
- Offers nine effects presets, from Wurli and Suitcase to Vibes and Steel Drums
Cons
- Only four controls, so adjustment options are limited
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$239 now$239€214 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get nine mellotron-style sounds, from strings and flute to choirs and brass, all made from your guitar, bass or keyboard. The effect and dry volume knobs let you mix in your clean sound, and the separate dry output keeps your untouched signal available. It suits you if you want orchestral or vintage tape textures without special pickups.
Pros
- Generates nine mellotron-style sounds from your instrument signal
- Dry output returns the clean signal unaltered on a separate output
- Independent effect and dry volume knobs let you blend both signals
Cons
- Requires the included 9V power supply (EHX 9.6 DC-200) to run
- Pedal measures 102 x 121 x 89 mm, so it takes up pedalboard space
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$251 now$251€225 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings6-string
You get a GK pickup for 4-, 5- and 6-string basses, with a housing that is 30% smaller than the GK2B and a larger volume knob. The magnet spacing adjusts to match your bass's string spacing, from jazz-bass to six-string width. If you play bass and want a pickup that fits many different instruments, this one is a solid choice for you.
Pros
- Housing is 30% smaller than the GK2B it improves on
- Adjustable cable length and a large 6.3 mm jack socket for the normal pickup
- Larger, smoother-running volume knob for easier control
Cons
- Built for 4-, 5- and 6-string basses, so it does not fit guitars
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$213 now$213€191 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 18 guitar / bass synthesizers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Fishman Triple Play ExpressFishman47Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 12
Boss GKC-AD Analog-to-Digital GK ConverterGKC-DA GK Converter · Boss48Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 13
Boss GKC-AD Analog-to-Digital GK ConverterGKC-AD GK Converter · Boss45↑ 6.3%$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 14
Digitech DOD MeatboxDigitech32Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 15
Roland GKC-5Roland37Stable$77€69$77€69Check ↗
- 16
Roland GKC-10Roland37Stable$90€81$90€81Check ↗
- 17
Klowra South Zoo Voice SynthKlowra32Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 18
Mooer E7 Polyphonic Guitar Synth.Mooer32Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
Guitar/Bass Synthesizers by the numbers
Measured across all 24 models we track, not a sample.
Median $260 — half of all guitar/bass synthesizers here cost less.
How to choose the best guitar/bass synthesizers
Playability
A synth that fights your playing is useless. We're looking for responsive tracking, minimal latency, and a comfortable feel that doesn't interfere with your natural technique. Poor tracking will result in pitch drift and a frustrating experience, especially when playing fast lines.
Polyphony & Voicing
A single-note brass patch is cool, but a professional needs polyphony for chords and pads. Beyond that, the quality of the internal voices matters - do they have warmth, depth, and a usable range of expression? Cheap synths often have thin, brittle sounds.
Modulation Options
LFOs, envelopes, and filters aren't just for tweaking; they're essential for creating evolving, dynamic sounds. The more control you have over these parameters, the more versatile the synth becomes - vital for layering and sound design.
Integration & Routing
Can the synth integrate seamlessly into your existing rig? MIDI capabilities, expression pedal control, and external audio processing options are critical for professional workflows. A synth that's a pain to route is a liability.
Signal Integrity & Headroom
A synth shouldn't introduce noise or compression that degrades your signal. We're looking for clean signal paths, ample headroom to handle dynamic playing, and a robust build quality that can withstand the rigors of gigging.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're a pro looking to expand your sonic palette with a guitar or bass synth? It's not just about slapping on a cheesy brass patch - a good synth expands your writing, unlocks new textures for recording, and can even add a unique vibe to a live set. But let's be real, most synth pedals out there are toys. We're talking about gear that needs to survive a gig, track cleanly, and inspire creativity, not just generate novelty sounds.
Don't fall for the "easy button" marketing. Guitar/bass synths are complex instruments, and cheaper units often cut corners on tracking algorithms or internal voice quality. Paying more usually gets you better tracking, more nuanced sounds, and more flexible routing options - all of which translate to a more professional result.
Consider your needs carefully: a simple pedal for occasional accents is different from a full-blown synth workstation.
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 24 guitar/bass synthesizers from the Thomann catalogue. 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
What's the deal with tracking sensitivity? How do I adjust it?
Tracking sensitivity determines how well the synth translates your fretboard movements into pitch. Too low, and it jumps; too high, and it's sluggish. Most synths have an adjustment, but finding the sweet spot depends on your playing style and pickup voicing. Experimentation is key.
Can I use a synth pedal to replace a keyboard?
Not really. While some pedals offer a decent range, they lack the full keyboard range and control of a dedicated synth. Think of them as a complementary tool, not a replacement.
What's the best way to minimize latency?
Latency is the delay between playing a note and hearing the synth sound. Lower your buffer size in your DAW, use a direct output if possible, and consider a synth with a particularly low-latency tracking algorithm. Cable quality also surprisingly makes a difference.
I'm a bassist - are there synths specifically designed for bass?
Absolutely. Bass synths often have optimized tracking for lower frequencies and a wider range of bass-friendly sounds. General-purpose synths work fine, but a dedicated bass synth will usually have a more focused feature set and better low-end response.
My synth sounds 'phasey' when I blend it with my guitar signal. What's going on?
That's a common issue. Try inverting the phase of the synth signal, using a different pickup selector position on your guitar, or EQing the synth to avoid clashing frequencies. Careful mixing is crucial.
