Best Guitar/Bass Synthesizers for Progressive Rock 2025

Perfect guitar/bass synthesizers for progressive-rock - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

Roland GR-55S Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Roland GR-55S Black

Electronic Music Progressive Rock Ambient
Key Feature:
• Vast range of synthesized sounds
✓ PROS
  • • Unique textures not possible with traditional effects
  • • Vast range of synthesized sounds
✗ CONS
  • • Can sound disconnected from guitar/bass
  • • Complex learning curve and operation

Roland GR-55S BlackGuitar Synth + Modelling910 Differenteditable Roland synthesizer sounds of the newest...

4.6/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Electro Harmonix KEY9 Electric Piano Machine - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Electro Harmonix KEY9 Electric Piano Machine

Experimental Sound Design Ambient
Key Feature:
• Creative sound design possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Unique textures not possible with traditional effects
  • • Vast range of synthesized sounds
✗ CONS
  • • May not track well with fast playing
  • • Expensive compared to traditional effects

Electro Harmonix KEY9 Electric Piano MachineEffects pedal for electric guitar and keyboardFrom the instrument signal is...

4.9/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Electro Harmonix MEL9 Tape Replay Machine - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Electro Harmonix MEL9 Tape Replay Machine

Electronic Music Modern Music Sound Design
Key Feature:
• Unique textures not possible with traditional effects
✓ PROS
  • • Great for layering and ambient music
  • • Vast range of synthesized sounds
✗ CONS
  • • May not track well with fast playing
  • • Complex learning curve and operation

Electro Harmonix MEL9 Tape Replay MachinePedal Effect for Electric GuitarBass and KeyboardGenerates different mellotron...

5.0/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Boss SY-200 Guitar Synthesizer - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Boss SY-200 Guitar Synthesizer

Sound Design Electronic Music Progressive Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for layering and ambient music
✓ PROS
  • • Opens up completely new sonic territories
  • • Vast range of synthesized sounds
✗ CONS
  • • Limited use in traditional music styles
  • • Expensive compared to traditional effects

Boss SY-200 Guitar SynthesizerEffect Pedal for GuitarSynthesizerOffers a huge range of analogue-inspired polyphonic...

4.4/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Boss SY-1000 Guitar Synth Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Boss SY-1000 Guitar Synth Bundle

Electronic Music Progressive Rock Ambient
Key Feature:
• Vast range of synthesized sounds
✓ PROS
  • • Opens up completely new sonic territories
  • • Great for layering and ambient music
✗ CONS
  • • Complex learning curve and operation
  • • May not track well with fast playing

Boss SY-1000 Guitar Synth Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Boss SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer*Multi-effects pedal for...

4.8/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Boss GM-800 Guitar Synth. Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Boss GM-800 Guitar Synth. Bundle

Sound Design Modern Music Electronic Music
Key Feature:
• Great for layering and ambient music
✓ PROS
  • • Creative sound design possibilities
  • • Great for layering and ambient music
✗ CONS
  • • Can sound disconnected from guitar/bass
  • • Limited use in traditional music styles

Boss GM-800 Guitar Synth. Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Boss GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer*Guitar and Bass...

4.9/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Roland GR-55S Black Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Roland GR-55S Black Bundle

Electronic Music Progressive Rock Ambient
Key Feature:
• Vast range of synthesized sounds
✓ PROS
  • • Unique textures not possible with traditional effects
  • • Great for layering and ambient music
✗ CONS
  • • Complex learning curve and operation
  • • Limited use in traditional music styles

Roland GR-55S Black Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Roland GR-55S Black*Guitar Synth + Modelling*910 Differenteditable...

4.4/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Fishman Triple Play - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Fishman Triple Play

Ambient Electronic Music Modern Music
Key Feature:
• Creative sound design possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Great for layering and ambient music
  • • Opens up completely new sonic territories
✗ CONS
  • • May not track well with fast playing
  • • Complex learning curve and operation

Fishman Triple PlayMIDI PickupSet consists of wireless transmitter unit (controller) with hexaphonic pickupwireless USB...

4.6/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Boss GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Boss GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer

Modern Music Ambient Experimental
Key Feature:
• Vast range of synthesized sounds
✓ PROS
  • • Opens up completely new sonic territories
  • • Vast range of synthesized sounds
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive compared to traditional effects
  • • Complex learning curve and operation

Boss GM-800 Guitar SynthesizerGuitar and Bass SynthesizerNext-generation guitar and bass synthesizer with newly...

4.6/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Boss GKC-AD GK Converter - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Boss GKC-AD GK Converter

Electronic Music Experimental Progressive Rock
Key Feature:
• Opens up completely new sonic territories
✓ PROS
  • • Unique textures not possible with traditional effects
  • • Great for layering and ambient music
✗ CONS
  • • Limited use in traditional music styles
  • • Expensive compared to traditional effects

Boss GKC-AD GK ConverterAD ConverterConverts analogue 13-pin GK pickups to the newly developed Serial GK digital...

4.7/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Roland GK-3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Roland GK-3

Electronic Music Progressive Rock Sound Design
Key Feature:
• Great for layering and ambient music
✓ PROS
  • • Creative sound design possibilities
  • • Vast range of synthesized sounds
✗ CONS
  • • Can sound disconnected from guitar/bass
  • • Complex learning curve and operation

Roland GK-3, Hexa Phonic PickupThis GK-Pickup is the improved version of the GK-2AH. The size of the control unit was...

4.9/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Roland GR-55GK Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Roland GR-55GK Black

Progressive Rock Experimental Electronic Music
Key Feature:
• Vast range of synthesized sounds
✓ PROS
  • • Great for layering and ambient music
  • • Unique textures not possible with traditional effects
✗ CONS
  • • Can sound disconnected from guitar/bass
  • • Limited use in traditional music styles

Roland GR-55GK BlackGuitar Synth + Modelling910 differenteditable Roland synthesizer sounds of the newest...

4.8/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Boss GK-5 Guitar Synth Pickup Kit 6 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Boss GK-5 Guitar Synth Pickup Kit 6

Progressive Rock Electronic Music Sound Design
Key Feature:
• Opens up completely new sonic territories
✓ PROS
  • • Unique textures not possible with traditional effects
  • • Vast range of synthesized sounds
✗ CONS
  • • May not track well with fast playing
  • • Can sound disconnected from guitar/bass

Boss GK-5 Guitar Synth Pickup Kit 6Guitar Synth Pickup SetThe combination of the GK-5 divider and the G6 control unit...

4.5/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Boss VG-800 V-Guitar Processor - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Boss VG-800 V-Guitar Processor

Ambient Experimental Sound Design
Key Feature:
• Great for layering and ambient music
✓ PROS
  • • Vast range of synthesized sounds
  • • Great for layering and ambient music
✗ CONS
  • • Limited use in traditional music styles
  • • May not track well with fast playing

Boss VG-800 V-Guitar ProcessorEffect Pedal for Electric Guitar and Electric BassNext generation V-Guitar processor with...

4.4/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Boss SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Boss SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer

Ambient Electronic Music Experimental
Key Feature:
• Vast range of synthesized sounds
✓ PROS
  • • Opens up completely new sonic territories
  • • Creative sound design possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • May not track well with fast playing
  • • Complex learning curve and operation

Boss SY-1000 Guitar SynthesizerMulti-effects pedal for electric guitar and bassMost powerful guitar / bass synthesis...

5.0/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10

How to Choose the Best Guitar/Bass Synthesizers

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced guitar/bass synthesizers typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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