Ever heard a guitarist make sounds that don’t sound like a guitar at all? Maybe it was a fat, booming bass line, a soaring string section, or even a funky synth lead! If you’ve ever wondered how they pull off those amazing, otherworldly sounds, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of guitar synth pedals.
Choosing the right guitar synth pedal can feel like a mission. There are so many different kinds, and they all do different things. It’s easy to get confused about which one will give you the cool sounds you’re dreaming of. You might worry about spending money on something that doesn’t work for you, or that it’s too complicated to figure out. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a guitar synth pedal so special. We’ll look at what to think about when you’re picking one out, and we’ll even explore some of the awesome things you can do with them. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll feel much more confident about finding the perfect synth pedal to unlock a whole new universe of sounds for your guitar.
Our Top 5 Synth Pedal For Guitar Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Synth Pedal For Guitar Detailed Reviews
1. MOOER E7 Polyphonic Guitar Synth Pedal Electronic Synthesizer
Rating: 9.2/10
The MOOER E7 Polyphonic Guitar Synth Pedal is a compact powerhouse that lets you turn your guitar into a full-blown electronic synthesizer. It packs seven different synth tones, each with its own arpeggiator, so you can create all sorts of cool sounds. You can even save your favorite creations in seven preset slots. This pedal is designed for guitarists who want to explore new sonic territories without needing special gear.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly easy to use, even for beginners.
- You get seven distinct and fun synth tones, like trumpet, organ, and even an 8-bit sound.
- Each tone has its own arpeggiator, which adds a cool rhythmic element.
- You can adjust the sound with high/low frequency cuts, attack, and speed.
- It’s small and portable, fitting easily on your pedalboard.
- It doesn’t require any special pickups or changes to your guitar.
- You can save up to seven of your own custom sounds.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s versatile, some users might want even more advanced editing options.
- The 9V DC power supply is recommended, so you’ll need to make sure you have one.
The MOOER E7 pedal is a fantastic way to add a whole new dimension to your guitar playing. Experimenting with its sounds is a blast!
2. BOSS SY-1 Guitar/Bass Synthesizer Guitar Pedal (SY-1)
Rating: 9.2/10
The BOSS SY-1 Guitar/Bass Synthesizer Guitar Pedal (SY-1) opens up a universe of exciting new sounds for guitar and bass players. It lets you create awesome synth textures without needing a whole new instrument. This pedal is packed with cool features that can totally change your playing.
What We Like:
- It’s a polyphonic synthesizer, meaning it can play multiple synth notes at once, just like a keyboard.
- You can connect an expression pedal or a footswitch for extra control over your sounds.
- It has a send/return loop, so you can easily add it into your existing pedalboard setup.
- The Hold function is amazing! It lets you play your regular guitar or bass sound over a long-lasting synth note.
- It’s made by BOSS, a brand known for making tough and reliable pedals.
What Could Be Improved:
- Exploring all the different synth sounds might take some time to get used to.
- The sheer number of options could be a little overwhelming at first for beginners.
The BOSS SY-1 is a fantastic tool for musicians looking to explore new sonic territories. It brings a whole new dimension to your guitar or bass playing.
3. SONICAKE Bitcrusher Guitar Pedal Wave Crush Bitcrush Digital Bitcrusher Reducer Guitar Effects Pedal Synth Synthesizer LoFi True Bypass
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to add some serious grit and character to your guitar or synth sound with the SONICAKE Bitcrusher Guitar Pedal. This little red box packs a punch, letting you transform your clean tones into lo-fi masterpieces. It’s like giving your sound a vintage makeover, making it sound like it’s coming from an old radio, a crackly record player, or just wonderfully broken. It’s super compact, so it won’t take up much space on your pedalboard.
What We Like:
- It offers a really cool, flexible digital downsampler that sounds sweet.
- You get three different lo-fi tone shaping modes: Radio Simulator, Normal, and Vintage Gramophone Simulator.
- It lets you play with sampling rates from 750Hz all the way up to 44100Hz and bit depths from 5 to 16 bits.
- The true bypass footswitch makes sure your original guitar signal stays super clean when the pedal is off.
- It’s a compact pedal, making it easy to fit on any pedalboard.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 9V power supply is not included, so you’ll need to buy that separately.
This SONICAKE Bitcrusher pedal is a fun and affordable way to explore lo-fi textures. It’s a great addition for anyone looking to add unique digital crunch and vintage vibes to their music.
4. Electro-Harmonix Bass Mono Synth Bass Synthesizer Pedal
Rating: 9.2/10
The Electro-Harmonix Bass Mono Synth Bass Synthesizer Pedal is a fantastic tool for bass players who want to explore new sonic territories. It lets you create amazing synth sounds right from your pedalboard. You can quickly get the sound you’re looking for without a lot of fuss. It’s designed to be simple and effective.
What We Like:
- The easy-to-use controls help you find your perfect synth sound fast.
- It has an EXP pedal input. This lets you control your sound in real-time with your foot, adding lots of expression.
- You can save and recall eleven different synth sounds. Each of the eleven synth types has its own memory slot.
- The power adapter is included, so you can start playing right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- While eleven presets are great, more might be useful for players needing a wider variety of saved sounds.
- The EXP pedal is not included, which is an additional purchase to get the full expressive potential.
This pedal is a great way to add exciting synth textures to your bass playing. It’s straightforward to use and offers powerful creative options.
5. BOSS SY-200 SYNTHESIZER EFFECTS PEDAL – Advanced BOSS Polyphonic Guitar Synth Technology in a Streamlined 200 Series Pedal for any Guitar or Bass – Full MIDI I/O – 128 Memories – 171 Synth Sounds
Rating: 9.2/10
The BOSS SY-200 SYNTHESIZER EFFECTS PEDAL brings a universe of amazing, analog-sounding synthesizer tones right to your guitar or bass. It’s built on the success of the popular SY-1 but offers even more ways to shape your sound. You can easily add cool synth textures to your music without needing any special guitar. It’s designed to be user-friendly, letting you create unique sounds quickly and save them for later.
What We Like:
- It offers a huge variety of 171 synth sounds, broken down into 12 different categories.
- You can change and tweak sounds with three easy-to-adjust knobs for each sound.
- It has 128 memory slots to save all your favorite custom sounds.
- You can use it with any guitar or bass – no special pickup is needed.
- Playing feels natural because there’s no delay between when you play and when the synth sound comes out.
- It has two built-in footswitches for easy control during live performances.
- You can connect even more controllers like external footswitches, an expression pedal, and MIDI for extra control.
- It’s easy to update the pedal with new features using the micro USB port.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the interface is generally clear, some of the deeper sound-shaping options might take a little time to master for complete beginners.
The BOSS SY-200 is a fantastic tool for any guitarist or bassist looking to explore new sonic territory. It packs powerful synth capabilities into a compact and accessible pedal.
Finding Your Perfect Synth Pedal for Guitar
So, you want to add some wild, futuristic sounds to your guitar playing? A synth pedal is your ticket to a whole new sonic universe! These pedals can make your guitar sound like a keyboard, a spaceship, or anything in between. Let’s dive into what makes a great synth pedal and how to pick the right one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a guitar synth pedal, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Sound Variety: Does it offer a lot of different synth sounds? Some pedals have just a few presets, while others let you tweak and create your own. Look for pedals with lots of options if you like to experiment.
- Tracking: This is how well the pedal “hears” your guitar notes. Good tracking means the synth sound follows your playing perfectly. Bad tracking can make the synth sound laggy or miss notes.
- Controls: How easy is it to change the sounds? Pedals with lots of knobs and sliders give you more control. Simpler pedals might have fewer buttons but are easier to use quickly.
- Expression Pedal Input: Some pedals let you plug in an expression pedal. This is like a gas pedal for your sound, letting you control things like volume or filter sweeps with your foot.
- MIDI Capability: MIDI is a way for musical devices to talk to each other. If you want to sync your synth pedal with other gear like drum machines or keyboards, look for MIDI support.
- Onboard Effects: Does the pedal have built-in effects like reverb or delay? These can add even more depth to your synth sounds.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The way a pedal is built matters. A sturdy pedal will last longer.
Metal vs. Plastic Casing
- Metal: Most good pedals are made with metal casings. This makes them tough and able to handle being stomped on during a gig.
- Plastic: Some cheaper pedals might use plastic. These are lighter but can break more easily.
Components
Good quality electronic parts inside the pedal help it sound better and work reliably. You can’t always see these, but reading reviews can give you an idea of how well a pedal is made.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one synth pedal sound amazing and another sound… well, less amazing?
Improving Quality
- Good Analog-to-Digital Converters: These are important for turning your guitar’s sound into a digital signal the synth can use. Better converters mean clearer, more accurate sounds.
- Intuitive User Interface: When a pedal is easy to understand and control, you’ll spend less time fiddling and more time playing.
- Versatile Sound Engine: A powerful sound engine lets the pedal create a wider range of believable synth sounds.
Reducing Quality
- Poor Tracking: As mentioned, if the pedal can’t keep up with your playing, it ruins the experience.
- Limited Sound Options: If a pedal only offers a few basic sounds, you might get bored quickly.
- Noisy Operation: Some pedals can add unwanted hiss or hum to your signal.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your synth pedal? Thinking about this helps you choose the right one.
For the Experimenter
If you love trying new things and creating unique sounds, look for pedals with lots of knobs and deep editing options. You might want a pedal that lets you save your own custom presets.
For the Live Performer
If you plan to use the synth pedal on stage, you need something reliable and easy to use. Look for pedals with clear controls that you can adjust quickly between songs. Good tracking is also super important so you don’t make mistakes on stage.
For Recording
When recording, you have more time to dial in the perfect sound. Pedals with lots of sonic possibilities are great for adding interesting textures to your tracks.
Synth pedals can add a whole new dimension to your guitar playing. By understanding these key features, materials, and what makes a pedal great, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect one for your musical adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a synth pedal for guitar?
A: A synth pedal for guitar is a device that changes your guitar’s sound to make it sound like a synthesizer, which is a type of electronic instrument. It can create many different sounds, not just like a regular guitar.
Q: Do I need a special guitar for a synth pedal?
A: No, you can use most regular electric guitars. Some pedals work better with certain types of pickups, but generally, any electric guitar will work.
Q: How does a synth pedal work?
A: It listens to the notes you play on your guitar. Then, it uses its own electronic brain to create a synthesizer sound that matches those notes.
Q: Are synth pedals hard to use?
A: Some can be a little tricky at first, especially those with lots of controls. But many are designed to be pretty easy to figure out, and you can learn as you go.
Q: Can I use a synth pedal with an acoustic guitar?
A: It’s usually best to use them with electric guitars. Some acoustic-electric guitars with pickups might work, but the sound might not be as good as with an electric guitar.
Q: What kind of sounds can a synth pedal make?
A: They can make a huge variety of sounds! Think of sounds like sci-fi noises, classic keyboard sounds, or even totally new sounds you’ve never heard before.
Q: How important is tracking in a synth pedal?
A: Tracking is very important. It means how well the pedal follows your guitar playing. Good tracking makes the synth sound play right when you play a note. Bad tracking makes it sound slow or miss notes.
Q: Can I combine synth pedal sounds with my normal guitar sound?
A: Yes, many synth pedals let you blend the synth sound with your regular guitar sound. This lets you create layered or mixed tones.
Q: Are there different types of synth pedals?
A: Yes, there are. Some focus on making classic synth sounds, while others are more about creating experimental or wild effects. Some are simpler, and others are more complex.
Q: Where can I find reviews for synth pedals?
A: You can find reviews on music gear websites, YouTube channels that review guitar pedals, and in online music forums. Reading reviews from other guitarists is very helpful.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.