Boss SY-1000

[gumtown]

Why not, this can be the dedicated Boss SY-1000 thread.

So just the other day it got a new firmware update to version 1.08 and is said to have fixed any previous issues with sustained note glitches, OSC Synth latency reduced, and alternate tuning fixes.

BOSS - SY-1000 | Guitar Synthesizer

SY-1000: Guitar Synthesizer - Soar Into the Infinite

www.boss.info

I have updated mine just now, but yet to try out the latest firmware.

What makes the SY-1000 great is when used with the Roland GK divided (analog hexaphonic FYI), you get per string processing to some degree.
You have the usual normal 6 string input to apply amp/cab modeling and the usual array of effects to, but also 3 other input groups which can be synth types or normal strings, where you can select which separate strings apply to that group (INST1, INST2, INST3), apply amp/cab modeling to each group and separate effects to each group.
Quite a complex and deep machine under the hood.

Here is a picture of one

 

[gumtown]

Boss SY-1000 has a new firmware released version 1.10
which fixes an Alternate Tunings issue previously

https://www.boss.info/global/support/by_product/sy-1000/updates_drivers/

 

[molul]

I had a GR55 with a GK...3? Not sure of the number. It was quite fun, but a bit frustrating to use sometimes, and I ended up selling it.

I'd rather wait until technology evolves enough for this kind of devices to work way better.

 

[paisleywookiee]

I had a GR55 with a GK...3? Not sure of the number. It was quite fun, but a bit frustrating to use sometimes, and I ended up selling it.

I'd rather wait until technology evolves enough for this kind of devices to work way better.

The SY-1000 is quite a bit different than the GR-55. While it is using a hex pickup, it’s not PCM synth sounds. The tracking is amazing. The GM-800, which are regular synth sounds like piano, strings, etc also tracks way better than the GR-55 did.
I wanted to love the GR-55 so much that I bought it twice. But I could never gel with it.

 

[JiveTurkey]

You're not going to get better than the Boss stuff for this.

 

[Enchilada Jones]

SY1000 with GM800 is sublime. I have a midi controller calling up presets on each and outputs go to a small line mixer. Sometimes the pair of presets are similar like a GR300 sound that work as one but you can alter the individual output of each device which gives the ‘GR300’ a variety of characteristics. Using Luminite FX wireless encoders on guitar to have access to the output levels of each device in realtime spontaneous use.

Sometimes I have two totally different sounds…one a pluck the other a pad or horn foundation…one a mono analogue synth lead, the other with a chaotic pad distortion and bells from hell all with movement….use your imagination, any sound either device can offer combined and parameters in each individually modulated in real time just like you might roll up the treble knob on your guitar.
It creates a really infinite pool of sound to swim in.

 

[JiveTurkey]

I saw there was a fw update the other day and thought I had entered into some sort of time machine as it was not something I expected After the last GM fw update; I gotta say they have done some good things as far as making things track better and behave as they should. Good job Boss!

 

[gumtown]

I too have the SY-1000 and GM-800 paired, and both together are killer, everything I wanted the GR-55 to be times 3.

 

[molul]

The SY-1000 is quite a bit different than the GR-55. While it is using a hex pickup, it’s not PCM synth sounds. The tracking is amazing. The GM-800, which are regular synth sounds like piano, strings, etc also tracks way better than the GR-55 did.
I wanted to love the GR-55 so much that I bought it twice. But I could never gel with it.

I'm glad they improved the tracking since the GR55. However, I think there will eventually be a device like this that doesn't need a hex pickup.

Okay, I want to believe xD but I'm not fond of installing a hex pickup on my guitar again. I'd rather wait and use a keyboard synth for synth sounds in the meantime.

 

[likitlikeyoulikeit]

I've always wondered why the pickups can't be combined into one housing that outputs to different outputs. Or figure how to tap into the pole pieces individually for a retrofit...
..

Mostly thinking out loud here...sorry.

 

[paisleywookiee]

I'm glad they improved the tracking since the GR55. However, I think there will eventually be a device like this that doesn't need a hex pickup.

Okay, I want to believe xD but I'm not fond of installing a hex pickup on my guitar again. I'd rather wait and use a keyboard synth for synth sounds in the meantime.

When MIDI Guitar 3 is released, that's probably what you'd want. The beta is pretty impressive.

 

[molul]

I've always wondered why the pickups can't be combined into one housing that outputs to different outputs. Or figure how to tap into the pole pieces individually for a retrofit...
..

Mostly thinking out loud here...sorry.

Probably because there are so many pickup types. Having an additional one that installs separately, makes the device work on any guitar.

The way to go is perfecting polyphonic tracking, so no extra pickup is needed. It might take some more years, but it must arrive someday.

 

[likitlikeyoulikeit]

Probably because there are so many pickup types. Having an additional one that installs separately, makes the device work on any guitar.

The way to go is perfecting polyphonic tracking, so no extra pickup is needed. It might take some more years, but it must arrive someday.

I get that, and it wouldn't be a very large market...so there is that.

 

[molul]

I'm hoping for Line6 to add polyphonic synths to the Helix someday. The problem is probably DSP usage, but the polyphonic tracking technology they have is pretty good already.

 

[gumtown]

I see the Panda Audio Future Impact V4 latest update now adds bass/guitar to midi from a regular jack input.
Not sure if it is polyphonic or not.

 

[TJontheRoad]

While I have both the GM-800 and SY-1000, I find that I prefer the SY-1000. SY-1000 gets more unique sounds. GM-800 is more generic.

 

[molul]

I just saw the SY-300. Polyphonic tracking on jack input, no GK pickup needed. Why didn't they do the same for the SY-1000 if they already have technology? Are they that different?

 

[JiveTurkey]

I just saw the SY-300. Polyphonic tracking on jack input, no GK pickup needed. Why didn't they do the same for the SY-1000 if they already have technology? Are they that different?

More clarity and fidelty through GK pickups. Alongside alt tuning and the useless osc synth that sucks imo anyway.

 

[gumtown]

I just saw the SY-300. Polyphonic tracking on jack input, no GK pickup needed. Why didn't they do the same for the SY-1000 if they already have technology? Are they that different?

The SY-1000 can also take a regular guitar input and do the same as the SY-300, but using a GK pickup lets you do things per string, different tunings per string, different tone source per string (you have 3 tone sources which can be of modelled instruments or synths plus a normal pickup source).
Technology is not at a place (yet) where a regular input will let you do per string tunings or instrument models.

 

[Bloody_Inferno]

I love my SY300 but agreed that the SY1000 is all of the 300 and then some. I was planning to upgrade but haven't had the chance.

I've used the SY300 on a few songs.

Reamped an acoustic twice though aux tracks:



Used it on a fretless guitar here (also the first solo).



This thread is making me want to upgrade.