In this article, we’re going to be discussing and reviewing the 6 best bass synth pedals of 2023.
Synthesizer pedals have become an important tool for to allow bass players to shape a unique low end tone and overall boost the impact of the instrument. In this article we will be looking at the six best bass synth pedals on the market and give our un biased opinion on which it the best.
For each pedal, we will explain its functionality, suggest who the pedal is for and provide a video so you can see a demonstration of how the pedal sounds. Furthermore, we will pick our number one option, premium option and best value for money option.
What Is A Bass Synth Pedal?
Much like a synth pedal that is designed for guitar players, a bass synth is a stompbox that will track the notes of the bass and put the signal through a synthesizer. A typical synth pedal will be much like a regular effects pedal and can be played within a chain of effects on a pedal board.
Whilst each synth pedal is different, they use oscillators to active a synth circuit with common controls to shape the tone of the pedal. Presets are used for easy access to traditional synthesiser sounds as many pedals aim to emulate sounds used by artists and famous records over time. All bass synthesizer pedals should have some functionality to them other than presets such as filters, dry signal, attack and decay which can all be tweaked to shape a desirable sound.
In this buyers guide, we will be talking about the six best synth pedals on the market, so each should be taken into consideration depending on your needs and style. Some pedals, for instance the Boss pedals, will take the form of a traditional stompbox with a couple of knobs and an on off switch. Other pedals such as the Electro-Harmonix Bass Micro Synth is a more complex unit with sliders to control the filters.Â
Best Bass Synthesizer Pedals – Top 6
BOSS Bass Synthesizer (SY-1)
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We begin this buyers guide with our first offering from Boss pedals, the SY-1 synth. This pedal has a lot of sounds available including brass, pad, synth lead and bell sounds that can be accessed by the ‘variation’ control knob on the pedal. Whilst this pedal is compatible for guitar and bass players, the ‘type’ knob can be switched to bass setting. This is where bass players will feel the full benefit of the SY-1.
Whilst BOSS have created a synth pedal before, named the SY-300, this offering is housed in a compact BOSS style stompbox and easy for live use and pedal board friendly. The ‘effect’ control allows you to alter how much of the dry signal you want to mix with the sound of the pedal. This is an excellent feature because you can still maintain the natural sound of your bass with synth undertones running alongside.
In total you can access 121 different sound with this pedal, 11 types and 11 variations, which can be easily switched between and tweaked to your desire with the Tone/Rate and Depth knobs. Another important feature is that the SY-1 is latency free so there is no delay in the tracking from your bass. In addition, an external expression pedal can be added to give more live functionality.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
The BOSS SY-1 is an excellent synth for Bass guitar and will appeal to any player who predominantly favours analog synth tones. Any lover of BOSS pedals will certainly want to add this to their collection and for the price its the ideal package for all your synth needs. We also think any beginner will find the SY-1 easy to use so its a great all round option and unsurprisingly out number one choice.
Electro-Harmonix Bass Micro Synth
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Next we have the Electro-Harmonix Bass Micro Synth which is a real synth pedal specifically with Bass guitar players in mind – which is why it’s the 2nd of all pedals on this list. This is due to its specific filter sweep range which has been tailored to lower frequencies making it perfect for bass. Despite its additional functionality the Micro Synth is fairly compact and pedal board friendly.
This pedal has four voices that can be combined, these are, bass, octave above, sub-octave, and square wave or distortion. On the face of the pedal, a separate filter sweep section allows bass players to finely tune the setting of the voicing parameters and achieve those full on vintage analog synthesizer sounds.
As we mentioned, this pedal has more hands on functionality and the slider control really makes it feel like an analog synthesizer processor. You can adjust the attack time control for fading-in notes which will allows you create them highly impactful Bass pads from your bass guitar. Overall the pedal is compact and the chassis is very well constructed for live use.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
We’ve strait away titled the Electro-Harmonix Bass Microsynth as our premium choice synth pedal for bass players. This is because its versatility will provide a lot of options for pro players to dial in specific sounds to improve their sound. Whilst any player will enjoy this pedal and perhaps quickly get to grips with its controls. The premium price point may stir beginner player to one of our cheaper options on the list.Â
BOSS SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer
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Lets take a look at another Boss synthesizer pedal that is specifically geared for Bass guitarists, the SYB-5. With the use of the latest in DSP technology this pedal cleverly recreates classic analog synth tones whilst hosed in a compact and robust chassis. This pedal is the second generation fo the Boss’s first ever compact synth pedal which was the SYB-3.
Using saw, square and pulse synth waves, the SYB-5 offers 11 internal synth sounds which have all been enhanced to produce fatter bass tones and an overall more refined sound. By altering the envelope and LFO setting you modulate the filters to customise the oscillator waves. Similarly to the Boss SY-1, the effect control allows you in blend your natural bass tone with the sound of the pedal.
One thing that this pedal is praised for by bass players is the amount of beef that is provided for such a small pedal. It’s also very well known for producing those funky bass tones that will set you apart from the rest. Like a lot of other offering from Boss pedals, an external expression pedal can be used which allows you to control filter cutoff and LFO rate with your foot.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Well the Boss SYB-5 is the cheapest bass synth pedal on our list, making it our best value for money choice. Again boss have provided a compact pedal that Bass players can easily carry around with them and only be a foot tap away from some really classic analog synth tones. We recommend that you check it out.
Roland GR-55 Bass Synth
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With its use of pitch-detection technology, the Roland GR-55 synth pedal can perhaps be considered the pinnacle of bass synth pedals. It uses a triple-core generator to house synth presets as well as guitar, bass and amps. It’s array of presets is vast and can be easily accessed for live and studio usage.
The GR-55 has category’s that make for easy selection from it’s huge array of synth presets, covering genres such as rock, pop and metal. It’s fair to say that Rolands synthesizer technology is advanced and allows bass players to create revolutionary sounds that other synth pedals can’t produce. Some of their sounds are a combination of tones that really help to produce unique synth tones.
What we also like about this pedal is how its tracking is lightning fast. It’s new pitch detection technology produces an unprecedented response from the pedal making the tracking instantaneous which enhances the overall experience of the pedal. Whilst the GR-55 has a lot of functionality, it’s easy to use and only the advanced player will need to explore the full extent of its controllable parameters to fine tune a desired tone.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
The Roland GR-55 is an advanced pedal that will very much appeal to synth nerds who require a full range of tones to explore and tweak. We found however that anyone will be able to get to grips with this pedal and the LCD screen really does take the guess work away from where you are within the pedals sounds. Watch the video below to find out more.
Electro-Harmonix Synth 9
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The Electro-harmonix synth 9 is a popular synth pedal for both bassist and guitarists. In fact on our best synth pedals for guitar players used this as our number one choice. Whilst it isn’t specifically geared for bass, this pedal is a great polyphonic synthesizer that you should consider purchasing.
The Synth 9 is named that because it has 9 presets that emulate synthesizer sounds, controlled by a white knob on the face of the pedal. There are four knob controls that allow you to customise the the parameters of each preset as you desire. These controls are dry control, synth control, CTRL1 and CTRL2. You can use the dry knob to blend in the dry signal to the pedal in similar fashion to the Boss pedals.
We found that this pedal allows you create funky sounds and the lead synths tones achievable are particularly impressive. The presets themselves are designed to replicate iconic synths which allows for the recreation of classic music from artists such as Kraftwork, Peter Gabriel and Joy Division.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
We recognise that the Electro-harmonix synth 9 is one of the very best synth pedals on the market and we highly recommend it for Bass players. If you truly require a synth pedal that is geared for bassist then perhaps the SY-1 will be a better suite. Otherwise this pedal is fully worth the money and its very beginner friendly.
BOSS Bass Multiple Effects (ME-50B)
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Our final pedal to be included in this buyers guide is the Boss ME-50B. This pedal can be considered the holy grail of floor-based bass multi-effects, created by the leading bass pedal manufacture Boss. Of course this pedal isn’t purely a synth pedal, however it does include synth presets that can used to great effect.
There are four synth bass sounds featured within the ME-50B which can be fully customized using the pedals extensive knob functionality. A very important thing to consider would be the tracking, which on this pedal is simply superb and feels very natural. A built in expression pedal offers more functionality and wont be a necessary add on as it would with other compact synth units.
The onboard knob control for the synth section is combined with the fuzz/overdrive preset control. The presets available are saw lead, mild filter, deep filter and square. Below are four separate knobs which are used to control the parameters of the synth tone. Once your tone has been selected, there is a designated foot switch for you to activate the sound. You can also use the pedals memory capability to save your desired synth tone for later use.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Overall the Boss ME-50B is a fantastic unit to offers all the necessary effects that a bass player would require, housed in a single unit. Of course this isn’t a designated synth pedal so if that what you require then this perhaps wont be what you’re looking for. However if you want to get all your bass effects in one multi effect, including synth, then this is a great option especially at beginner/intermediate level.
Our Number One Choice
The Boss SY-1 is unsurprisingly out number one choice for bass players and guitarists, since it’s suitable for both guitar or bass. It’s easy to use, compact and has a good selection of presets that will give you plenty of option. As any regular reader of this website will know, we think Boss pedals are always a safe bet for quality, affordability and build quality. The SY-1 is no exception to this rule.
Buy On AmazonOur Premium Choice
For our premium choice we have gone with the Electro-Harmonix Bass Micro Synth which is a truly versatile bass pedal with four individual voices and a lot of customization options available from the pedals filter sweep. It has a slightly higher price point than other pedals within this buyers guide but for the more experienced player it perhaps the best option on the market. We recommend that you check it out!Â
Buy On AmazonBest Value For Money
Our best value for money choice is the Boss SYB-5 which uses latest DSP technology to recreates analog synth tones effectively. This pedal has all the necessary features of a bass synth pedal and is the cheapest pedal on our list. If you’re a beginner or on a budget then this pedal should be your first port of call. Once again you can be assured that Boss pedals have the quality assurance and the SYB-5 is no exception.
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That concludes this full buyers guide on the best bass Synthesizer pedals. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions regarding the products you have seen in this article. Check out our other buyers guide for reverb pedals and overdrive pedals.
Here at Guitar Effects Pedalz we also provide full reviews of the best online guitar services so you can learn guitar with our Guitar Tricks ReviewÂ
FAQ: Best Bass Synth Pedals
Q: What are the best bass synth pedals available on the market?
A: There are several top-notch bass synth pedals to consider. These include the Boss SY-1, Electro Harmoniz Bass Micro Synth, Boss SYB-5, Roland GR-55, among others. These pedals offer a variety of synth sound effects, allowing bass players to explore unique sonic possibilities.
Q: How does a bass synth pedal work?
A: A bass synth pedal is a compact foot pedal that processes the bass signal and generates synth-like sounds. When the bass signal goes into the pedal, its synth engine analyzes and transforms the audio, producing a range of synth tones, from classic to futuristic. The pedal’s control knobs, presets, and expression pedal input enable users to shape and modulate the synthesized sound.
Q: Can I use a bass synth pedal for guitar as well?
A: Yes, many synth pedals are designed to work with both bass and guitar. While some pedals may be optimized for the low frequencies of a bass guitar, they can still be used effectively with a standard electric guitar. This versatility makes them suitable for musicians who play both instruments or want to experiment with synth effects on their guitar.
Q: How can a bass synth pedal enhance my bass lines?
A: Bass synth pedals provide a wide range of sound options to enhance your bass lines. They can add depth, richness, and texture to your playing, enabling you to create intricate melodies, fat synth bass tones, and even emulate iconic, vintage synth sounds. By incorporating a bass synth pedal into your signal chain, you can expand your sonic palette and bring new dimensions to your bass playing.
Q: Are there any polyphonic bass synth pedals available?
A: Yes, some bass synth pedals offer polyphonic capabilities, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously – unlike a bass mono synth. These pedals utilize advanced technology to track and synthesize each individual note accurately. Polyphonic bass synth pedals provide greater flexibility for chordal playing and harmonically rich bass lines.
Q: Can a bass synth pedal replicate classic synth sounds?
A: Absolutely! Many bass synth pedals are designed to emulate classic synth sounds. With careful tweaking of the control knobs and the pedal’s synth engine, you can achieve iconic synth tones that are reminiscent of vintage synthesizers. This makes the bass synth pedal a valuable tool for musicians seeking to capture the essence of classic synths in their bass playing.
Q: Do bass synth pedals offer talk box-style effects?
A: Yes, some bass synth pedals incorporate talk box-style effects, allowing you to create vowel-like sounds and vocal-like textures. These effects simulate the distinctive sound produced by a talk box but without the need for a separate mouth tube. With a bass synth pedal, you can achieve expressive talk box-style effects using just your instrument.
Q: Can I use an expression pedal with a bass synth pedal?
A: Many bass synth pedals feature an expression pedal input, which enables you to control various parameters in real-time using an external expression pedal. This functionality provides enhanced versatility and expressiveness, allowing you to manipulate aspects such as filter sweeps, modulation depth, or pitch bending while playing.
Q: Do bass synth pedals offer zero-latency processing?
A: Yes, some bass synth pedals offer zero-latency processing, ensuring there is no perceptible delay between playing your instrument and hearing the synthesized sound. This is particularly important for bass players who require tight timing and responsiveness in their performance. Zero-latency pedals provide a seamless playing experience without any noticeable lag.
Q: How can I make the most of a bass synth pedal in my setup?
A: To maximize the potential of your bass synth pedal, consider the following tips:
- Experiment with different synth voices and sound effects to discover your unique sonic identity.
- Incorporate the pedal into your signal chain strategically, considering the interaction with other effects pedals and your bass guitar’s tone.
- Explore the available presets and save your own custom patches to recall your favorite settings quickly.
- Take advantage of expression pedal control for real-time modulation and performance expression.
- Combine the bass synth pedal with other effects pedals, such as octave, distortion, or chorus, to create complex and layered sounds.
- Consider using bass synth pedals in recording sessions or live performances to add depth and versatility to your music.
Remember, each bass synth pedal has its own unique features and capabilities, so take the time to understand and explore the specific pedal you choose to unlock its full potential.
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API