Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $44
Budget/Beginner
$60
$176+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Boss FS-5U". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Boss FS-5U, a non-latching footswitch that's perfectly crafted to meet your unique musical needs. This compact and lightweight gear is specifically designed for musicians who require an effect that only engages when your foot is on it, making it perfect for spot delay or sustain. With its robust and durable construction, the FS-5U is built to withstand the rigors of live performances and prolonged use.
Boss offers two types of footswitches, and the FS-5U is a momentary-type footswitch, which means it lets you engage a function while holding down the switch. This offers you complete control over your effects, allowing you to add depth and texture to your music exactly when you need it.
Whether you're practicing at home, recording in the studio, or performing on stage, the Boss FS-5U is a vital addition to your gear setup. Its simple design and ease of use make it a practical choice for both beginners and experienced musicians alike.
Key Features:
- Non-latching footswitch ideal for spot delay or sustain
- Robust and durable construction built for prolonged use
- Momentary-type footswitch that lets you engage a function while holding down the switch
- Compact and lightweight design ideal for traveling musicians
- Offers complete control over your effects
- Practical and easy to use for musicians of all skill levels
Product specs
| Polarity Switch | Yes |
FAQs
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Does the Boss FS-5U footswitch require any power source or batteries?
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No, the Boss FS-5U is a passive footswitch that does not require any power source or batteries to operate.
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What is the difference between the Boss FS-5U and FS-5L footswitches?
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The FS-5U is a momentary "unlatch" footswitch, while the FS-5L is a latch-type switch with an LED indicator. Both can be connected using standard guitar cables.
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What type of cable should I use with the Boss FS-5U?
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Use a 1/4" TS cable to connect the Boss FS-5U to compatible devices, such as control inputs on amplifiers or effects units.
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Can the Boss FS-5U be used with keyboards or synthesizers?
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Yes, the Boss FS-5U can be used with keyboards and synthesizers that support momentary footswitch inputs, making it versatile for various musical applications.
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Does the Boss FS-5U have a polarity switch?
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Yes, the Boss FS-5U includes a polarity switch, allowing it to be compatible with a wide range of devices by adjusting the switch to match the required polarity.
Videos
GearTestUA
BOSS FS-5U, FS-5L, FS-6 Foot Switch - By GearTestUa
Reviews
PROS
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Enhances live performance with easy single-tap operation
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Compatible with a wide range of devices (RC-1 Loop Pedal, Boss JS-8, SY-200, etc.)
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Durable, heavy-duty construction expected to last indefinitely
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Non-slip rubber pads ensure stability during use
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Can be cable-tied for stationary placement
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Polarity switch increases versatility for various setups
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Side rail system allows for easy multi-unit attachment
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Improves functionality of devices like metronomes and loop stations
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Simplifies complex pedal operations (e.g., loop clearing without accidental playback)
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Can be used as both a sustain pedal and a footswitch
CONS
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Sharp edges may pose a risk of injury
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Some units have reported cosmetic defects and poor craftsmanship
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Quality control seems inconsistent across different batches
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Certain users prefer newer models with additional functionalities
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss FS-5U.
Features and functionality
Software and compatibility
Setup and maintenance
4.5 out of 5
Based on 8 Reviews and 66 Ratings
1086
Perfect pedal extension
Bought this to use with my RC-1 Loop pedal and it's really helped me unlock the loops potential. I've also used it as an expression pedal on a few keyboards and it does that pretty well too.
865
Stirdy and reliable
This is the no-compromise go-to pedal for a non-latching footswitch. Built like a tank, it will most likely outlive you and your band members, even if you all go to war. With a side switch to toggle between "normally open" and "normally closed" states, this pedal covers every use you can imagine.
134
Does the job well, and it tough
This pedal is good., but there are better Boss switches now, such as the FS-7 dual footswitch with non-latching and latching functionality.
367
Does what I need. Built like a tank.
Right now, I use this as a tap tempo for my Boss AW-3 Auto Wah. I've used it for lots of other things in the past. It's solid and, if you need more than one, you can lock them together with a mechanism that's part of the case design.
166
Use it for all your unlatching needs!
I use the FS-5U with my Boss DD-7 perfect for tap tempo!
111
And Jesus wept
for there were no more mountains to conquer in the world of single-non-latching foots-witches. Life cruel sometimes -this is how life compensates. Thanks life.
Artist usage
Add artist
Eric Clapton uses these footswitches to work with his complicated pedalboard system which he uses now and then.
The Boss FS-5U pedal can be confirmed as part of Jonny Greenwood's setup for the 2025 Radiohead Tour, as evidenced by an image showing his equipment.
In this RHCPtv1 episode you can see Flea using a boss fs-5u non-latching footswitch in the top left corner of his pedalboard at 0:09.
From Muse guitar tech Jason Baskin: "...a hold pedal for the reverb pedal in there"
At 18:14 in this video, Kirk Hammett's rig is also shown to consist of a Boss FS-5U.
Dimebag Darrell is associated with the Boss FS-5U switch effects pedal, as shown in images available through a Google search for "Dimebag Darrell RM100."
The Boss FS-5U Nonlatching Footswitch is seen in Steve Vai's pedalboard during a rig rundown.
In Brian Schwartz's photo from Flickr, Mike Kerr is shown using a Boss FS-5U, likely to control a pitch shifter, replacing his previous EHX Pitch Fork setup.
Josh explains in this video that in conjuction with his Roland SPD-SX and Ableton, he uses a footswitch to choose when the band's backing tracks start and stop, and at 1:43 you can see it in action.
Album Usage
The Boss FS-5U has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss FS-5U, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for Boss FS-5U, curated by the Equipboard community.
$36.81 - $51.99
The FS-5L is the latching version of the FS-5U. Similar in all other features.
$61.11 - $93.99
The FS-6 is a "twin" version of the FS-5U, with switchable option to convert the FS-5U (unlatching) into a FS-5L (latching).
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