Boss ME-5 Multi-Effect Unit

$210.09 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (5)

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jun 17, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 17, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (6)

$210.09 1 available Used

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Average Price: $210

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Multi Effects Pedals category, Boss ME-5 Multi-Effect Unit is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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High-end

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Description

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Marking a historical milestone in the music gear evolution, the Boss ME-5 Multi-Effect Unit is the first multi-effects floor unit ever produced by the iconic company. This unique piece is more than just a gear - it is a marvel of vintage charm infused with modern functionality. The ME-5 seamlessly integrates internals from the made-in-Japan Boss modules, making it a true relic of the past that still holds its ground in today's music scene. Without a doubt, its time-tested and musician-approved features have made it an increasingly sought-after item among gear enthusiasts and professional musicians alike.

Key Features:

First multi-effects floor unit produced by Boss
Embedded with internals from made-in-Japan Boss modules
Features Compressor, Overdrive/Distortion, Equalizer, Chorus/Flanger, and Digital Reverb/Delay effects
Produced from 1988 to the 1990s
Highly sought after due to its vintage and classic appeal.

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	ME-5 Guitar Multiple Effects
Finish	Black
Year	1980s
Made In	Japan
Categories	Multi-Effects Pedals and Processors

FAQs

What effects are included in the Boss ME-5 Multi-Effect Unit?: The Boss ME-5 Multi-Effect Unit includes five effects: compression, overdrive/distortion, equalizer, chorus, and digital reverb/delay. These can be combined and stored in patches for versatile sound creation.
Can the Boss ME-5 be used with both electric and bass guitars?: Yes, the Boss ME-5 can be used with both electric and bass guitars, offering a range of effects suitable for different styles and tones.
How many patches can the Boss ME-5 store?: The Boss ME-5 can store up to 64 different patches, allowing you to save and recall custom effect combinations for live performances or studio work.
Does the Boss ME-5 require a specific power supply?: The Boss ME-5 requires a 9V power adapter, such as the Boss PSA-120S, to function properly. Ensure the power supply can handle the unit's current requirements for optimal performance.
Is the Boss ME-5 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Boss ME-5 is designed for live performances, with the ability to switch between stored patches or manually toggle effects on and off using the pedal switches.

Videos

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Nikita Demchenko

Boss ME-5: Analog effects processor

Nikita Demchenko

Boss ME-5 Boss's Analog Digital Frontier

Clifton Wright

Floor Unit Pioneers: Digitech RP-1 vs Boss ME-5

Clifton Wright

Boss ME-5, first Boss multi FX unit?

The Budget Guitarist

Reviews

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PROS

All-in-one unit with a collection of classic Boss pedal sounds
Offers presets for easy sound setup
Features primitive but useful MIDI-switching capabilities
Ideal for fans of 80s music with a wide range of sounds
Simplifies pedal setup by combining multiple effects
Compressor, overdrive, and EQ combo enhances tone quality

CONS

Effects are in a fixed order, limiting signal chain flexibility
Less granular control compared to individual pedals (e.g., adjustment range 1–7)
Effects do not perfectly replicate the original pedals (e.g., CE-3 vs. CE-1)

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss ME-5 Multi-Effect Unit.

Features and functionality

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The Boss ME-5 features a unique high gain drive with an artificial/synthy sound that's appreciated by some players for its distinctive tone.
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The unit allows for a parametric EQ, offering extensive tonal adjustments, which is beneficial for detailed sound shaping.
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Delay and reverb are on the same block, meaning users must choose one or the other, a limitation not found in newer units.
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The delay features a tone knob, allowing for a high-end roll-off to simulate analog delay tones alongside digital clarity.
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Setup and maintenance

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Despite its age, the ME-5 is noted for being easy to repair, with available maintenance support.
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Use cases and applications

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Fits perfectly in a Boss BCB-60 case, leaving space for additional pedals like a CryBaby Wah, demonstrating its compact integration potential.
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