Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer

^# 23

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$159.99 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (6)

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Boss PQ-4

6 wishlisted

22 saved

Page last updated Jun 20, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 20, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (10)

$159.99 11 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $160

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Equalizer Effects Pedals category, Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Unleash the power of your guitar's tone with the Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer. This compact pedal, a hidden gem from the 90s, offers a versatile range of tone shaping capabilities. Its unique feature set includes sweepable mid and high frequencies, a dedicated low control, and an overall level control, each with an impressive 18dB cut or boost. While its interface may not have resonated with all, those who connect with it will discover a potent tool for crafting their unique sound.

Key Features:

Sweepable mid and high frequencies for precise tonal shaping
Dedicated low control with ±18dB cut or boost
Overall level control with ±18dB cut or boost
Compact design for easy integration into pedalboards
Versatile tone shaping capabilities for a variety of musical styles
Part of Boss' range of high-quality guitar effects pedals

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer (Silver Label)
Finish	White
Year	1991 - 1996
Made In	Taiwan
Categories	EQ Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What is the main function of the Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer pedal?: The Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer allows you to shape your guitar tone by adjusting specific frequency bands, offering control over the mid and high frequencies with sweepable options and level control, as well as a dedicated low frequency control.
How does the Boss PQ-4 differ from a graphic equalizer pedal?: Unlike a graphic equalizer, which has fixed frequency bands, the Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer provides adjustable frequency bands and Q factor control, allowing for more precise tonal adjustments and tailoring of your guitar sound.
Can the Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer be used with bass guitars?: Yes, the Boss PQ-4 is suitable for both guitar and bass, offering flexible frequency control that can enhance the tonal range of bass instruments.
Does the Boss PQ-4 require a specific power supply?: The Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer typically requires a 9V DC power supply, which is standard for many Boss pedals, or a 9V battery for portable use.
Is the Boss PQ-4 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Boss PQ-4 is designed for both studio and live settings, providing robust tone-shaping capabilities that can enhance your sound during performances.

Videos

Add video

shnobel

Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer vs Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer

shnobel

Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer

shnobel

Test de la Boss PQ 4 Parametric Equalizer (Boss PQ 4 review)

Guitariste Metal

BOSS PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer

Louis Torres

Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer 6 & 7 String Review Demo

Truck Driver Shawn

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Unmatched quality among EQ pedals
Transforms tube amps with versatility
Drastically changes guitar's sound with ease
Allows precise control over low, mid, high frequencies
Enables customization of presence and overall level
Offers tonal range beyond typical graphic EQs

CONS

Potentiometers lack precision for subtle EQ adjustments
Not suitable for all music styles, particularly aggressive for some
Price considered high, even with its quality and capabilities

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss PQ-4 Parametric Equalizer.

Features and functionality

0 0

The PQ-4 is distinguished by its ability to move the center frequency, offering more tonal variations than graphic EQs with fixed frequencies.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Owners overwhelmingly prefer the PQ-4 over the Boss GE-7, citing its superior tone-shaping capabilities.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The PQ-4 can range from subtle adjustments to complete tone transformations, making it versatile for both live and studio settings.
Source

Other

0 0

The PQ-4 is unique in the Boss lineup due to the use of the number "4", which is generally avoided in Japan due to cultural superstitions.
Source

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

mcj

149

almost 7 years ago

Great tone shaping tool!

One of the best tone shaping tools on the market. Boss PQ4 design reflects similar EQ controls on most amps: low, mid, and high. Additional knobs allow for customization of presence and overall level. Unlike graphic EQ, which usually only let you boost a certain frequency, PQ4 lets you set the frequency as well as boost the level of that frequency. Powerful little pedal!