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Average Price: $530
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Description
Introducing the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear, a rare gem from the early '80s, hailing directly from Japan. As one of the most sought-after Boss pedals, it brings a unique aura to any musical performance. This pedal expertly mimics the nuanced sound of a guitarist gradually adjusting their volume knob, producing an effect reminiscent of a tremolo, yet with a character that's distinctly its own. A true treasure for vintage pedal collectors, the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear isn't just an instrument; it's an emblem of a bygone era, adding a touch of nostalgia to your sound.
Key Features:
- Replicates the sound of a guitarist manually adjusting their volume knob
- Offers a unique tremolo-like effect with its own dynamic
- One of the rarest Boss pedals, highly valued by vintage pedal collectors
- Produced in the early '80s in Japan
- Belongs to the category: Musical Instruments > Guitar Pedals & Effects > Volume Effects Pedals
Product specs
| Brand | Boss |
| Model | SG-1 Slow Gear (Black Label) |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1979 - 1982 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Controller, Expression and Volume Pedals |
FAQs
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What effect does the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear pedal produce?
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The Boss SG-1 Slow Gear creates a unique volume swell effect, simulating the sound of a guitarist slowly turning up their volume knob, which adds a smooth, dynamic quality to your playing.
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Is the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear suitable for all guitar types?
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Yes, the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear can be used with both electric and bass guitars, providing its signature volume swell effect to enhance your sound.
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Does the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear require a specific power supply?
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The Boss SG-1 Slow Gear typically operates with a standard 9V battery or a compatible 9V power adapter, standard for many vintage Boss pedals.
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How does the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear compare to a tremolo pedal?
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While both create dynamic sound variations, the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear focuses on volume swells, whereas a tremolo pedal modulates the volume at a consistent rate, offering different expressive capabilities.
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Is the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear easy to use for beginners?
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Yes, the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear is straightforward to use, featuring simple controls that allow even beginners to achieve its characteristic volume swell effect with ease.
Videos
Dennis Kayzer
Boss - SG-1 - Slow Gear - SG1
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss SG-1 Slow Gear.
Comparisons
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The Volume Swell on the GFI Synesthesia offers a similar effect but includes additional modulation options, although it may be costly for just swells.
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Behringer SM200 and BYOC's Lazy Sprocket are suggested alternatives to the Boss SG-1 for users seeking similar volume swell effects.
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The Guyatone SV-2 is considered a Slow Gear clone, though user opinions on its effectiveness vary.
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Use cases and applications
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The Boss SG-1 is preferred by users with loud amps in apartments, allowing for controlled swelled attack responses without adjusting amp settings.
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User experience
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
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"We've got the Boss Slow Gear which is sort of fun for messing around with. It's basically just like a violining pedal, it just responds to the attack of your picking and just fades in correspondingly depending on how you set it. I'm not terribly convinced by it to be honest. I think people buy it because it's rare. I think you could just do the same thing with a volume knob," says Josh Klinghoffer's guitar tech.
Marty Friedman mentions his appreciation for the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear in an interview with BOSS, highlighting its unique effect alongside the auto wah (AW-3) pedal.
Adam talks about buying Boss Slow Gear on tour and using it on the "Under The Pressure" intro from their live album "LIVE DRUGS".
Robbie Robertson uses this effect as seen on his official websites gear collection.
In this video of Blake Mills performing with Sam Gendel, there's a good view of his pedalboard. He tapes over the names of some pedals, but one can surmise by the enclosures and colors that he has a Boss SG-1 Slow Gear (two-knob black Boss enclosure), a Boss VB-2 (Cerulean blue Boss enclosure), a Boss PS-5 Super Shifter (green-ish blue Boss enclosure), a EHX Mel9 (four black knobs, one white knob white enclosure), a Maxon AD-999 and a Digitech X-Series Bass Synth Wah (dark teal Digitech X-series enclosure).
In an Instagram post by Nick Steinhardt, the BOSS Slow Gear SG-1 is visibly featured on the seventh slide, confirming his use of this specific gear.
Album Usage
The Boss SG-1 Slow Gear 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 SG-1 Slow Gear, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation7 alternative and related items for Boss SG-1 Slow Gear, curated by the Equipboard community.
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The Crescendo is a violining pedal, modeled off the now discontinued and very difficult to find Boss Slow Gear.
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