Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $530

High-end/Boutique

$60

$161+

Price Tier

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

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

What effect does the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear pedal produce?

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.

Is the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear suitable for all guitar types?

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.

Does the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear require a specific power supply?

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.

How does the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear compare to a tremolo pedal?

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.

Is the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear easy to use for beginners?

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.

Dennis Kayzer

Dennis Kayzer

Boss - SG-1 - Slow Gear - SG1

Video thumbnail for Boss - SG-1 - Slow Gear - SG1 by Dennis Kayzer

Boss - SG-1 - Slow Gear - SG1

Dennis Kayzer

Dennis Kayzer

Video thumbnail for BOSS SG-1 Slow Gear Demo by Pepe Music

BOSS SG-1 Slow Gear Demo

Pepe Music

Pepe Music

Video thumbnail for BOSS / SG-1 Slow Gear【デジマート Vintage Effector File Vol 19】 by digimartnet

BOSS / SG-1 Slow Gear【デジマート Vintage Effector File Vol 19】

digimartnet

digimartnet

Video thumbnail for Boss Pedal Review 33: SG-1 Slow Gear by Cameron Johnson

Boss Pedal Review 33: SG-1 Slow Gear

Cameron Johnson

Cameron Johnson

Video thumbnail for Slow Gear SG-1 BOSS pedal tested with 25 settings by Thunder Lightning

Slow Gear SG-1 BOSS pedal tested with 25 settings

Thunder Lightning

Thunder Lightning

Video thumbnail for BOSS "Slow Gear" SG-1 before "Dimension C" DC-2 by Thunder Lightning

BOSS "Slow Gear" SG-1 before "Dimension C" DC-2

Thunder Lightning

Thunder Lightning

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

  • The Volume Swell on the GFI Synesthesia offers a similar effect but includes additional modulation options, although it may be costly for just swells.

    Source
  • Behringer SM200 and BYOC's Lazy Sprocket are suggested alternatives to the Boss SG-1 for users seeking similar volume swell effects.

    Source
  • The Guyatone SV-2 is considered a Slow Gear clone, though user opinions on its effectiveness vary.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Boss SG-1 is preferred by users with loud amps in apartments, allowing for controlled swelled attack responses without adjusting amp settings.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find volume pedals challenging due to foot coordination, preferring the Boss SG-1 for its auto-swell feature over manual operation.

    Source
  • Some builders find the Slow Gear circuit finicky and require adapting their playing style for optimal results.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Converting a Boss NF-1 into a Slow Gear offers a verified mod alternative, providing similar volume swell effects.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Corgan uses Boss SG-1 Slow Gear

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:40 minute mark the Boss SG-1 can be seen very clearly.

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Boss SG-1 Slow Gear

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

"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.

See how Marty Friedman uses Boss SG-1 Slow Gear

Marty Friedman

Guitarist

Megadeth

...
Verified via BOSS

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.

See how Adam Granduciel uses Boss SG-1 Slow Gear

Adam Granduciel

Singer, Guitarist

The War on Drugs

...
Verified via Spotify

Adam talks about buying Boss Slow Gear on tour and using it on the "Under The Pressure" intro from their live album "LIVE DRUGS".

See how Robbie Robertson uses Boss SG-1 Slow Gear

Robbie Robertson

Guitarist

The Band

...
Verified via Robbie-robertson

Robbie Robertson uses this effect as seen on his official websites gear collection.

See how Blake Mills uses Boss SG-1 Slow Gear

Blake Mills

Singer, Guitarist

Simon Dawes

...
Verified via YouTube

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).

See how Nick Steinhardt uses Boss SG-1 Slow Gear

Nick Steinhardt

Guitarist

Touché Amoré

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Anders Nystrom uses Boss SG-1 Slow Gear

Anders Nystrom

Singer, Guitarist

Katatonia

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"One of my favourites is a [BOSS SG-1] Slow Gear pedal - it´s beautiful and it creates this dream-like keyboard-esque effect. It lands somewhere in the twilight zone between a guitar and a keyboard."

See how Matt Hoopes uses Boss SG-1 Slow Gear

Matt Hoopes

Guitarist

Relient K

...
Verified via Twitter

@DrewShirley Finally getting to step on Hoopes from @relientK pedalboard today after sound chk. He's turned me on to some rad new pedals.. Being used now on Relinet K's Air For Free supporting tour.

Album Usage

The Boss SG-1 Slow Gear has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss SG-1 Slow Gear, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Boss VB-2 Vibrato
Boss VB-2 Vibrato Vibrato Effects Pedals
3
Union Tube & Transistor More
Union Tube & Transistor More Boost Effects Pedals
1
Electro-Harmonix Bad Stone Nano
Electro-Harmonix Bad Stone Nano Phaser Effects Pedals
1
Fender Jaguar 1964
Fender Jaguar 1964 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
MXR MX-142 Distortion II
MXR MX-142 Distortion II Distortion Effects Pedals
1
Fender 1963 Stratocaster
Fender 1963 Stratocaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Mu-Tron C-200 Volume-Wah
Mu-Tron C-200 Volume-Wah Multi Effects Pedals
1

7 alternative and related items for Boss SG-1 Slow Gear, curated by the Equipboard community.

TC Electronic Crescendo

$25.00 - $66.62

cheaper alternative similar sound

The Crescendo is a violining pedal, modeled off the now discontinued and very difficult to find Boss Slow Gear.

StewMac Swell Drive Pedal Kit

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

The StewMac Swell Drive is a DIY clone of the long discontinued Boss Slow Gear.

More Boss Volume Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides