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Average Price: $420

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$150

$601+

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Description

Introduce an extra dimension to your music with the Boss SL-20 Slicer, a multi-effects pedal designed to morph your signal into a suite of pulsating grooves and rhythmic patterns. This unit is more than just a pedal, it's a creative tool that inspires experimental play and innovative songwriting. With its unique Harmonic Slice feature and immersive 3D panning, the SL-20 is not just about adding effects, it's about crafting a sonic landscape that moves with the rhythm of your performance.

Key Features: - Multi-effects unit with 50 onboard rhythmic patterns - Unique Harmonic Slice feature - 3D panning for immersive soundscapes - Loop playback capabilities for song-writing and experimental play

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model SL-20 Slicer
Finish Green
Year 2008 - 2025
Made In Taiwan

FAQs

What does the Boss SL-20 Slicer pedal do?

The Boss SL-20 Slicer creates unique sliced sound effects by rhythmically chopping your signal into percussive patterns. It's designed to add dynamic and rhythmic textures to your guitar or keyboard performances.

Can the Boss SL-20 Slicer be used with instruments other than guitar?

Yes, the Boss SL-20 Slicer can be used with keyboards, bass guitars, and other electronic instruments, making it versatile for various musical setups.

Does the Boss SL-20 Slicer require a specific power supply?

The Boss SL-20 Slicer requires a standard 9V DC power supply, commonly used with most Boss pedals, or it can be powered by a 9V battery.

How many slice patterns does the Boss SL-20 Slicer offer?

The Boss SL-20 Slicer offers 50 different slice patterns, allowing for a wide range of rhythmic possibilities and creative soundscapes.

Can the Boss SL-20 Slicer sync to external MIDI devices?

Yes, the Boss SL-20 Slicer can sync to external MIDI devices, enabling precise tempo synchronization with other gear in your setup.

BOSSchannel

BOSSchannel

BOSS SL-20 Slicer [BOSS Sound Check]

Video thumbnail for BOSS SL-20 Slicer [BOSS Sound Check] by BOSSchannel

BOSS SL-20 Slicer [BOSS Sound Check]

BOSSchannel

BOSSchannel

Video thumbnail for Boss SL 20 Slicer by JetCityMusic

Boss SL 20 Slicer

JetCityMusic

JetCityMusic

Video thumbnail for Boss SL-20 Slicer Twin Pedal by Guitar World

Boss SL-20 Slicer Twin Pedal

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Boss Slicer SL-20 by TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Boss Slicer SL-20

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Video thumbnail for Boss SL-20 Slicer by The Circuit Symphony

Boss SL-20 Slicer

The Circuit Symphony

The Circuit Symphony

Video thumbnail for BOSS SL20 Slicer | Great or Garbage? by Leon Todd

BOSS SL20 Slicer | Great or Garbage?

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for Boss SL-20 Slicer - The Tremolo That'll Cut You by Stompbox Breakdown

Boss SL-20 Slicer - The Tremolo That'll Cut You

Stompbox Breakdown

Stompbox Breakdown

Video thumbnail for BOSS SL-20 Slicer: All 50 patterns by wazu

BOSS SL-20 Slicer: All 50 patterns

wazu

wazu

Video thumbnail for Boss SL-20 Slicer by PRO GEAR BLOG

Boss SL-20 Slicer

PRO GEAR BLOG

PRO GEAR BLOG

Video thumbnail for Boss SL-20 Slicer by PromenadeMusicTV

Boss SL-20 Slicer

PromenadeMusicTV

PromenadeMusicTV

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers unique rhythmic patterns for innovative soundscapes

  • Versatile across guitars, bass, and synths, enhancing a wide range of instruments

  • Intuitive interface with immediate usability and a variety of modes

  • Features like tap tempo and memory banks for precise rhythm control

  • Stereo input and output for complex audio setups

  • Innovative design praised for its originality in effects

  • Encourages experimental play, acting as an instrument/tool

  • Preset rhythm patterns allow for easy integration with a full band

CONS

  • Discontinued, making it harder to find/purchase

  • Can be too esoteric or niche for some, limiting its utility

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss SL-20 Slicer.

Features and functionality

  • The SL-20 Slicer offers six stereo modes, finely-adjustable attack and duty, and no-hassle MIDI clock, providing a wide range of rhythmic options.

    Source
  • The SL-20 Slicer includes a unique "dummy plug" trick to enable stereo output, creating a tremolo effect on top of the Slicer effect for added depth.

    Source
  • The SL-20's Autopan effect includes a 3-D effect in some algorithms, moving sound left-right and front-back, offering a unique stereo experience when used mono.

    Source
  • The SL-20's onboard looper is highlighted for its accessibility, adding to the pedal's appeal compared to the MD series.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The SL-20 features a 5-pin MIDI port and up to 40-second loop recording, which some users prefer over the SL-2 for its synth compatibility.

    Source
  • The MD-200 has a slicer feature but lacks the full 11 variations of the SL-2, making the latter more appealing for dedicated slicing effects.

    Source
  • Some users find the SL-20's integrated dry/wet blend feature useful, potentially eliminating the need for a separate loop switcher when blending effects.

    Source
  • Compared to the MD-200/MD-500, the SL-20 is preferred for its dedicated slicer effect without additional modulation features, simplifying its use for slicing tasks.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners have used the SL-2 to add unexpected movement to ambient music, highlighting its versatility in creating dynamic soundscapes.

    Source
  • Owners successfully use the SL-20's stereo and Autopan features to create complex, semi-random pulse effects, enhancing dynamic soundscapes in live looping and electronic projects.

    Source
  • Users enjoy the SL-20 for creating choppy tremolo effects synced to a pattern, particularly with "harmonic" pattern banks, enhancing experimental play.

    Source
  • The pedal is favored for drone music by setting a short gate on synth pads, allowing creative manipulation of dry and effect levels.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • A community-made web editor, sl2-patch-editor.xyz, enhances the SL-2's usability by simplifying pattern adjustments and integration with other gear.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the SL-2 difficult to operate due to its compact design, but MIDI clocking significantly improves synchronization with other equipment.

    Source
  • An expression pedal can be paired with the SL-20 to explore additional dimensions in sound manipulation, enhancing the pedal's versatility.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 33 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

I got this for electrnic music but tis fun on guitar too

this thing is insane when screwing with it on synths and samplers. its just whack. I enver thought I would like it on guitar but it has its moments as a guitar effect too. I haven't explored all tis options in any way but I really like the SL-20. Sound quality is really solid for a boss effect. Buffer's not too offensive to my ear. Sounds good and it does a million varieties of whacked out shit to your music. like a lot of EQD stuff its uses are pretty esoteric and for all but the most experimental noise-band people it will be a bad investment unless they're doing a lot of studio work or home recording where crazy, rhythmic gimmick effects are needed.

jonathanwrites

This should be your introduction to "different" pedals.

The Boss Slicer is awesome. If you're into things like Muse or 30 Seconds to Mars, when you start messing with this, you will INSTANTLY be hearing where they got some of their tricks... it's all thanks to this thing. In a way, it almost turns your guitar into a sequencer. Using this with a synth-inspired pedal, like the DigiTech Synth Wah, will take you to some very spacey places.

gary_dizon

I this pedal. It not for everyone.

This pedal makes the guitar sound synthetic. The effect can "chop" notes and chords with different attack and modulate the notes. This isn't just a tremolo effect with an auto wah. It can make a guitar sound like an arpeggiated keyboard.

From Gear Setup
droneswarm

Not for everyone...

...but definitely for me!!! It's a weird beast, and you can't use it on everything...I do want to though! I find it to be more of an instrument or a tool than an effect...if that means anything...anywhere...this pedal doesn't do William Burroughs but it kind of sounds like it does...if that means anything...anywhere...footfalls on a wet sidewalk, but the exclamation is all wrong. Pete zipped up.

B
bhdc

106

Actually i don't use it anymore and am willing to sell it

M

slicing the MKS (trance gate)

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Marr uses Boss SL-20 Slicer

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Photo

In this post to Johnny's Instagram page, the SL-20 can be seen in the upper-left corner of the image.

See how Noel Gallagher uses Boss SL-20 Slicer

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Noel Gallagher uses this pedal at least from 2015. It was featured in Premier Guitar's list of pedal he uses.

Some sources, however, say he used this pedal before 2015. This pedal could have been used in 2007. as this source cites.

http://the-noise-room.webs.com/

In this site, there is also a photo which is thought to be from 2007 Brits, possibly showing his pedalboard, where SL-20 is seen somewhere in the top left corner.

See how Brian Eno uses Boss SL-20 Slicer

Brian Eno

Singer, Keyboardist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via Photo

Photo 'table of tools' in 2010 Guardian interview with Eno

See how Omar Rodríguez-López uses Boss SL-20 Slicer

Omar Rodríguez-López

Guitarist, Bassist

At the Drive-In

...
Verified via YouTube

"And then the newest one would be the Slicer, which I picked up last year, right before we started doing the band, and I got that at, I think, Noisebug in Pomona in California, they always have a lot of great pedals, and [it] sort of goes further into like, the things that I was trying to do with the tremolo pedals, you know, but it has these cool harmonic things that happen in it that just don't happen, you know, with tremolos and, again, it's real versatile, and especially the fact that you can tap tempo the whole damn thing, so you can just sort of be changing it up all the time, so it's pretty cool" – Omar Rodríguez-López on the Boss SL-20 Slicer Twin Pedal, 0:55

See how Gustavo Cerati uses Boss SL-20 Slicer

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via YouTube

En este video (minuto 10:49) podemos ver a Gustavo utilizando el SL-20 Slicer para crear texturas sonoras en la canción "Deja Vú".

See how Oneohtrix Point Never uses Boss SL-20 Slicer

Oneohtrix Point Never

Music Producer

Ford & Lopatin

...
Verified via YouTube

OPN's SL-20 can be seen behind the SP-404 at 6:44 in this video.

See how Adrian Belew uses Boss SL-20 Slicer

Adrian Belew

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

Visible in Stompbox: 100 Pedals of the World's Greatest Guitarists, as can be seen in the quick browse video at 0:08.

See how Russell Lissack uses Boss SL-20 Slicer

Russell Lissack

Guitarist

Bloc Party

...
Verified via Premierguitar

17:13 Lissack always wondered how Johnny Marr got his tone for "How Soon Is Now?". He also explained in the rig rundown that he is using this pedal in conjunction with Line 6 M5 multi-effects pedal to create "Virtue" sound. He uses the tremolo setting on this pedal for the song.

See how Steve Stevens uses Boss SL-20 Slicer

Steve Stevens

Guitarist

Michael Jackson (band)

...
Verified via YouTube

At 17:19 of this "Rig Rundown" with Premier Guitar, Steve talks about the SL-20 saying "the other effects in that signal chain is this slicer, which is locked midi clock - which we have a Pro Tools rig out on the road with us. So, our drummer is on in ears, and he plays to a click. So I'm locked, no matter what tempo he's at, I can do slicing and stutter effects - live in time with my drummer which is really cool."

See how Wata uses Boss SL-20 Slicer

Wata

Singer, Guitarist

Boris

...
Verified via Photo

Boss SL-20 can be seen in the right-hand corner of the picture.

See how Stuart Braithwaite uses Boss SL-20 Slicer

Stuart Braithwaite

Singer, Guitarist

Mogwai

...
Verified via YouTube

Before the Line Selctor and after the Vox wah is a slicer by Boss.

See how Toru Yamashita uses Boss SL-20 Slicer

Toru Yamashita

Guitarist

One Ok Rock

...
Verified via Photo

In this rehearsal picture, Toru can be seen with the distinctive Boss SL-20 pedal.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss SL-20 Slicer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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3

Community setups

Show yours
gary_dizon

gary_dizon

Gear IQ 579

M

muzik4machines

Gear IQ 359

E

elyaskorkmaz

Gear IQ 137

matthewjwilesmith

matthewjwilesmith

Gear IQ 398

1 alternative for Boss SL-20 Slicer, curated by the Equipboard community.

Boss SL-2 Slicer

$115.00 - $164.99

newer similar sound cheaper alternative

The Boss Sl-2 is a reissue of the Sl-20 but in a smaller box

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