Boss SL-20 Slicer

^# 13

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$150.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (33)

6 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Boss SL-2 Slicer

$115.00 - $164.99

5.0 (9)

Find out who is using Boss SL-20

4 community setups

31 wishlisted

109 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 30, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (27)

$150.00 7 available Used

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Average Price: $420

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Multi Effects Pedals category, Boss SL-20 Slicer 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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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.

Videos

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BOSSchannel

BOSS SL-20 Slicer [BOSS Sound Check]

BOSSchannel

Boss SL 20 Slicer

JetCityMusic

Boss SL-20 Slicer Twin Pedal

Guitar World

Boss Slicer SL-20

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Boss SL-20 Slicer

The Circuit Symphony

BOSS SL20 Slicer | Great or Garbage?

Leon Todd

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

Stompbox Breakdown

BOSS SL-20 Slicer: All 50 patterns

wazu

Boss SL-20 Slicer

PRO GEAR BLOG

Boss SL-20 Slicer

PromenadeMusicTV

Reviews

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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

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners have used the SL-2 to add unexpected movement to ambient music, highlighting its versatility in creating dynamic soundscapes.
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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.
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Users enjoy the SL-20 for creating choppy tremolo effects synced to a pattern, particularly with "harmonic" pattern banks, enhancing experimental play.
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The pedal is favored for drone music by setting a short gate on synth pads, allowing creative manipulation of dry and effect levels.
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Software and compatibility

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

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Some users find the SL-2 difficult to operate due to its compact design, but MIDI clocking significantly improves synchronization with other equipment.
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An expression pedal can be paired with the SL-20 to explore additional dimensions in sound manipulation, enhancing the pedal's versatility.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 33 Ratings

5 star

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jimmarchi1

41029

over 8 years ago

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.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

jonathanwrites

591

over 8 years ago

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.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

gary_dizon

579

over 8 years ago

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.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Pop Blues

From Gear Setup

droneswarm

243

over 8 years ago

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.

Roles:

Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Experimental