Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer

^# 34

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$133.61 to $158.00 Price Tier: Standard

3.5 (38)

6 Reviews

Find out who is using Boss SYB-5

1 community setup

28 wishlisted

114 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.1 (71)

Used

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4.0 (22)

$133.61 3 available New

$110.00 21 available Used

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Average Price: $134

Standard/Professional

$70

$201+

Price Tier

In the Bass Effects Pedals category, Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Immerse yourself in the sonic universe of the Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer, the successor to the SYB-3. Harness the power of digital signal processing technology to authentically replicate the sound and feel of analog synthesizers. Explore eleven variations of saw, square, and pulse waves, each with an enhanced, sharper wave shape. This versatile, user-friendly bass synthesizer also allows you to control filter cutoff and LFO rate with an expression pedal, opening up a world of sound exploration.

Key Features:

Digital signal processing technology for accurate analog synth emulation
Eleven variations of saw, square, and pulse waves
Enhanced wave shape for a sharper sound
Filter cutoff and LFO rate controls via expression pedal
User-friendly and versatile design
Successor to the popular SYB-3 Bass Synthesizer

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer
Finish	Silver
Year	2004 - 2025
Made In	Taiwan
Categories	Bass Effect Pedals

FAQs

What type of power supply does the Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer require?: The Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer requires a 9V DC power supply, which is standard for many Boss pedals. It can also be powered using a 9V battery.
Can the Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer be used with a guitar as well as a bass?: While the Boss SYB-5 is designed specifically for bass guitars, it can be used with electric guitars, though the tracking and response may vary.
How many synth waveforms are available on the Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer?: The Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer offers 11 different synth waveforms, allowing for a wide range of bass synth sounds and creative possibilities.
Does the Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer have an expression pedal input?: Yes, the Boss SYB-5 features an expression pedal input, enabling real-time control over parameters such as filter cutoff and modulation depth.
Is the Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Boss SYB-5 is well-suited for live performances, offering robust tracking and a variety of sounds that can enhance a live bass setup.

Videos

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BOSSchannel

BOSS SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer [BOSS Sound Check]

BOSSchannel

Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer

N Stuff Music

Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

10 bass riffs with BOSS SYB-5

NtWarlock

BOSS - SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer

Bass Stuff

Boss SYB 5 Bass Synthesizer

CharvelLloydNS

BOSS SYB 5 Synthesizer Bass(Quick demo of all 11 modes)

Jo Bass

Boss SYB 5 - Turn your Bass into a Synth!

Dan Baker

TWA Side Step Expression LFO and the Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer

Godlyke Inc.

Reviews

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PROS

Responsive to different playing techniques
Can create unique, weird tones
Offers a variety of sounds, including talking bass and sweet tones
Compatible with a wide range of instruments, including upright bass
Features like hold function and expression pedal input add versatility
Can produce hip-hop and dub-step sounds effectively

CONS

Synth sounds are considered dated by some users
Mostly monophonic, with limited polyphonic capabilities
Inconsistent tracking, especially with fast notes
Can produce glitchy sounds and struggle with octave selection
Some find it difficult to get consistent sounds
Price may be high relative to perceived value

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

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The SYB-5 struggles with tracking lower bass notes, particularly on the B string, due to slow reaction time to low Hz waves.
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The SY-1 offers faster DSP, resulting in better tracking than the SYB-5, but lacks extensive sound tweaking options.
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Users find the square octave down, saw octave down, and PWM settings on the SYB-5 particularly useful for achieving distinct and desirable tones.
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Comparisons

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SYB-5 users recommend staying on the D&G strings to avoid tracking issues, unlike the SY-1 which handles a broader range without problems.
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Despite tracking issues, the SYB-5 offers unique sounds not readily matched by other synth pedals like the EHX Microsynth or Boss OC-3.
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Use cases and applications

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Using the SYB-5 with effects like reverb/delay suits genres like noisecore, where tracking imperfections can enhance the sonic texture.
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SYB-3 tracks fast bass lines well on a single string, with pitch anomalies adding a unique flavor to tied notes in funk basslines.
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The SYB-5 is praised for nailing the iconic Prince synth bass tones, making it a favored choice for replicating that specific sound profile.
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Some users run the SYB-5 with an expression pedal to create "wobble" effects, expanding its use in experimental and dynamic playstyles.
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Keeping the dry mix high and adding subtle effects enhances texture without overwhelming the sound, useful for achieving balanced synth bass tones.
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The SYB-5 can inadvertently track unintended notes from string noise, suggesting careful technique is essential for live performance reliability.
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Mods and upgrades

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Integrating an envelope filter like Micro QTron with the SYB-3 can potentially address harsh filter sounds.
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Incorporating an expression pedal can both tame and expand the SYB-5's functionality, allowing for more nuanced control over the effects.
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Utilizing an expression pedal is highly recommended to maximize the pedal's versatility and control over synth effects.
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User experience

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An effects loop can prevent muddy tones by running dirt and synth sounds in parallel, enhancing clarity in the SYB-5.
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The SYB-5's resale value struggles due to user difficulty with optimizing its settings, but persistence in exploring presets can unlock its potential.
Source

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3.5 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 38 Ratings

5 star

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1 star

kyle_louden

205

about 4 years ago

Piece of garbage

I have fiddled with this for quite some time and find its very difficult to get any consistent sound out of it, the synth doesn't pick up every strike so sometimes you end up with a sharp robotic sound, and then all of a sudden normal bass sound. Its kind of jarring. I've tried using a pick and finger playing and it doesnt seem to make a difference. I don't know if mine is just defective but its far too inconsistent to use in any serious capacity. One of the more expensive pedals I own and it's garbage.

Roles:

Bassist

Genres:

Rock Funk / Soul Indie rock

andry_blacksmith

153

almost 8 years ago

New Bass Sounds

This thing has a lot of tricks! Most of the time I use the saw waveform, sometimes with the autowah. If you use the expressionpedal input you can turn it into a wah and it has the hold function too.There's so many sound in this pedal, I always find a new one for a new song. There's many positive features but now let's talk about the negatives: the biggest problem of this product is it's price. But if you want a better basssynthetizer you have to pay twice as much. I think this pedal is the ultimate compromise.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Alternative rock

samgraffeo

302

almost 10 years ago

Synthesia

Look, plugging a guitar into this was probably never the best idea but at the time I bought it I was going through a big Muse stage. I'm sure it works wonders for a good bass setup but for guitar it doesn't always accurately articulate notes and some frequencies just sound downright annoying. the features, tones and parameters on it, however, are all a good synth/bass player could ask for from a simple pedal.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Music Producer

Genres:

Rock Metal

wbasstrolo

184

over 10 years ago

Isn't that great by itself.

A lot of the sounds are pretty much useless and out of control. I've found the best way to control this is to dial in very basic saw/square waves (no envelope movement) and use other pedals after it to alter it further. Try an octaver and an expression sweeping filter after it to get synthy.