Guitar Synth Pedals – 9 Best Synthesizer Pedals for Guitar

In this article we’re going to be discussing what top guitar synthesizers are that exist in 2021.

As always, we’re going to initially talk about what exactly a guitar synth pedal is, alongside why you may want to use one.

And then we’ll get into the best part, where we’ll be discussing the actual units and their strengths and weaknesses.

What is a Guitar Synthesizer, or Guitar Synthesizer Pedal?

Guitar Synth Pedals are effects processors that enable a guitarist to use his guitar to emulate the sound of a synthesizer.

Upon activation of the guitar effects unit, the output signal from the guitar is taken and processed by the guitar synth pedal, changing the overall sound.

These processing units are commonly used within both a live performance setting and within studio recording sessions.

Unlike other pedals that one would consider more mandatory, such guitar tuner pedals.

Guitar Synth Pedals cannot be so easily swapped for a replacement, unless it is the same model of course, as each guitar synthesizer unit will have unique circuitry that will achieve a different sound.

This makes it extremely important for a guitarist to choose a reliable synth processor, as he/she will need to use this particular model within their live performances, especially if it has been used in the recorded material.

What Does a Guitar Synthesizer Pedal Do?

As previously touched upon, a guitar synthesizer processor will manipulate the input signal of the guitar, to help emulate the sound of a synthesizer for guitar, based on the interface settings that the guitarist has set.

Due to the nature of a guitar synth unit, they are more commonly placed within the middle of a signal-chain, although we highly advise that you play around with the positioning of your pedal-board until you’re happy.

Now, let’s get to the good part of displaying all of the guitar synth pedals in our list. However, if you’re limited for time, please refer to our conclusion, where we summarise and justify our recommendations.

Although if you do have the time, take a look at all of the pedals, including the reviews and video demonstrations of each synthesizer unit in action.

So let’s get to it, what are the best guitar synth pedals of 2020?

Twinote Boogie Dist Synthesizer Mini Guitar Effects Pedal

Features

• Portable Synthesizer for Guitar and Bass
• Delivers a wide range of autowah and dynamic wah synth sounds
• Three main synth filter modes:
  • Touch Wah mode with high pass filter
  • Touch Wah mode with low pass filter
  • Autowah mode with low pass filter
• Interface controls (Left to right) include:
  • Top Knob: Has two main functions depending on the mode
    • In Touch Wah Mode: Controls filter sensitivity
    • In Autowah Mode: Controls speed of autowah effect
  • Range: Controls the center frequency (Hz) of the filter
  • Q: Controls the sharpness (EQ) of the filter
• True Bypass
• Owners Manual

Technical Specifications

• 1 x 1/4″ jack input
• 1 x 1/4 jack output: Mono & Stereo Output
• 9v powered, AC adaptor is sold separately (Boss SYB-5 9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
• Weight : 0.41lbs
• Dimensions : 2.91″ x 1.73″ x 1.73″ inches

Customer Review Rating

The Hotone Q-Box has received an average rating of 4.3* out of 5 stars from over 19 Amazon customer reviews.

Summary

The Hotone Q-Box is an extremely small, compact and lightweight wah and autowah synth-like guitar processing pedal. It has three main modes that can be deployed upon your audience; The first which provides a Touch Wah mode accompanied by a high-pass filter. The second which is the same Touch Wah mode, accompanied by a low-pass filter, and finally a Autowah mode, with an accompanying low-pass filter.

Alongside these three dynamic wah filtering modes, there are two other knobs that can be used to further adjust the sound, once a mode has been picked. These are both the Range and Q controls.

The range control essentially chooses the central frequency in which the filter should oscillate around, which is between 300hz – 1900hz.

The Q control adjusts the sharpness of the overall output signal.

Refer to the video demonstration to hear exactly how this pedal sounds.

What would we improve?

Taking everything into consideration, including the price of this pedal, there’s not much that we would improve (feature-wise) as this would most likely have a direct impact on raising the pedal’s price. This is a very basic, synth-like filtering pedal, so as long as you’re not expecting the world, you’ll be pleased.  

Who is this pedal for?  

The Hotone Q-Box is ideal for a guitarist who’s looking for a synth-like wah pedal which provides a select few modes, to just help add some texture to his/her overall sound. This pedal is highly affordable, lightweight and very small, so it’s an easy addition to anyones pedalboard, assuming they want a wah/synth pedal.  

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MXR EVH90 Phase 90

Features

• Highly Portable & Simple to use Guitar Synthesizer
• Built by MXR/Jim Dunlop in collaboration with the legend ‘Eddie Van Halen’
• Modelled on the classic EVH Phase 90 pedal
• Instantly switch between Script or Block logo phaser sounds with the click of the ‘Script’ button
• Speed knob controls the rate of phasing
• Ultra bright blue LED when engaged
• True Bypass
• Runs on a 9v battery, and powered by a 9v power supply.
• Owners Manual

Technical Specifications

• 1 x 1/4″ jack input
• 1 x 1/4 jack output: Mono & Stereo Output
• 9v battery powered, AC adaptor is sold separately (Boss SYB-5 9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
• Weight : 0.7lbs
• Dimensions : 5.8″ x 4.5″ x 2.8″ inches

Customer Review Rating

The MXR EVH Phase 90 has received an average rating of 4.7* out of 5 stars from over 52 Amazon customer reviews .

Summary

The MXR EVH Phase 90 is a guitar synthesizer pedal developed by MXR/Jim Dunlop, with the collaboration from legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen. This new version is based on the classic Phase 90 phaser pedal, and therefore it includes all of the features of this pedal, but includes additional features.

The EVH Phase 90 includes a ‘script’ button which allows the guitarist to switch between the following two phaser settings, ‘Script’ and ‘Block logo’. Similarly to the origianl Phase 90 pedal, the EVH phase 90 also incldues a ‘Speed’ knob at the forefront of the device, which controls the rate of phase.

Refer to the video demonstration to hear exactly how this pedal sounds.

What would we improve?

Considering this pedal is based on the classic MXR Phase 90, and the fact that Eddie Van Halen has worked in collaboration with MXR/Jim Dunlop on creating this pedal, I honestly don’t think that you can possibly top this! This analog pedal has the same awesome phasing sound as the original model, and comes with additional features.

Who is this pedal for?

This pedal is definitely for guitarists who are a fan of the original MXR Phase 90 pedal, alongside those who are a fan of Eddie Van Halen. But to put it more specifically based on the features, this pedal is definitely for the guitarist who yearns for simplicity and requires reliability, as it has only two main phaser sounds, and has been in development by some of the best people in the industry.

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DigiTech Dirty Robot Stereo Mini-Synth Pedal

Features

• Synthesizer for Guitar and Bass
• Interface controls (Left to right) include:
  • V1/V2 Switch: Two different Synth Modes
    • V1: Provides a warm analog synthesis, with subtle to even extreme envelope sweeps.
    • V2: Provides vocoder-style emulation
  • Mix + Mod: Blend between wet and dry signal
  • Drift: Blend between Square Waveforms, Octave and Sub Synth sounds
  • Start + Stop: Sets the range of the synth frequency sweep
  • Sens + Timing: Adjust to change trigger sensitivity of synth sweep
• Chorus Modulation
• Stereo Input & Output (Optional)
• True Bypass
• Owners Manual

Technical Specifications

• 2 x 1/4″ jack input: Mono & Stereo Input
• 2 x 1/4 jack output: Mono & Stereo Output
• 9v powered, AC adaptor is sold separately (Boss SYB-5 9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
• Weight : 1.0lbs
• Dimensions : 4.40″ x 2.65″ x 2.0″ inches

Customer Review Rating

The DigiTech Dirty Robot Mini-Synth has received an average rating of 4.8* out of 5 stars from over 7 Amazon customer reviews.

Summary

The DigiTech Dirty Robot is a Mini-Sized Synthesizer for Guitar that provides two main synth voices. This includes V1 which is a straight envelope style voicing, and V2 which provides more of a vocoder-like sound with variable range. Both of these main synthesizer sounds can be modified through the use of the 4 main control knobs on the front of the panel for further customization.

Refer to the video demonstration to hear exactly how this pedal sounds.

The Dirty Robot provides both Stereo input and output, although you can just use the Mono input/output if you prefer. It’s powered by a 9v power supply (which is not included), and therefore we’ve featured our recommended power-supply above in the technical specs.

What would we improve?

Overall, there isn’t much that we would improve with this pedal, considering it appeals to the guitarist who wants a compact, durable pedal for his/her pedal-board. Potentially, we would like to see a few more synth voicings, but that’s really it!

Who is this pedal for?

The DigiTech Dirty Robot is for the guitarist who wants a synthesizer pedal that isn’t going to take up too much room on his/her pedalboard. Also, one that provides stereo input/output, which is definitely a selling point if you’re looking for this functionality.

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Electro Harmonix Superego Synth Engine Guitar Effects Pedal

Features

• Rugged, Durable Guitar Synth built by Electro-Harmonix
• Solid metal chassis to protect the internal circuitry
• Ability to create fluid glissandos, oscillator-like synthesizer effects, infinite sustain, attack tweaking and delay make it’s functionality extremely versatile.
• 2 modes available:
  • Auto Mode: Able to capture and freeze notes and chords as played
  • Momentary Mode: Footswitch must be held down to sustain a note
  • Latch Mode: Able to stack sounds in layers on top of each other
• 4 main controls on the interface
  • Speed/Layer
  • Gliss
  • Dry
  • Effect
• Effects Loop: Allows external hardware effects to be inserted to the wet signal
• 9.6v DC power supply is included

Technical Specifications

• 1/4″ jack input
• 1/4″ jack output
• 1/4″ jack send
• 1/4″ jack return
• 9.6v powered, power supply is included
• Weight: 1.59lbs
• Dimensions : 7.25″ x 3.25″ x 6.2″ inches

Customer Review Rating

The Electro-Harmonix Superego has received an average rating of 4.0* out of 5 stars from over 27 Amazon customer reviews.

Summary

The Electro-Harmonix Superego is another addition to their number of guitar synthesizer pedals… And another addition from Electro-Harmonix to our list, mainly because their products are fantastic.

The Superego provides a range of more eccentric synthesizer effects, distributed through two of the onboard synth modes, ‘ Latch’, ‘Momentary’ and ‘Auto’. This includes such effects as infinite sustain, signal layering and controllable glissando; all of which are easily controlled through the clear, user-friendly interface.

This pedal is fantastic at creating those ambient synth-voicing tones, with each synth mode enabling a different kind of synth voicing to be achieved. Our favourite has to be the droned ‘organ’ sound that can be heard in latch mode, enabling the guitarist to play over the effect with more lead parts.

For a demonstration as to how this pedal sounds, please refer to the video demonstration that we’ve featured down below.

Although it’s not necessarily a feature, we do like the fact that Electro-Harmonix includes the power-supply with the product, as other manufacturers such as Boss are renowned for not doing this… Yes, it’s the small things that make the difference.

What would we improve?

Just from looking at the video demonstration alone, we don’t think that we can suggest any improvements.  It’s easy to switch between modes and voicings, but make sure that you have the preset settings written down next to the pedal, in case you have to make quick settings adjustments during a live performance, in-between songs.  

Who is this pedal for?

For the guitarist who likes slightly fuzzy (in a wonderful way), analog synth pedal, capable of achieving smooth ambient sounding synthesizer voicings, alongside drone-like tones. In our opinion, it’s the perfect pedal for a guitarist who’s interested in playing anything from anthemic rock to bluesy, soul-filled music or even country. This can clearly be seen from both of the video demonstrations, in particular, the second one that we’ve featured.

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Source Audio C4 Synth Guitar Effect Pedal

Features

• STOMP is a guitar synth pedal by Source Audio C4
• Runs on vocal synthesis technology (eVocaloid™)
• Monophonic (Only supports single notes)
• 11 main synth (vocal synthesis/vocoder) sounds, based on different consonant sounds
  • Random 1
  • Random 2
  • Scat
  • Looh
  • Lahh
  • Ahh
  • Pahh
  • Nyan
  • Phase 1
  • Phase 2
  • Phase 3
• Ability to add your own lyric patterns, for the MIKU STOMP to vocalize
  • This is done through iPhone integration with the MIKU STOMP app
• True Bypass
• Feature information

Technical Specifications

• 1 x 1/4″ jack input
• 1 x 1/4 jack output
• Powered by 2 AA batteries or a 9v power supply (AC adaptor is sold separately (9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
• Weight : 0.78lbs
• Dimensions : 4.7″ x 2.0″ x 2.9″ inches

Customer Review Rating

The Source Audio C4 Synth Guitar Effect Pedal has received an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from over 52 Amazon customer reviews.

Summary

Ok, so this is one of the coolest, but also one of the strangest pedals that we’ve seen… So we just had to include it in this list, on the off-chance that you think… Wow, that’s so crazy, I want it!

Essentially this Korg pedal acts as a synthesizer/vocoder and simulates this Japanese character called Hatsune Miku. The internal circuitry in this unit works on vocal synthesis technology, and is part of the eVocaloid™, which is based on Yamaha’s next-generation NSX-1 sound engine.

It should be noted that this pedal is monophonic, and therefore only supports single-note playing. The pedal comes with 11 vocalised presets. However, what’s really interesting about this pedal is the fact that you can add your own lyric and vocal sounds through the KORG MIKU STOMP iPhone app.

As you can hear from the video demonstration. It can sound quite interesting! Our favourite setting has the be the ‘Looh’ setting, as it’s one of the more subtle sounds; But there are so many settings that you can play around with, to see which is right for your playing style and sound.

What would we improve?

This is very much a bespoke, one of a kind pedal. Therefore it’s very hard to make improvements, as it’s not like we can really compare it to any similar pedals out there.. Because there simply aren’t any. If anything, we wish that the pedal was polyphonic, and hence supported multiple string harmonies simultaneously.

Oh, and as you can see from the video demonstration, the pedal sometimes struggles to keep up during moments in which the guitarist is playing quickly. Therefore this may not be for guitarists who want a synth pedal to ‘shred’ with.  

Who is this pedal for?

This pedal is for any guitarist who wants to sound a little different on-stage. Given the time to work out exactly how to integrate this within their existing rig, this could really make a great addition to any guitarists pedalboard.

My advice is to potentially look at getting a ‘reverse’ pedal alongside this, as it could really achieve some incredibly unique sounds.

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Electro-Harmonix Synth 9 Synthesizer Machine

Features

• Rugged, Durable Guitar Synth built by Electro-Harmonix
• Solid metal chassis to protect the internal circuitry
• Able to produce searing lead synths through to spacey pads and funky bass tones.
• Dry and Wet output with separate volume knobs for each output
• 9 Synth presets for users to choose from, including Obx, Profit V, Vibe Synth, Mini Mood, Ehx Mini, Solo Synth, Mood Bass, String Synth, Poly VI.
• CTRL 1 & CTRL 2 knobs control additional effects, filters (envelope depth), voice intervals and much more
• Built-in compressor to actively regulate the synth output
• Used by such artists as Joy Division, Peter Gabriel, ELP, EVH, Kraftwerk, P-Funk and many more.

Technical Specifications

• 1/4″ jack input
• 1/4″ jack output (Wet)
• 1/4″ jack output (Dry)
• 9v powered, a power supply is included
• Weight: 1.1lbs
• Dimensions : 7.2″ x 6.0″ x 3.1″ inches

Customer Review Rating

The Electro-Harmonix Superego has received an average rating of 3.4* out of 5 stars from over 214 Amazon customer reviews.

Summary

The Electro-Harmonix Synth 9 is yet another addition to their number of guitar synthesizer pedals… And another addition from Electro-Harmonix to our list, mainly because their products are fantastic.

The Synth9 is known for being quite a famous pedal, with it being used by a range of famous artists/bands including Joy Division, Peter Gabriel, P-Funk and many more. If this isn’t a reason alone to purchase this kind of guitar synthesizer, I don’t know what is!

The Synth9 provides 9 main synthesizer sounds, which stretch anything from 80’s sounding pop synth voicings (OBX) through to somewhat distorted sounding bass synth pads (Mood Bass). Once the main synthesizer voicing has been chosen, it can be further edited using the CRTL 1 and CTRL 2 knobs, which control additional effects such as filtering, voice intervals and much more.

Another nice feature of the Synth9 pedal is the fact that it has two outputs, one dry and one wet output. Each output level is controlled by a separate volume knob, which is very helpful.

For a demonstration as to how this pedal sounds, please refer to the video demonstration that we’ve featured down below.   Although it’s not necessarily a feature, we do like the fact that Electro-Harmonix includes the power-supply with the product, as other manufacturers such as Boss are renowned for not doing this… Yes, it’s the small things that make the difference.

What would we improve?

This pedal provides a lot of functionality and therefore considering this, there are no immediate things that we would like to comment on improving.

Who is this pedal for?

This pedal is definitely for guitarists who are a fan of the original MXR Phase 90 pedal, alongside those who are a fan of Eddie Van Halen. But to put it more specifically based on the features, this pedal is definitely for the guitarist who yearns for simplicity and requires reliability, as it has only two main phaser sounds, and has been in development by some of the best people in the industry.

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Electro-Harmonix Micro Synthesizer XO Analog Guitar Microsynth

Features

• Versatile synthesizer for guitar
• Built to last with its aluminium frame
• Built in New York, USA
• Provides a range of synth sounds, from classic vintage synth voicings to more modern, edgy sounds.
• Ten-Slider layout for ultimate customization:
  • Trigger:
  • Voice Mix
    • Sub Octave
    • Guitar
    • Octave
    • Square Wave
  • Attack Delay
  • Filter Sweep
    • Resonance
    • Start Freq
    • Stop Freq
    • Rate
• Ability to replicate some impressive ‘classic’ synth sounds, including the Moog Bass, Voice Box Synth, etc
  • Electro Harmonix Micro Synth – Sample Settings
• True Bypass

Technical Specifications

• 1 x 1/4″ jack input
• 1 x 1/4 jack output
• 9v powered, a Power supply is included
• Weight : 1.95lbs
• Dimensions : 13″ x 10″ x 2.7″ inches

Customer Review Rating

The Micro Synth by Electro Harmonix has received an average rating of 4.1* out of 5 stars from over 13 Amazon customer reviews.

Summary

The Electro Harmonix Micro Synthesizer is certainly a versatile guitar synth, with it’s 10-slider layout, this pedal is able to achieve a multitude of sounds, from classic synthesizer voicing s like the Moog Synth, to more custom-made sounds. More than enough to keep any guitarist occupied and more importantly satisfied in their choice of synth processor.

As we’ve featured above, Electro Harmonix has featured a nice sample settings template document, so that buyers of the pedal know exactly how to achieve these iconic, well-known sounds that we recognise.

Overall, we were very impressed by the range of sounds that this processor can achieve. And not only that, but the quality of these sounds; One of our favourites is the ‘Polyphonic Synth’ setting, as it sounds very anthemic, and we can almost imagine hearing that kind of guitar lead being played by U2.

Refer to the video demonstration to hear exactly how this pedal sounds.

What would we improve?

Ok, so this pedal provides so many synth sounds. However, the main disadvantage is the fact that settings have to be manually changed on the interface, which involves potentially changing up to 10-sliders.

On the other hand, the fact that this is not a digital pedal (and presets cannot be called on at the click of a button), but an analog one, means that the sound quality is extremely good. So making this trade-off is well worth it for some!

Additionally, this unit is quite pricey, but you get what you pay for!

Who is this pedal for?

The Electro Harmonix Micro Synthesizer is for the guitarist wanting an analog processor which is versatile in its ability to provide high-quality classic sounds, through to modern synth sound emulation. It’s highly customizable, and because of this, it’s certainly a very attractive prospect for any guitarist to want, just take a listen!

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Boss SY-300 Advanced Guitar Synth

Features

• Premium-Priced Guitar Synthesizer by Boss
  • Also works with bass and other electic instruments
• Ultra-Fast DSP Circuitry
• Large Central LCD Display
• 3 Synth Sections for Simultaneous Processing
• 4 Effects Processors to allow for diverse sound creation
• A multitude of synth filters, LFO (Low Filter Oscillations) and Amplifier Simulators
• 3 Assignable Footswitches
• On/Off Footswitch
• 70 Preset Patches / 99 User Programmable Patches for custom sound storage
• USB Connectivity to allow synth sound creation (in DAW) and much more (explained below)
• Technical Information

Technical Specifications

• 1 x 1/4″ jack input
• 2 x 1/4 jack Main Output: (Mono or Optional Stereo Output)
• 2 x 1/4 jack Sub Output: (Mono or Optional Stereo Output)
• Also has a THRU Output to send dry signal directly to pedals or amps
• Ability to connect up to 2 external footswitches/expression pedals
• 9v powered, AC adaptor is sold separately (Boss SYB-5 9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
• Weight : 5.85lbs
• Dimensions : 13.9″ x 11.6″ x 6.1″ inches

Customer Review Rating

The Boss SY-300 has received an average rating of 4.3* out of 5 stars from over 10 Amazon customer reviews.

Summary

The Boss SY-300 is the ultimate Guitar Synthesizer processor pedal. This large, rather heavy unit not only combines a wide range of synthesizer effects, but also a range of filter oscillations and amplifier simulators. With over 70 preset patches, 99 user programmable patches and with USB connectivity, it means that you can connect the Boss SY-300 to your computer for general system and specific patch updates, alongside the ability to make setting/patch adjustments within your chosen DAW, so that you can sculpt your perfect synth sounds.

The SY-300 is operated by ultra-fast DSP circuitry, and this is required considering that it can provide simultaneous synth-sound processing. Because it can provide this level of processing, it has 3 user footswitches on the front of the interface, making it quick and easy to enable and disable patches and presets by the click of a switch. All of the SY-300’s settings are displayed in a clear way on the large LCD screen, making it easy to see which is particularly helpful in a live staged/live performance environment which may be dark.

Finally, the SY300 has a range of output options, including two main output sections ‘Main Output’ which features an optional stereo output, ‘Sub Output’ which also features optional stereo output, and finally ‘Thru Output’ which delivers the dry input signal to an output device of your choice, whether that is an amplifier or another effects unit.

What would we improve?

Simply put, we think that this process has it all; However, because of this, it leaves it being priced very steeply, and although this in direct co-relation to the level of features, we wish it was slightly more affordable. None-the-less, a wonderful guitar synthesizer if one has the cash to spend on this kind of unit.

Who is this pedal for?

The Boss SY-300 is for the professional musician who’s looking for a serious piece of kit to use for recording and touring with. Simply put, it has such a wealth of features, this really is a processing unit that will provide all the synthesizer sounds that you could ever wish for… Especially since it has the functionality to allow for user patches, so you really can personalize your presets as much as possible.

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In conclusion, what’s the best guitar synth pedal for you?

As with all of our conclusive recommendations, we like to make sure that every reader of this article is represented.

Therefore, we have segmented the recommendations by the different key factors that we think our readers are basing their purchase decision from,  this includes ‘Price’, ‘Size’, ‘Functionality’, ‘Brand’, ‘Customer Satisfaction’, etc…. And a combination of those aspects.

Hence, we hope that you find our recommendations useful, in guiding you towards thee perfect guitar synthesizer pedal that suits you needs!

For the touring/recording musician who has the cash to splash – Check out the Boss SY-300 Advanced Guitar Synth – $$$$$ – Ultra Premium Priced – Buy on Amazon

A mid-priced, simple to use guitar synthesizer, with a fantastic reputation and additional features on the original ‘iconic’ model – Check out the MXR EVH90 Phase 90 – $$ – Moderately Priced – Buy on Amazon

For the guitarist who’s a fan of 80’s sounding synths, Joy Division and Peter Gabriel (yes they use/used this pedal) – Check out the Electro-Harmonix Synth 9 Synthesizer Machine – $$$$ – Premium Priced – Buy on Amazon

For the guitarist who wants a pedal suited towards more ambient sounding synth voicings, ideal but not limited to suiting more blues, anthemic rock and country guitarists – Check out the Electro Harmonix Superego Synth Engine Guitar Effects Pedal – $$$$ – Premium Priced – Buy on Amazon

For the guitarist who’s either going through a mid-life crisis, or is just questioning life – Check out the Source Audio C4 Synth Guitar Effect Pedal – $$$$ – Premium Priced – Buy on Amazon