Description

Craft the instrument of your dreams with the VG-800, a game-changing modeling and amp/effects processor for guitar and bass. Driven by the latest generation of our famous V-Guitar technology and the Serial GK divided pickup, this extraordinary creative tool completely transforms your sound at the push of a button. Use Dual Guitar and Dual Bass functions to play different stringed instruments together or on isolated strings. Explore alternate and down tunings with impeccable sound quality. Then go even further with synth-style sounds, VIO modeling, and more. It’s now easier than ever to access V-Guitar power, thanks to the VG-800’s pedalboard-friendly size and convenient Serial GK interface.

Key Features

• Next-Gen Processing – Next-generation V-Guitar processor with the Serial GK interface
• Latency-Free Performance – Latency-free performance and independent string processing with divided pickup technology
• Hyper-Realistic Modeling – Hyper-realistic stringed instrument modeling, including electric and acoustic guitars and basses, banjo, and sitar
• Blend Guitar & Bass Functions – Dual guitar and bass functions for creating simultaneous combinations that are impossible with standard instruments
• Create Incredible Tunings – Freely change the tuning for each string independently
• Harmony Function – Harmony function for creating rich ensemble sounds with single notes or chords
• Choose Guitar Or Bass Mode – Dedicated guitar and bass modes
• Dynamic Pitch Effects – Individual string bend function for performing dynamic pitch effects with a footswitch or expression pedal
• Massive Amp & Effects Library – Massive selection of amps and effects derived flagship BOSS guitar/bass processors
• Modeled Synth Sounds – Includes a detailed emulation of the classic Roland GR-300 analog guitar synth
• VIO Guitar & Bass Sounds – VIO Guitar and VIO Bass for creating unique sounds with bowed attacked characteristics
• Easily Integrate Into Your Rig – TRS send/return jacks for integrating external mono or stereo pedals
• MIDI Control – USB-C® audio/MIDI interface and TRS MIDI I/O, with Guitar-to-MIDI and bass-to-MIDI functions
• Connect Footswitches & Expression Pedals – Two external control jacks, each with support for up to two footswitches or an expression pedal
• Modern Connectivity – Guitar input for using standard guitars and basses with VG-800 amps and effects (instrument modeling functions are not available with this input)
• GK Output – Serial GK output for interfacing with products such as the GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer
• Dedicated BOSS Software – BOSS Tone Studio editor software (Windows/macOS)
• Download & Exchange Sounds – Download and share sounds on BOSS Tone Exchange
• Optional Accessory – EV-5 Expression Pedal for on-the-fly tone changes and articulation
• Optional Accessory – Offical Boss BGK cables (15ft & 30ft) specially designed for Boss GK guitar synth technology

Unlock Infinite Possibilities with V-Guitar

The VG-800’s advanced V-Guitar approach leverages sophisticated BOSS technologies to realize a world of new musical potential. Coupled with our Serial GK divided pickup, V-Guitar allows you to recreate a variety of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and basses, plus instruments like sitar and banjo. You can also play synth tones—including a spot-on emulation of Roland’s GR-300 from the early ’80s—and travel to undiscovered territory with the unique VIO type and its bowed attack characteristics. The VG-800 comes loaded with great preset sounds, ready to play on their own or inspire your own creations.

Dedicated Bass Mode

The VG-800 works equally well with bass, providing a dedicated mode with bass-optimized processing algorithms and 150 independent memories. Access a variety of modeled instrument types, including classic fretted and fretless bass types and an acoustic upright. Then tap into unique textures with VIO Bass and synth tonalities, including a GR-300 model specifically tuned for bass applications. 

Unlimited Creation and Customization

The intuitive VG-800 menu structure makes it easy to build virtual instruments with deep customization tools. Simply select a type to begin, then dial in sounds and string behaviors as you like. Depending on the selection, you can adjust parameters such as instrument style, pickup position, resonance, and much more. Each string’s pitch and panning are adjustable as well, allowing you to create alternate tunings and ultra-wide sounds. And with the unique Dual Guitar and Dual Bass types, you can create supercharged platforms with two independent instruments:

• Split Two Guitars Across the Strings—Riff with two distinctive sounds by assigning a clean single-coil guitar type to strings 1–3 and a distorted humbucker guitar type to strings 4–6.
• Play Two Guitars at Once—Create powerful hybrid sounds by performing with two different guitar types through the same amp and effects chain.
• Split Guitar and Bass—Perform solo chord melody arrangements with the sweet tone of a hollow-body guitar on strings 1–4 and an electric bass on strings 5–6.
• Instantly Transition Between Two Different Instruments—Strum with the beautiful resonant tone of a 12-string acoustic guitar in one part of a song, then play searing electric guitar solos up the neck using a modern humbucker sound.

Deep Performance Control

The VG-800’s onboard switches and diverse external control options unlock inspiring performance possibilities. Change up the instrument type or tuning with a single press. Bend the pitch of individual strings as you play to create pedal steel, “B-bender,” and other unique effects. Or smoothly morph between instrument types, each with a discrete signal processing chain. The only limit is your imagination.

A Complete Sound Solution

The VG-800 delivers a massive amount of creative power in a compact size that flows into any setup. Along with its instrument modeling functions, it’s filled with advanced signal processing derived from flagship-level BOSS multi-effects. Amps and effects can be applied to two modeled sounds and the dedicated guitar input for standard pickups, letting you craft complex combinations all within the VG-800. Send and return jacks are also available to patch in your favorite mono and stereo pedals.

Seamless Computer Recording

With its multi-channel USB audio/MIDI interface, the VG-800 is a powerhouse recording tool for computer music production. Capture the stereo mix and switch instruments in real time as you perform. Or record two modeled instrument sounds and the direct guitar input to separate DAW tracks. It’s even possible to separately record the unprocessed string sounds from the GK divided pickup, then pipe them back into the VG-800 for “re-guitar” or “re-bass” processing. Speedy pitch-to-MIDI conversion is also supported, allowing you to trigger software-based instruments with your guitar or bass.

Edit, Download, and Share Sounds

BOSS Tone Studio (macOS/Windows) makes it even easier to explore the VG-800’s vast range. Edit memories on your computer’s large screen, adjust system settings, import your favorite speaker IRs, and manage setups for different playing applications. BOSS Tone Exchange is also accessible within the software, allowing you to stay inspired by downloading professionally created Livesets and sharing sounds with the global BOSS community.

Instant Response and Natural Feel

To accomplish its magic, the V-Guitar system captures discrete string signals with the Serial GK divided pickup and applies sophisticated high-speed processing in real time. This approach delivers a completely natural playing experience with no lag or latency to detach you from the music. There are user-installable Serial GK guitar (GK-5) and bass (GK-5B) pickup models for external mounting, plus Serial GK kit options for permanent installation within instruments.

Interface with Other Serial GK Gear

The VG-800 also functions as a hub for creating a larger Serial GK system. Using the Serial GK output, you can drive a GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer or a second VG-800 from the VG-800. This connection supports stereo digital audio transfer, allowing you to output combined sounds from the last connected device.

Specifications

• Sampling Frequency: 48 kHz

• Processing: 32-bit floating point

• Memories: Guitar mode: 150, Bass mode: 150

• Instrument Types: Guitar mode: Electric guitar, Acoustic, Dual guitar, Electric bass, Vio guitar, Synth. Bass mode: Electric bass, AC bass, Dual bass, Electric guitar, Vio bass, Synth.

• Effects: Over 150 types

• Nominal Input Level: GUITAR INPUT: -10 dBu, RETURN: -10 dBu

• Maximum Input Level: GUITAR INPUT: +12 dBu, RETURN: +7 dBu

• Input Impedance: GUITAR INPUT: 1 M ohm, RETURN: 1 M ohm

• Nominal Output Level: OUTPUT (L/PHONES, R/MONO): -10 dBu, SEND: -10 dBu

• Maximum Output Level: OUTPUT (L/PHONES, R/MONO): +7 dBu, SEND: +7 dBu

• Output Impedance: OUTPUT (L/PHONES, R/MONO): 44 ohms, SEND: 1 k ohm

• Recommended Load Impedance: OUTPUT (L/PHONES, R/MONO): 10 k ohms or greater (Phones: 44 ohms or greater), SEND: 10 k ohms or greater

• Controls: DOWN switch, UP switch, CTL1 switch, INST button, EFFECTS button, MENU button, EXIT button, PAGE buttons, 1–5 knobs, SELECT knob, OUTPUT LEVEL knob

• Display: Graphic LCD 256 x 80 dots

• Connectors

  • GK IN, GK OUT jacks: 1/4-inch TRS phone type (for BGK cable only)
  • GUITAR INPUT, OUTPUT (R/MONO) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
  • OUTPUT (L/PHONES), SEND, RETURN jacks: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
  • CTL 2, 3/EXP 1, CTL 4, 5/EXP 2 jacks: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
  • USB COMPUTER port: USB Type-C®
  • MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors: Stereo miniature phone type
  • DC IN jack

• Power Supply: AC adaptor

• Current Draw: 690 mA

• Power Consumption (when in OFF mode): 0.1 W (when the power automatically turns off)

• Dimensions: 173 (W) x 135 (D) x 63 (H) mm / 6-13/16 (W) x 5-3/8 (D) x 2-12 (H) inches (without rubber foot), 173 (W) x 135 (D) x 65 (H) mm / 6-13/16 (W) x 5-3/8 (D) x 2-9/16 (H) inches (including rubber foot)

• Weight (excluding AC adaptor): 920 g / 2 lbs 1 oz

• Accessories: AC adaptor (PSB-1U + AC Cord Set), Quick Start, Leaflet “Read Me First”, Rubber foot x 4

• Options (sold separately)

  • Divided pickup: GK-5 (for guitar), GK-5B (for bass guitar)
  • Serial GK cable: BGK-3 (3 ft./1 m), BGK-15 (15 ft./4.5 m), BGK-30 (30 ft./9 m)
  • GK converter: GKC-DA, GKC-AD
  • Footswitch: FS-5U, FS-5L, FS-6, FS-7
  • Expression Pedal: EV-30, FV-500L, FV-500H, Roland EV-5
  • TRS/MIDI cable: BMIDI-5-35, BMIDI-1-35, BMIDI-2-35, BCC-1-3535, BCC-2-3535