Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

Boss Introduces the Waza Amp Head and Cabinet, VB-2W Vibrato, ES-5 Effects Switching System, and More

Boss releases a variety of new gear, such as the Waza Amp Head and Cabinet, Craft VB-2W Vibrato, and the ES-5 Effects Switching System.

BOSS is pleased to introduce the VO-1 Vocoder, a unique and innovative compact pedal that puts the expressiveness of the human voice in the hands of guitarists and bassists. By vocalizing into a connected microphone as they play, the VO-1 allows a musician to “sing” with their instrument and easily achieve classic electronic voice textures, talk box sounds, and countless tones never heard before. The pedal also includes a Choir mode for creating rich ensemble sounds with any instrument, without the need to connect an external mic.

The VO-1 Vocoder harnesses the expression of the human voice by allowing the user to control the tone of their instrument via vocal manipulation. While keyboardists have used vocoders to create voice-like textures with synthesizers for decades, guitar and bass players have had limited access to this capability. Now, the VO-1 gives them this inspiring creative tool in a battery-powered stompbox that’s simple to operate.

Driven by newly developed BOSS technology, the VO-1’s four selectable modes deliver sounds that go well beyond the range of typical vocoders. Vintage mode produces the familiar synthesized voice sounds heard on numerous pop and electronic music records, while Advanced mode offers an array of all-new vocoder tones. Talk Box mode provides the famous “talking” lead guitar tones first popularized in the 1970s, but without the complication and hassles of a traditional talk box rig. Finally, Choir mode creates rich, impressive vocal textures from a direct instrument input.

The VO-1 is equipped with a 1/4-inch input for connecting a guitar, bass or other instrument, plus an XLR mic input to drive the vocoder engine. Tone and Color knobs provide a wide range of sound variation over the selected mode, while Level and Blend knobs control the overall volume and direct/effect mix. Send and Return jacks are also provided, allowing the user to patch in an external effect and apply it to the direct sound.

Well-designed pickups. Extremely comfortable contours. Smooth, playable neck.

Middle position could use a bit more mids. Price could scare off some.

$2,999

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay II

music-man.com

4.5
5
5
4

A surprise 6-string collaboration with Cory Wong moves effortlessly between ’70s George Benson and Blink-182 tones.


Read MoreShow less

Tube Amp Doctor has reissued one of the company’s mostsought-after products: the TAD 6L6WGC-STR Blackplate™ small bottle power tube is back inproduction after a 5-year absence.

Read MoreShow less

In challenging times, sometimes elemental music, like the late Jessie Mae Hemphill’s raucous Mississippi hill country blues, is the best salve. It reminds us of what’s truly essential––musically, culturally, and emotionally. And provides a restorative and safe place, where we can open up, listen, and experience without judgement. And smile.

Read MoreShow less
By Raph_PH - https://www.flickr.com/photos/69880995@N04/49587472332/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92321947

Intermediate

Intermediate

{'media': '[rebelmouse-file-pdf 78706 original_filename="Gilmour-Apr25.pdf" site_id=20368559 expand=1]', 'media_html': 'Gilmour-Apr25.pdf', 'id': 78706, 'type': 'pdf', 'file_original_url': 'https://roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms/files/78706/Gilmour-Apr25.pdf'}

How David Gilmour masterully employs target notes to make his solos sing.

Read MoreShow less