
Boss announces new products featured at NAMM 2025, including the VG-800 V-Guitar Processor, GX-10 Guitar Effects Processor, and WAZA Tube Amp Expander Core.
VG-800 V-Guitar Processor
Driven by the latest generation of Boss V-Guitar technology and the Serial GK divided pickup, this pedal is designed to allow players to completely transform their sound at the push of a button. Advanced modeling provides the ability to play different stringed instruments together or on isolated strings, explore alternate and down tunings, and go even further with all-new sounds not possible with traditional instruments. Itās now easier than ever to access V-Guitar power, thanks to the VG-800ās pedalboard-friendly size.
The V-Guitar approach leverages sophisticated Boss modeling advancements to realize a world of new musical potential. Coupled with the Serial GK divided pickup, the VG-800 recreates a variety of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and basses, plus instruments like sitar and banjo. Users can also play synth tonesāincluding a spot-on emulation of Rolandās GR-300 from the early ā80sāand 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 new creations. It works equally well with bass, providing a dedicated mode with bass-optimized processing algorithms and 150 independent memories.
The intuitive VG-800 menu structure makes it easy to build virtual instruments with deep customization tools that include string behaviors, instrument style, pickup position, resonance, and much more. Each stringās pitch and panning are adjustable, enabling alternate tunings and ultra-wide sounds. And with the unique Dual Guitar and Dual Bass options, players can create supercharged platforms with two independent instruments.
The VG-800ās onboard switches and diverse external control options unlock inspiring performance possibilities. With a single press, the user can change the instrument type or tuning, bend the pitch of individual strings to create pedal steel, āB-bender,ā and other unique effects, or smoothly morph between instrument types, each with a discrete signal processing chain.
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, itās 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. Send and return jacks are also available to patch in mono and stereo pedals.
With its USB audio/MIDI interface, the VG-800 is a powerhouse recording tool for computer music production. Versatile multi-channel routing lets the user capture the stereo mix or record two modeled instrument sounds and the direct guitar input to separate DAW tracks. Itās even possible to separately record the unprocessed string sounds from the GK divided pickup, then pipe them back into the VG-800 for āre-guitarā or āre-bassā processing. Speedy pitch-to-MIDI conversion is also supported to trigger software-based instruments with a guitar or bass.
Boss Tone Studio (macOS/Windows) allows users to edit memories, adjust system settings, import speaker IRs, and manage setups for different playing applications. Boss Tone Exchange is also accessible within the software, providing access to professionally created Livesets and sound sharing with the global BOSS community.
A Serial GK pickup is required to access the advanced modeling features on the VG-800. 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.
Availability & Pricing
The new BOSS VG-800 V-Guitar Processor will be available for purchase at authorized U.S. BOSS retailers for $649.99 in February.
GX-10 Guitar Effects Processor
Boss showcases the GX-10, a powerful new amp and effects processor for guitar and bass. Equipped with the core sound engine and color touch display from the acclaimed GX-100 released in 2022, the GX-10 offers players the same inspiring experience in an even more portable footprint. Adding in multi-mode footswitches, an integrated expression pedal, and USB audio connectivity, the GX-10 seamlessly transitions from nightly stage performing to desktop recording, song creation, and daily practice sessions.
The GX-10 delivers a universe of ultra-responsive tones in a travel-ready size. There are 23 guitar amps and nine bass amps to choose from, including high-gain X-Ultra, X-Optima, and X-Titan types crafted with the latest BOSS modeling technologies. Players can color sounds with 170 different effects, including overdrives and distortions, mod effects, delays, and reverbs, plus dedicated bass effects and Boss classics like Slow Gear, Octave, Slicer, and more.
The GX-10 enables fast sound creation with an inviting color touch display and four dynamic parameter knobs. Up to two amps and 15 effects are supported in each memory, and itās easy to change effect order and create series or parallel routings by dragging blocks with a finger on the screen. Send/return jacks are available to integrate favorite pedals or an ampās effects loop into the GX-10 signal flow.
The GX-10's clever control options provide versatile real-time sound adjustment possibilities while performing. Multiple control modes and user-assignable settings offer maximum flexibility with just three footswitches. By default, the expression pedal toggles between volume and wah and activates the tuner when the pedal is pulled back. But it can be customized to control nearly anything using the GX-10ās assign matrix.
Boss Tone Studio allows users to edit sounds and load their own speaker cab IRs from a Mac or Windows computer. The GX-10 also supports the optional Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor, which unlocks on-the-gig wireless editing via the mobile version of the app.
Boss Tone Studio includes additional tools to organize GX-10 sounds for different gigs and playing situations. It also provides direct access to Boss Tone Exchange, an online platform for downloading professionally created sounds and sharing GX-10 Livesets with the global Boss community. GX-100 Livesets are fully compatible with the GX-10 as well. In addition, thereās a built-in USB-C audio interface for capturing high-quality guitar tones in music production apps on computers and mobile devices.
Availability & Pricing
The new Boss GX-10 Guitar Effects Processor is available now for purchase at authorized U.S. Boss retailers for $399.9.
WAZA Tube Amp Expander Core
A powerful recording and practice solution for tube-based guitar amplifiers. Based on the popular WAZA Tube Amp Expander, this new model offers a streamlined footprint and many powerful enhancements focused on direct recording applications. The advanced Boss Tube Logic design approach harnesses the complete output of a connected tube amplifier, supported by premium cab emulation and studio processing to craft impactful, mix-ready guitar tracks. The WAZA Tube Amp Expander Core also features an integrated 30-watt reactive drive power amp, allowing users to hook up a speaker cabinet and enjoy āsweet spotā amp tones at home-friendly levels.
A tube-based guitar amp sounds and feels its best when the volume is cranked and its power section is really working. Unfortunately, the levels produced are usually unmanageable for anyone without an isolation booth or very forgiving neighbors. The WAZA Tube Amp Expander Core solves this issue, allowing the user to drive their amp while capturing the speaker output with a reactive load that accurately emulates combo and stack-style speaker behaviors. This isolated signal can then be used for direct recording and low-volume playing situations.
The companion editor software provides a studio playground for shaping the raw amp sound within the WAZA Tube Amp Expander Core. Users can choose from 22 BOSS cabinet emulations and five classic mic types (two available simultaneously), then dial in the ideal blend with position, distance, and level controls. Alternatively, itās possible to use up to two speaker cab IRs at once, either from the 10 included Celestion Digital IRs or 64 selections loaded into the unit from a personal IR library.
The WAZA Tube Amp Expander Core contains powerful tools to help achieve world-class recorded tones with no engineering experience required. The Mix Assist function applies one of three sound contour curves with variable transient control, making it easy to record parts that blend perfectly within mixes. Thereās also an immersive Air Feel feature that uses Boss spatial technology to recreate the inspiring āamp-in-roomā tone that guitarists love.
Effect processing plays a vital role in shaping great studio guitar tones. The WAZA Tube Amp Expander Core features a series/parallel loop for inserting external mod and ambience effects, positioned after the ampās distortion for the clearest sound. High-quality internal processing is also available to apply compression, EQ, delay, and reverb within the unit. Users can organize custom setups in the editorāincluding cab choices and effectsāand assign 10 favorites for instant access with the Rig knob on the front panel.
The WAZA Tube Amp Expander Coreās versatile connectivity provides many ways to use rig setups. Players can record directly to music production software over USB or patch into a mixer or audio interface with the stereo XLR output jacks. Itās also possible to hook up an external speaker cabinet (4/8/16 ohms) for daily practice or monitor through headphones with Air Feel for an inspiring spatial experience. The optional Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor adds wireless capabilities, allowing players to jam with music streamed from a smartphone and use the mobile version of the editor to tweak rigs and load IRs.
Availability & Pricing
The new Boss WAZA Tube Amp Expander Core will be available for purchase at authorized U.S. Boss retailers for $699.99 in February.
Katana-Mini X
The latest addition to the Katana series. While its footprint is small, its sound is anything but. Evolving on the features of the popular Katana-Mini model, it offers six versatile analog sound options, two simultaneous effects, and a robust cabinet for a bigger and fuller guitar experience. Katana-Mini X provides many enhancements to energize playing sessions, including an onboard tuner, front-facing panel controls, an internal rechargeable battery, and onboardBluetoothĀ® for streaming music from a smartphone.
Availability & Pricing
The Katana-Mini X is available for purchase at authorized U.S. BOSS retailers now for $149.99.
More info: boss.info. Visit BOSS at NAMM: The Roland Studio, Room 202, Level 2.
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- Confessions of a Pedal Nerd āŗ
- How Many Pedals Is Too Many? āŗ
- NAMM Show 2025: Premier Guitar Gear Gallery - Premier Guitar āŗ
- Iconic Boss Gear Unveiled at NAMM 2025 - Premier Guitar āŗ
- Unleash Big Tones at Any Volume with Boss Tube Amp Expander - Premier Guitar āŗ
How do you add scores of effects to your pedalboard with a single stompbox?
Big library of effects. Great sounding delays and reverbs. Mature TonePrint library and interface is easy to use.
Can only use one effect at a time. An IR loader and a looper would be welcome additions
$129
TC Electronic Plethora X1
tcelectronic.com
Iām often seduced by convenient solutions when it comes to planning a pedalboard. Time spent arranging a select group of stomps can be a distraction, which is why I tend to stick to pedals that do one or two things well and keep the tinkering to a minimum. After spending time with TC Electronicās new multi-effects unit, the Plethora X1, Iāve had to rethink how much a single pedal can bring to a pedal board, because the X1 can be many things.
Save for the creation of gain sounds, the Plethora X1 can fill almost any sonic need on any gig. It can play the role of just one effect at a timeāthis isnāt like the Plethora X3, Plethora X5, or a modeler within which you can create chains of virtual stomps. But with very little effort, I can access TCās entire TonePrint line, including factory- and artist-created TonePrints from the Hall of Fame 2 Reverb, Flashback 2 Delay, Helix Phaser, Viscous Vibe, Sub āNā Up Octaver, Brainwaves Pitch Shifter, Corona Chorus, Hypergravity Compressor, Mimiq Doubler, Vortex Flanger, Pipeline Tap Tremolo, Quintessence Harmony, Sentry Noise Gate, and Shaker Vibrato. At $129, the Plethora X1ās sounds-per-dollar value is extremely hard to beat.
Making Space
Full-sized Hall of Fame 2 and Flashback 2 pedals are already mainstays on my board, but, curiously, I hadnāt really explored the full capacity of those effects until using them within the X1. One reason, perhaps, is the X1ās handy readout. When you move any one of the three assignable knobs on the unit, the values for the assigned parameter appear on the screen, providing valuable visual feedback and precision. The parameters adjusted via those three knobs arenāt the only things you can tweak. The fourth knob is a rotary control with seven different slots that each store two different effects (when in A/B mode). That means 14 different presets that you can access quickly without having to dive into the deep editing mode.
Scratching the Surface
My favorite TC Electronic effects are the companyās detail-rich reverbs and delays. They did not disappoint here, and right out of the box, the room and shimmer reverbs were very inspiring. The shimmer verb didnāt have the way-too-glossy feel that can make many of these effects sound cheesy. A subtle, tight room reverb, meanwhile, allowed me to sense the effect as much as hear itāa nuance that, to me, is a hallmark of a well-designed algorithm.
Each effect is pre-loaded with a handful of presets that you can cycle through without firing up the app, offering many surprises in effects you may not have encountered before. The Sub āNā Up Octaver, for instance, is a real standout. It tracks incredibly well, offers plenty of customization, and sounds thick. Another highlight is the Helix Phaser, which is bubbly and liquid with an analog-like voice that would have appealed to Eddie Van Halen and Bob Marley alike.
Thereās an App for That
Though the visual feedback from the X1ās screen is valuable, you have the most control and programming power within the TonePrint app. You can connect with the app three different ways: Bluetooth, USB-C, or using your phone to beam a preset via the pickups on your guitar. Although all three worked, I found Bluetooth and USB-C to be the most reliable and responsive.
As you can imagine, TC has built up a huge library of presets for all the various pedals represented in the X1. (The Tone Print Library has grown continuously since the technology was introduced in late 2010). But as sizable as the library isāand in spite of how many effects are on hand in the X1āthe process of switching between them and trying new TonePrints out is still easy and fun. Once the pedal is connected, you scroll through a menu within the app of artist and factory presets. After you find one you like, you can either save it directly to your X1 or pull up the editor to adjust control parameters and other effect-specific functions. Itās an in-depth editor that doesnāt overload you with endless menus. TC deserves kudos for such an accessible design.
The Verdict
As you might guess, I donāt have the space to go in-depth on every effect in the X1. And at $129, the X1ās performance-to-price ratio is off the charts. Although you can only use one effect at a time, the ability to bring in any one of 14 great-sounding effects in a pinch is invaluable. Iāve often wrestled with whether or not to fork out money for a chorus, tremolo, or harmonizer that I might only use one or twice during a gig. Thatās a decision the Plethora X1 all but eliminates. Although thereās a minimal learning curve, the X1 doesnāt have the paralyzing effect that other multi-effects units can have. If youāre into streamlining your board but still yearn to try new effects and applications as top artists hear and envision them, the X1 is hard to beat. PG
Minus the Bear announces nationwide tour celebrating 20th anniversary of Menos el Oso album.
Formed in Seattle, WA at the turn of the millennium, Minus the Bear burst onto the alternative rock scene in the waning days of nineties burn-out, and at the birth of the early-aughts indie revival. When they played their debut show in Seattle back in September 2001, there was an immediate hype surrounding the band.
Four years later, on August 23, 2005, the band would release their sophomore album, Menos el Oso, on local independent label, Suicide Squeeze Records. Since then there have been a number of line-up changes, with the addition of Alex Rose on keyboard and backing vocal duty and drummer Joshua Sparks.
The band bid farewell to performing in 2018, to focus on other priorities, but the passage of time has brought them back together, just in time to celebrate the album that changed their lives forever twenty years after the fact. Last week, the band was announced as co-headliners of Best Friends Forever in Las Vegas, NV this October, and today are thrilled to announce a nationwide tour, where they will be playing the seminal album in full. Dates below, tickets available for purchase on Friday, March 14 at 10:00 A.M. local time.
Guitarist and founding member David Knudson, while reflecting on the album, notes āMenos el Oso put us on a trajectory that none of us were expecting. There is a ābefore āPachuca Sunriseā videoā moment in time, and then there is an āafter āPachuca Sunriseā videoā moment in time. It seemed like once people heard that song, and saw that video, everyone went straight to Limewire, Napster, Soulseek, BitTorrent, etc. and shared the album immediately. Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of something this monumental in our lives is a gift. Having the chance to appreciate it with our fans, families and fellow bandmates while we are all alive and kicking is an opportunity I canāt wait to embrace.ā
At the first Minus the Bear rehearsal in seven years earlier this year, the bandās drummer Joshua Sparks put it this way, āThese songs are like having a really nice car in the garage⦠itād be a shame not to take them out for a drive every now and then.ā
For more information, please visit minusthebear.com.
Minus the Bear Tour Dates:
- 10/04/25 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
- 10/06/25 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
- 10/07/25 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
- 10/08/25 - San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park
- 10/10/25 - Las Vegas, NV @ Best Friends Forever Festival
- 10/11/25 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco
- 10/12/25 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco
- 10/14/25 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
- 10/17/25 - Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
- 10/18/25 - Austin, TX @ Emo's Austin
- 10/21/25 - Orlando, FL @ The Beacham
- 10/22/25 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
- 10/24/25 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
- 10/25/25 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues
- 11/05/25 - Washington, D.C. @ 9:30 Club
- 11/07/25 - Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
- 11/08/25 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
- 11/11/25 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre
- 11/12/25 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
- 11/14/25 - Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
- 11/15/25 - Chicago, IL @ Metro
- 11/16/25 - Chicago, IL @ Metro
- 11/18/25 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
- 11/21/25 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
- 11/22/25 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
- 11/23/25 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
- 11/28/25 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
- 11/29/25 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
An overdrive and mangled fuzz thatās a wolf in a maniacal, rabid wolfās clothing.
Invites new compositional approaches to riffs and solos. Gray Channel distortion is versatile and satisfying. Unpredictable.
Unpredictable. Footswitches for distortion and fuzz are quite close.
$199
Fuzz can be savored in so many ways. It can be smooth. It can be an agent of chaos. But it can also be a trap. In service of mayhem, it can be a mere noise crutch. Smooth, classy, ātastyā fuzz, meanwhile, can lead to dull solos crafted as Olympian demonstrations of sustain. To touch the soulful, rowdy essence of fuzz, itās good to find one that never lets you get quite comfortable. The EarthQuaker Devices Gary, a two-headed distortion/overdrive and rabid, envelope-controlled square-wave fuzz designed with IDLESā Lee Kiernan, is a gain device in this vein.
Gary is not exclusively a destruction machine. Its distortion/overdrive section is a very streamlined take on EarthQuakerās Gray Channel, a versatile DOD 250-derived double distortion. Like any good circuit of the 250 ilk, Garyās hard clipping OD/distortion section bites viciously in the high- and high-mid frequencies, supported by a tight, punchy low-mid output. You can play anything from balanced M.O.R. studio crunch to unhinged feedback leads with this side of Gary. But itās the envelope-triggered pulse-width fuzzāwhich most of us will hear as a gated fuzz, in many instancesāthat gives the Gary its werewolf duality. Though practice yields performance patterns that change depending on the instrument and effects you use around the Gary, its fuzz ultimately sputters and collapses into nothingnessāespecially when you throw a few pitch bends its way. The cut to silence can be jarring, but also compels a player to explore more rhythmic leads and choppy riffs that would sound like sludge with a Big Muff. The Garyās unpredictable side means it wonāt be for everybody, but its ability to span delicioso distortion and riotous splatter fuzz in a single unit is impressive.
EarthQuaker Devices Gary Automatic Pulse Width Modulation Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal
Automatic Pulse Width Modulation Fuzz PedalBlackberry Smoke will embark on a co-headline tour with Mike Campbell & the Dirty Knobs. Lead singer Charlie Starr shares, āWhat could be better than summertime rock and roll shows with Blackberry Smoke and the one and only Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs?ā
Blackberry Smokeās fan club will have early access to tickets with pre-sale beginning tomorrow, March 11 at 10:00am local time, with the public on-sale following this Friday, March 14 at 10:00am local time. Full details and ticket information can be found at blackberrysmoke.com.
In addition to the new dates, Blackberry Smoke is currently on the road with upcoming headline shows at New Orleansā The Fillmore, Houstonās 713 Music Hall, Austinās ACL Live at the Moody Theater, Dallasā Majestic Theatre and Maryvilleās The Shed (three nights) among others. They will also join Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Avett Brothers for select dates later this year. See below for complete tour itinerary.
Tour Dates
March 14āDouglas, GAāThe Martin Theatre*
March 15āDouglas, GAāThe Martin Theatre*
March 27āNew Orleans, LAāThe Fillmoreā
March 28āHouston, TXā713 Music Hallā
March 29āHelotes, TXāJohn T. Flooreās Country Storeā”
April 24āMontgomery, ALāMontgomery Performing Arts Centre§
April 25āPensacola, FLāPensacola Saenger Theatre§
April 26āTampa, FLāBusch Gardens Tampa - Gwazi Field
May 8āAustin, TXāACL Live at the Moody Theater#
May 9āDallas, TXāMajestic Theatre#
May 10āPalestine, TXāWiggly Thump Festival
May 15āMaryville, TNāThe Shed~
May 16āMaryville, TNāThe Shed%
May 17āMaryville, TNāThe Shed§
May 31āVirginia Beach, VAāVeterans Band Aid Music Festival
June 1āLexington, KYāRailbird Festival
July 10āPistoia, ItalyāPistoia Blues
July 11āMilan, ItalyāComfort Festival
July 13āWeert, LimburgāBospop
July 15āManchester, U.K.āAO Arena**
July 16āBirmingham, U.K.ābp pulse LIVE**
July 18āBrighton, EnglandāThe Brighton Centre**
July 19āLondon, UKāOVO Arena Wembley**
July 25āNashville, TNāRyman Auditoriumā ā
July 26āNashville, TNāRyman Auditoriumā ā
July 31āLewiston, NYāArtpark Amphitheaterā ā
August 1āPittsburgh, PAāStage AEā ā
August 2āColumbus, OHāKEMBA Live! Outdoorā ā
August 3āRoanoke, VAāBerglund Performing Arts Theatreā ā
August 5āNorth Charleston, SCāFirefly Distilleryā ā
August 7āRaleigh, NCāRed Hat Amphitheaterā ā
August 8āCharlotte, NCāSkyla Credit Union Amphitheatreā ā
August 9āAtlanta, GAāSynovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Parkā ā
August 10āAsheville, NCāAsheville Yards Amphitheaterā ā
August 21āBonner Springs, KSāAzura Amphitheaterā”ā”
August 22āRogers, ARāWalmart AMPā”ā”
August 23āEl Dorado, ARāMurphy Arts District Amphitheaterā”ā”
August 30āCharlestown, RIāRhythm and Roots Festival
*with special guest Parker Gispert
ā with special guest Zach Person
ā”with special guest Brent Cobb
§with special guest Bones Owens
#with special guest Jason Scott & The High Heat
~with special guest Rob Leines
%with special guest Taylor Hunnicutt
**supporting Lynard Skynyrd
ā ā co-headline with co-headline with Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs
ā”ā”supporting The Avett Brothers