First Look at BOSS VG-800

[@ssiowi]

Thanks Chad. Parted with my VG gear years ago for reasons you have mentioned. The Variax / Helix Floor combo continue to inspire and amaze after over seven years. I love them. Now long in the tooth Yamaha baffles me by failing to fully leverage the Line 6 acquisition in new products. Hopeful for news from NAMM. Thanks again for your take on the VG-800. Props to Boss for continuing to invest and innovate.

[@kitemonkey]

It'll be interesting to see if the device is capable of truly weird stuff the VG8EX could do. For reference, Reeves Gabrel used one on Bowies Earthling and it was bonkers

[@stevenkastner5678]

Still love my VG-99. Sadly, I too sold my VG-8EX years ago. VG-800 has better sound quality specs compared to my VG-99. But VG-99 has more synth like sounds, for example. At the VG-800's price (with the GK-ADC adapter), I might buy it though. I want to hear it first. Boss has disappointed me before. BTW, Joni Mitchell used a VG processor live for quick alt tuning changes.

[@GahMehGrrrr]

I had a gk 2 and the vg 8 rack. It was very cool at the time. Pretty sure i paid GBP1000 new. Sold for 400 a few years later. I'm very interested in this, though.

[@teerexness]

I think his choice of music for the acoustic section of the demo was not very good. I wish he had just strummed "Wildwood Flower" or just some nice cowboy chords. Less posing and more down to earth when it comes to acoustic demonstrations for me. Not a big demand for a lead acoustic guitar in the real world.

[@Fromagreatheight]

The gk pickups don't sound very good for acoustic guitars, which is why I think the variax does piezos because it's so much wider in the frequency range, especially the top end.

[@deanbibb3680]

Thanks for the introduction to it. As a Variax user or as I dare say reliant on Variax, I’m probably not going to invest in this but sitting down with one might reveal some hidden tricks that spark some cool musical ideas so who knows. EDITED

[@deanbibb3680]

Boy, I can tell I used text to speech on this one😖

[@ChadHuskey]

@deanbibb3680 😂

[@jimmywilliams3972]

Your thoughts on this product are very well thought out and intelligent. However, I have downloaded the manual and software editor. there are some workarounds for the issues you have. There is a GK internal pickups that have an assignable GK knob and assignable switches. You can use a midi controller for more switching options. I have a few laying around that will work. I am assuming that most of us have other things to use with it, I have a lot of gear from years of buying stuff. I already have a GK 5 and a GM-800, so I am good to go, not everyone is though. I have ordered one based on the research I have done and when I get it, I would love to share my thoughts.

[@Yyh-icldH]

AS soon as I saw this, I knew that this is a smaller version of SY-1000. SY-1000 has GK-3 input with internal AD converter while this VG-800 has GK-5 input which is currently only on GM-800. SY-300 + VG-800 + some of GT-1000 Core = SY-1000. But, SY-1000 has a serious flaw in the physical quality of its LCD. The thing is, few people know what SY-1000 can do. What VG-800 can do is not new. It was in SY-1000 5 years ago.

[@JasonMauer]

Just like the VG-99 had most of this and more 18 years ago. :) The newer models do have more audio channels over USB as well as mapping models by string range, but other than that it's the same tech they've been repackaging for decades. I do like this particular package, though -- it has most of the features I actually use with GK, specifically the instrument modeling and alt tuning. This will fit nicely alongside a Fractal FM3 on a modest sized pedalboard, or in a rack with an AxeFX III. I do wish they had two full-fledged models instead of this "dual guitar" approach -- it doesn't support synth models in 2-model mode. But for the most part it looks solid and at a decent price. This isn't the only unit with Serial GK, by the way -- there's the GM-800 as well. It's all part of their more modular approach with Serial GK. The Serial GK system is a nice upgrade overall. Being able to integrate multiple units over one Serial GK chain to mix their outputs alongside the guitar input is super handy, I just put together a partscaster with a GK5 kit and knew I'd be happy not dealing with 13-pin analog cables anymore, but the thing I didn't expect was the sound improvement for the normal pickups. With 13-pin cabling I always ran a separate cable for the mag pickups due to the load the analog GK would put on them; it messes with the pickup sound and response. Since the Serial GK setup does the digital conversion within the guitar itself, there is no drain on the normal pickups -- you can actually play with one cable for everything and not compromise on sound quality.

[@arjanhurkmans9190]

Agree. I had a GP-10 and than bought a SY-1000 a few years ago. Love it for the things my other guitars can't do (12 string, baritone etc.) But for my main parts recording I use my main guitars. I had the Variax too, earlier 500, 700 acoustic and james tyler model. I think the Roland stuff sounds better after tweaking.

[@redcomn]

I still have my SY1000 The only gripe I had were the limited guitar effect and guitar amp sim in it (even tho i used real JC 40 for amp these days) Still curious as to what guitar amp sim and effect were in this tho. Might check out the parameter guide and compare it with my sy1000 later.

[@redcomn]

Just checked It had new x amp and dual v guitar setting Come on boss give me the damn new x amp in sy1000 (eventho I rarely use it 😂) and give me more od/ds block, I like to stacked distortion.

[@JasonMauer]

@@redcomn I've personally gotten the tones I like by combining the GK instrument modeling with another amp/cab modeler, which for me is the Fractal Audio AxeFx III. No shortage of amp sims or effects there. I run the virtual guitar signals out of the SY-1000 (or any VG unit) raw into the AxeFx and process it just like a normal guitar signal. (Well not exactly like a normal guitar... I run them through one of the stereo inputs so I can get two models at once. With an additional input you've got 3 models, which I've used to do stuff like SOAD's Toxicity with one guitar. (2 hard-panned drop-tuned electrics plus a drop-tuned acoustic)) With the VG-800, you can do the same thing with a Fractal FM3 (or FM9) on a relatively compact pedalboard, which is why I'll be getting at least a couple of these.

[@meraki89]

Looks like a good system but I'm still hoping for another range of Variax guitars. Haven't seen any indication that that would happen. Probably more likely that we'd see a successor to the Helix first so id be intrested to know if that had a Variax input.

[@ChadHuskey]

Agree on all points. Another Variax line would be awesome! I do think they will continue supporting Variax input on future hardware. Hopefully anyway 🤞

[@AdaptivePhenix]

I can't describe the fun that I have with the JTV-59 at open mic 🤣😂 These guys show-up with their poxy-sounding Taylors and Martins and then I rock-up with a solid body and get better acoustic sounds than they do 🤣😂 And then I flip tunings on-the-fly....🤣😂 Don't even need a Helix.

[@brianmiller3287]

Hi Chad. Just discovered your channel. Liked and subbed. You mentioned that you use a variax. I have 8 total variaxes, 2 jtv 59's, 6 jtv 69's. Of the six, the models and tunings only work on 1. My tech tells me that line 6 no longer supports or sells parts for the variax. Because I have come to depend on several of the models, and I write and play in several different tunings, I am heartbroken. Is my tech lying to me? How do you keep yours working? Please help me out if you can!!! Thanks! Cheers!!!

[@AdaptivePhenix]

Where are you located? I have had issues with my JTV-59 and Variax-700. Nothing that running-over with a soldering iron didn't fix. Looking at the controller board (underside), I see electrolytic capacitors. I would've replaced these if my re-soldering hadn't been successful. Have you tried with both a VDI cable and a guitar cable? I don't like how the sockets are mounted on circuit boards because the forces applied when plugging/unplugging a cable are transmitted directly to these PCB joints.

[@timfletchermusic]

I was gutted to see the VG8ex system I sold 15 years ago is going on ebay for 5 times the price I sold it for now : D

[@lorenmorgan1931]

Looks like we are getting something better than the 8ex at a way better price. The bigger advantage here is the new GK doesn't have all the noise the old ones had. My 8ex and 88 have been resting in the closet. I kept the 8ex because it's nylons and a few acoustics models, smoked the 88, but now the 88 because the Sitar on the 88v2 kills the 99, but the 99 pitch shifting and electric models are so good. Hoping this one is truly the best of all worlds.

[@kitemonkey]

Looking at Reverb just now, I feel your pain as I have owned 2 over the years and I didnt get ANYWHERE near those amounts :D

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

Get hold of an SY1000 its the same processor.

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

GK3 still works.

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

AIRD is the new technology.

[@georgesabitpol]

I suspect sy1000 is also more powerful

[@colinwillcocks6004]

Yes, the SY-1000 has similar features, except 3 x model engines instead of 2 in the VG-800, plus has the HRM synth too (dynamic, OSC, etc)

[@lorenmorgan1931]

Ihave the entire VG line, and the 88 and 99 are both Variax killers in terms of sound. The Variax always has that compressed thud to its sound that doesn't go away. This VG800 on the other hand, is going to have the Katana amps and effects with the VG modeling. Either way they are getting my money and I can let my tired vg99 have a break.

[@DJCJ999]

I'm down for a Variax refresh but I think Line 6 have dropped the line :/ The Variax is neat and relatively cable free and through a Helix floorboard (which I don't have, I have the Fire hawk) I think has plenty of versatility... Boss gear is nice but just like its parent company, Roland, There's always something missing that leaves you needing yet another box of tricks. If you have experience with midi and such then you will no doubt be able to map a lot of functions and once folk publish their patches there will less of a need to wade through the sound designer software but for someone new to this technology I think the simplicity of L6 VA is the way to go.

[@samizdat113]

This thing better bring something amazing to market or it will flop.

[@ChadHuskey]

@@samizdat113 for the sake of guitar modeling I hope it sells like crazy, but I just don't think it will be a huge seller. I will be happy to be proven wrong!

[@JasonMauer]

There's something to be said for the form factor. This is the smallest V-Guitar unit (and most pedalboard friendly) Roland or BOSS has ever made. For guitarists like me who use VG units mainly for the instrument modeling and alt tunings, this has that core functionality for about half the price (and 1/4 the size) of the SY-1000.

[@AdaptivePhenix]

@@ChadHuskey The Peavey AT-200 _should_ have been a _huge_ seller (I have 4 of them). Not only do they have similar features to the Variax but they also auto-tune (Antares board inside). But it seems to me that resellers don't _want_ this technology to be pushed. They want to sell us multiple guitars instead. I never came across a Variax or AT-200 in a big store. I have never met a guitarist, in person, who has even heard of this technology which is kinda good because I can do stuff that no-one else can 😎

[@RubyDimasStudio]

this is not new thing

[@ChadHuskey]

Not sure exactly what you mean by this is not a new thing. If you mean guitar modeling is not a new thing, no it's not. The original Roland VG-8 dates back to 1995, as I mentioned in this video. However the VG-800 is a new thing. As of the recording of this video the pedal is still pre order and not released yet.