BOSS VG-800 V-Guitar Processor

The BOSS VG-800 is a compact V-Guitar processor for guitarists and bassists who want to reshape instrument tones, alternate tunings, effects, and signal routing from one floor-based unit. It uses the Serial GK system and divided-pickup processing to treat individual strings independently. This allows players to access modeled instruments and per-string sound design without physically retuning between songs.

Designed for players using a compatible GK pickup system, the VG-800 provides guitar and bass modes with dedicated memory locations and instrument types. It can model electric and acoustic instruments, basses, dual-instrument combinations, synth sounds, and VIO voices with bowed-attack character. A standard guitar or bass can also connect through the regular guitar input for the unit's amp and effects processing.

The VG-800 is suited to stage players, studio musicians, and experimental instrumentalists who need fast changes between sounds and tunings. Its individual-string processing supports custom tuning assignments, harmony effects, string panning, and controlled string-bend effects. Dual Guitar and Dual Bass modes can combine two modeled instruments or split different sounds across strings.

Its processing platform runs at 48 kHz with 32-bit floating-point processing and includes more than 150 effect types. The unit includes modeled amps and effects, plus a Roland GR-300-style analog guitar synth model. Guitar and bass modes each provide 150 memories for organizing performance and recording setups.

The VG-800 can serve as the center of a compact guitar or bass system. Stereo outputs, a stereo-capable send/return loop, USB-C audio/MIDI, TRS MIDI, external control connections, and Serial GK output support integration with pedals, computers, MIDI gear, and compatible BOSS Serial GK devices. BOSS Tone Studio software for Windows and macOS provides computer-based editing and system management.

Key Features

• Serial GK Processing: Processes divided pickup signals string by string for detailed modeling and control.
• Guitar And Bass Modes: Provides dedicated modes and 150 memories for each instrument category.
• Per-String Alternate Tuning: Changes the pitch assignment of each string independently without retuning hardware.
• Dual Instrument Functions: Combines or splits two modeled guitar or bass instruments across the strings.
• Advanced Effects Platform: Includes over 150 effects types, amps, and a GR-300-style synth model.
• Flexible System Connectivity: Adds stereo audio, effects-loop, USB-C, MIDI, control, and Serial GK connections.

Design & Installation

The VG-800 is a pedalboard-oriented floor processor measuring 173 mm wide by 135 mm deep, with a graphic 256 x 80-dot LCD, three onboard footswitches, and dedicated editing controls. BOSS does not publish an enclosure-material specification. Four included rubber feet provide a stable placement option for a pedalboard or other flat surface.

For V-Guitar instrument modeling, connect a compatible GK-5 guitar pickup or GK-5B bass pickup to the GK IN using a BGK Serial GK cable; these items are sold separately. A conventional guitar or bass may connect to the GUITAR INPUT for amps and effects, though instrument-modeling functions are unavailable from that input. Use the L/PHONES and R/MONO outputs for audio, and configure external pedals, footswitches, expression pedals, USB-C, or TRS MIDI connections as needed.