Best Guitar Synth Pedals

If you’re looking for a pedal that will help you (re)create synth sounds on your guitar, you’ve come to a right place. We’ve compiled a shortlist of the best guitar synth pedals you can find on the market today.

Without any further ado, let’s get straight to it.

Comparison Table of the Best Guitar Synth Pedals

Product
Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine Pedal
EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Modulated...
Digitech Dirty Robot Stereo Mini-Synth Pedal w/ 2...
Donner Octave Guitar Pedal, Harmonic Square...
Roland GR-55 Guitar Synth, GK-3 Pickup Not...
Dimensions (W x D x H) mm
102 x 121 x 89
121 x 144 x 57
67 x 112 x 51
45 x 95 x 48
405 x 244 x 78
Power Supply
9.6DC-200 PSU
Standard 9V DC PSU (Negative Center Barrel)
Standard 9V DC PSU
Standard 9V DC PSU (Negative Center Barrel)
Standard 9V DC PSU
Power Supply Unit Included
Prime Eligible
-
Amazon Prime
-
Amazon Prime
-
Product
Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine Pedal
Dimensions (W x D x H) mm
102 x 121 x 89
Power Supply
9.6DC-200 PSU
Power Supply Unit Included
Prime Eligible
-
Price
Product
EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Modulated...
Dimensions (W x D x H) mm
121 x 144 x 57
Power Supply
Standard 9V DC PSU (Negative Center Barrel)
Power Supply Unit Included
Prime Eligible
Amazon Prime
Price
Product
Digitech Dirty Robot Stereo Mini-Synth Pedal w/ 2...
Dimensions (W x D x H) mm
67 x 112 x 51
Power Supply
Standard 9V DC PSU
Power Supply Unit Included
Prime Eligible
-
Price
Product
Donner Octave Guitar Pedal, Harmonic Square...
Dimensions (W x D x H) mm
45 x 95 x 48
Power Supply
Standard 9V DC PSU (Negative Center Barrel)
Power Supply Unit Included
Prime Eligible
Amazon Prime
Price
Product
Roland GR-55 Guitar Synth, GK-3 Pickup Not...
Dimensions (W x D x H) mm
405 x 244 x 78
Power Supply
Standard 9V DC PSU
Power Supply Unit Included
Prime Eligible
-
Price

Product
Eventide H9 Harmonizer Pedal
Electro Harmonix Superego Synth Engine Guitar...
TC Electronic SUB 'N' UP OCTAVER Pedal with...
JOYO JF-12 Voodoo Octave Fuzz Guitar Effect Pedal...
EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2 Monophonic...
Dimensions (W x D x H) mm
118 x 133 x 50
102 x 121 x 89
48 x 93 x 48
64 x 114 x 38
64 x 121 57
Power Supply
Standard 9V DC 500mA PSU (Positive Center Pin)
Standard 9V DC PSU
Standard 9V DC PSU (or 9V Battery)
Standard 9V DC PSU (or 9V Battery - included)
Standard 9V DC PSU (Negative Center Barrel)
Power Supply Unit Included
Prime Eligible
-
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Product
Eventide H9 Harmonizer Pedal
Dimensions (W x D x H) mm
118 x 133 x 50
Power Supply
Standard 9V DC 500mA PSU (Positive Center Pin)
Power Supply Unit Included
Prime Eligible
-
Price
Product
Electro Harmonix Superego Synth Engine Guitar...
Dimensions (W x D x H) mm
102 x 121 x 89
Power Supply
Standard 9V DC PSU
Power Supply Unit Included
Prime Eligible
Amazon Prime
Price
Product
TC Electronic SUB 'N' UP OCTAVER Pedal with...
Dimensions (W x D x H) mm
48 x 93 x 48
Power Supply
Standard 9V DC PSU (or 9V Battery)
Power Supply Unit Included
Prime Eligible
Amazon Prime
Price
Product
JOYO JF-12 Voodoo Octave Fuzz Guitar Effect Pedal...
Dimensions (W x D x H) mm
64 x 114 x 38
Power Supply
Standard 9V DC PSU (or 9V Battery - included)
Power Supply Unit Included
Prime Eligible
Amazon Prime
Price
Product
EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2 Monophonic...
Dimensions (W x D x H) mm
64 x 121 57
Power Supply
Standard 9V DC PSU (Negative Center Barrel)
Power Supply Unit Included
Prime Eligible
Amazon Prime
Price

Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine

Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine Pedal

More Info
Let’s start off with a big hitter. Basically, the C9 continues where B9 left off, and even though these two guitar synth pedals have a lot in common, they also have some striking differences between them.  If you’re not familiar with what B9 is, it’s essentially C9’s predecessor which came in a similar casing and with similar set of tones.

There are many improvements on the Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine, starting with the extremely durable and rugged casing. Although this is not a guitar synth pedal per se (most people would classify it as a ‘piano’ pedal), it does feature several presets that can easily pass on as synth.

The genuinely intuitive design makes it very easy to use. The control knobs start with the dry signal, over volume, organ, mod (modulation speed), and click (level of percussive attack). You can use the big white wheel to switch between presets, even in the middle of the gig if need be.

PROS

  • Huge range of strikingly different sound presets.
  • Decent effect sustain.
  • Intuitive design makes it easy to use.
  • Durable casing.
  • High value.

CONS

  • Quite expensive
  • More of a piano pedal – so technically not one of the best synth guitar pedals – but that can be forgiven.
Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine Pedal
  • 9 presets that were finely tuned to emulate some of the most popular and classic organ and keyboard tones ever...
  • Provides control over percussive attack level, modulation speed, organ and dry volume
  • Rugged and easy to use
Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine

Earthquaker Devices Data Corruptor

EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Modulated...

More Info
Apart from a hilarious name, Earthquaker’s Data Corruptor is a major guitar synth pedal that will bring plenty of versatility to your tonal arsenal. Though it might not be as easy to use as your average effect pedal, Data Corruptor packs a plethora of synth-like controls spread across four sections (Voice Mixer, Master Oscilator, Subharmonic, and the Frequency Modulator).

Generally speaking, this is basically a fuzz pedal for as long as you stick with the Square line of controls, after which it becomes a guitar synth pedal when you switch over to Subharmonic and Oscilator settings. The Glide/Vibrato switch adds even more wildness to it should you need a little bit of extra chaos on top.

This pedal also has the elements of pitch shifter pedals, meaning that you can shift your tone up or down for several octaves.

The biggest downfalls of this guitar synth pedal are that it has a big footprint and that the controls aren’t so easy to get accustomed to. With a bit of practice, though, this might become your favorite pedal.

PROS

  • Exceptionally versatile.
  • Total tonal control.
  • Perfect for live gigs and studio work.
  • Combines the elements of fuzz, synth, and pitch shifter pedals.

CONS

  • Has a big footprint.
  • Quite difficult to use.
EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Modulated Monophonic Harmonizing PLL Demo

DigiTech Dirty Robot

Digitech Dirty Robot Stereo Mini-Synth Pedal w/ 2...

More Info
DigiTech makes some of the finest guitar effect pedals, and one of the best things about the Dirty Robot is that this is both a guitar and a bass synth pedal in one.

It features ‘Drifth’ knob which allows you to blend square-wave with sub & octave effects, it has an integrated chorus & vibrato effects, an intuitive design, and plenty of other convenient features. The controls for wet and dry signals are blended as one, which means that you’ll be able to set your tone with additional accuracy.

What’s more, the brand offers a set of complementary features, including a Stomp lock and pedalboard hook and loop pad.

PROS

  • Intuitive interface.
  • Plenty of versatility to go about.
  • Great tone.
  • Complementary features.

CONS

  • Peculiar set of tones might require some time to get used to.
Digitech Dirty Robot Stereo Mini-Synth Pedal w/ 2...
  • Includes 2 Patch Cables!
  • 3 concentric knobs give you tons of control in a small form factor
  • Custom-cut Hook and Loop Pedalboard Pad
Digitech Dirty Robot

Donner Digital Octave pedal

Donner Octave Guitar Pedal, Harmonic Square...

More Info
Donner is pretty famous among guitarists for their cheap, yet high-quality pedals. Their Digital Octave effect pedal is the most straightforward effect pedal you’ll be able to get for the money. What’s great about it is the fact that it does the job and being so simple it’s best suited for beginners and intermediate level guitarists who’ve just started to explore the world of guitar synth pedals.

Wet and dry sound controls are separate here, which means that you’ll get a different kind of sound depending on if you’re using it in a chain or as a standalone pedal. True bypass is also included, which makes it even better for live gigs and studio rehearsals.

There are seven mode effects at your disposal and a 3-way switch that allows you to easily switch between them. Overall, it packs a durable aluminum-alloy chassis, several effect modes, separate wet and dry controls, and a true bypass – it does quite a bang for the buck. Few would disagree that the best budget guitar synth pedal on the market.

PROS

  • Exceptionally easy to use.
  • Decently good tone.
  • Seven octave modes.
  • Aluminium alloy chassis.
  • Price.

CONS

  • Minimal tonal versatility
Donner Octave Guitar Pedal, Harmonic Square...
  • [Octave Guitar Pedal] With 7 shift types and 3 tone mode toggles, Harmonic Square guitar pedal gives you 21...
  • [3 Tone Modes] Harmonic Square octave pedal has 3 tone modes including Sharp, Flat, and Detune. Sharp: Pitch...
  • [2 Knob] WET Knob: Adjust the harmonic signal level. DRY Knob: Adjust the dry signal level.
Donner Harmonic Square Pedal Octave/Pitch Shifter Pedal

Roland GR-55

Roland GR-55 Guitar Synth, GK-3 Pickup Not...

More Info
Even if we’re to completely put aside the fact that Roland makes some of the finest guitar gear, their GR-55 is absolutely astonishing. This is a big guitar synth pedal which features over 900 tones onboard, 3 sound banks (a great deal of them are user customizable), and three sound styles.

Though it does have a big footprint, this guitar synth pedal also has phrase loop and tuner features onboard, and its tremendous audio quality makes it perfect for both live performances and studio work. Definitely not the best budget guitar synth pedal – but you get what you pay for.

PROS

  • Nearly a thousand voices onboard.
  • Three sound banks and three sound styles.
  • V-link integration.
  • Big LCD screen.
  • Superb audio quality.

CONS

  • Expensive.
  • Has a big footprint.
Roland GR-55 Guitar Synth, GK-3 Pickup Not...
  • Onboard USB WAV/AIFF Player - Black
  • Guitar Synth with 910 Tones
  • Expression/Volume Pedal
GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer Overview

Eventide H9 Harmonizer

Eventide H9 Harmonizer Pedal

More Info
Eventide’s H9 Harmonizer is a big, highly versatile guitar synth pedal that can help you achieve some of the most unique synth sounds possible. It packs nine effects onboard and some 99 presets that could help you build a base upon which you’ll play later on.

This guitar multi effects pedal offers a huge variety of additional effects, including delays, reverbs, as well as other unique combo effects. True bypass switch is also onboard, and the pedal is generally very easy to use and navigate, even by beginners. Fine tuning might be a little harder than you initially thought, though.

PROS

  • Very versatile.
  • Unique sounds.
  • 99 presets plus various other spatial effects.
  • Awesome audio quality.

CONS

  • Effects difficult to fine tune and customize.
  • Pricey.
Eventide H9 Harmonizer Pedal
  • Preloaded with 9 effect algorithms and 99 presets
  • Wide variety of spatial effects including reverbs, delays, and unique combination effects
  • True analog bypass
Eventide H9, demo by Pete Thorn/Vintage King

Electro Harmonix Superego Synth Engine Pedal

Electro Harmonix Superego Synth Engine Guitar...

More Info
The SuperEgo Synth engine is an absolute must if you’re looking for the most exquisite synth sounds. It sports a plethora of unique features, such as the auto-mode, controllable glissando, FX loop, latch mode, and such.

There are only four control knobs on these guitar synth pedals, including speed, gliss, dry, and effect (from left to right), and a 3-way effect switch (latch/off/auto). Generally, this pedal is remarkably easy to use and it offers so much to a player who demands quality and versatility.

PROS

  • Intuitive design.
  • Very easy to use.
  • Substantial versatility.
  • Great audio quality.

CONS

  • Pricey.
  • No built-in modes (not exactly perfect for beginners).
Electro Harmonix Superego Synth Engine Guitar...
  • Controllable glissando
  • Sustain notes and chords as long as wanted
  • Insert effects into the wet signal with the effects loop
Electro-Harmonix Superego Synth Engine

TC Electronic Sub ‘N’ Up Octaver

TC Electronic SUB 'N' UP OCTAVER Pedal with...

More Info
Octavers are some of the finest sub-types of guitar synth pedals, and TC Electronic’s made Sub’N’Up so easy to use that even people who’ve just picked up an axe can play around with it.

There are two ‘sub’ knobs on this guitar synth pedal, one ‘up’ knob, and a dry signal volume control knob, as well as a 3-way switch (poly, toneprint, and classic) onboard. Even without the ‘modes’, you’ll still be able to achieve superb polyphonic octaves and simulate synth-like sounds with it. True bypass is also included, but it’s not the most versatile of pedals in general.

PROS

  • Great audio quality.
  • Surprisingly easy to use.
  • True Bypass.
  • Several modes, including poly, toneprint, and classic.

CONS

  • Moderately versatile.
TC Electronic SUB 'N' UP OCTAVER Pedal with...
  • Next generation octave-engine - for flawless polyphonic tracking
  • Classic monophonic octaver - cool old-school octaver tones
  • TonePrint Editor w. Modulation - for otherworldly octave tones
Sub 'N' Up Octaver – Official Product Video

Joyo JF-12 Voodoo Octava

JOYO JF-12 Voodoo Octave Fuzz Guitar Effect Pedal...

More Info
If you’re looking for the best budget synth guitar pedal, Joyo’s JF-12 might just be what you’re after.

This is basically a fuzz pedal which features elements of an octaver onboard. Tone and volume control knobs follow ‘fuzz’ and 2-way mode switch, and even though you can’t go ‘down’ an octave or two, you can go up. This is definitely not a versatile pedal, but it’s among the cheapest, yet high-quality synth pedals you can find on the market.

PROS

  • Superb audio quality for the buck.
  • Combines fuzz and octaver effects.
  • True Bypass.
  • Exceptionally easy to use.

CONS

  • Low versatility.
JOYO JF-12 Voodoo Octave Fuzz Guitar Effect Pedal...
  • The Fuzz on the ultimate octave is a brilliantly thick snarling beast.
  • Fuzz tones along with optional Octave switch. Normal or mid cut switch option.
  • Add the brilliant Octave Up effect to the Fuzz and you're in 'White Stripes' territory. The Octave Up adds a...
Voodoo Octave Joyo

Earthquaker Devices Bit Commander

EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2 Monophonic...

More Info
Here we have another great pedal by Earthquaker Devices – the Bit Commander. Essentially, this guitar synth pedal is a monophonic guitar synthesizer which features 4 vintage square-wave synth tones, a small yet very durable housing, and a plain, straightforward interface.

Subtracting or adding octaves is all too easy, especially if we compare it to our previous pick (Data Corruptor) – instead of having numerous controls spread out across different sections, there are only six control knobs which follow a logical pattern – level (volume), followed by filter, base, sub (subtract octaves), down & up.

There’s also a true-bypass switch which you can use to cut out every other pedal in your chain should the situation demand it.

PROS

  • Very easy to use.
  • Superb tone.
  • True bypass.
  • Small footprint.

CONS

  • Not exactly versatile.
  • Pricey.
EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2 Monophonic...
  • Monophonic Analog Guitar Synthesizer Pedal
EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander Guitar Synthesizer

Conclusion

There are all kinds of guitar synth pedals which only makes the process of finding the best for you more interesting. We’ve made sure to include units which feature elements of various other types of guitar pedals in the hope that you’ll use them to find exquisite, unique synth sounds – as well some of the best budget guitar synth pedals. We hope that you’ve liked our selection and wish you all the luck in finding one that suits your needs.

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Source: Amazon

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