SG-1 Slow Gear
The unicorn auto-swell - violin-like attacks without a volume pedal. Ultra-rare and coveted.
The SG-1 Slow Gear is a legendary Boss pedal that creates automatic volume swells, removing the pick attack and producing a violin-like fade-in effect. Produced from 1979 to 1982, it's become one of the most expensive vintage Boss pedals.
The circuit detects each pick attack and suppresses it, then gradually fades the signal in. The result is a pad-like, atmospheric quality where each note or chord blooms rather than attacks. The Sensitivity control determines how much attack is suppressed; the Speed control sets how quickly the volume fades in.
Sensitivity and Speed controls. At minimal current draw, it's extremely power-efficient. The effect works best with a clean signal; distortion before the SG-1 produces inconsistent tracking.
The SG-1 is a genuine holy grail Boss pedal. Short production run, unique effect, and no direct Boss replacement have driven vintage prices well above $500. The Slow Gear effect has been recreated by numerous boutique builders, but the original remains the most sought-after.
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