Boss ME-50 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor, (Used)

The Boss ME-50 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor is a versatile floor-based effects unit designed to bring together the sounds of a complete guitar pedalboard in one convenient, easy-to-use package. Combining Boss's renowned digital effects technology with COSM overdrive and distortion modelling, dedicated rotary controls and an integrated expression pedal, the ME-50 offers an extensive range of guitar sounds without the complexity of menu-driven multi-effects systems.

Designed to operate like a collection of individual stompboxes, the Boss ME-50 provides direct access to compression, overdrive, distortion, modulation, delay, reverb and noise suppression. Its intuitive layout allows players to adjust their sounds using familiar knobs rather than navigating complicated menus, making it particularly appealing to guitarists who enjoy the flexibility of multi-effects but prefer hands-on control.

The ME-50 also features 30 user memory locations, arranged across ten banks, allowing guitarists to save and recall their favourite effects combinations during rehearsals and live performances. Three integrated footswitches and a built-in expression pedal provide convenient control over effects, while the onboard chromatic tuner eliminates the need for an additional tuning pedal.

Unlike many multi-effects processors, the ME-50 focuses on conventional guitar effects rather than amplifier modelling, making it particularly suitable for players who already own an amplifier they enjoy.

This particular Boss ME-50 is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and is supplied without a power supply.

For guitarists seeking a second-hand Boss multi-effects processor with versatile sounds, straightforward operation and dependable construction, the ME-50 remains an excellent choice.

At A Glance

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This Boss ME-50 is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

The unit features Boss's distinctive blue metal enclosure, with a comprehensive selection of rotary controls, three main footswitches and an integrated expression pedal.

Its floor-based construction is designed for regular use in rehearsal rooms, home studios and live performance environments, providing convenient access to effects without the need for a separate collection of stompboxes.

Specific scratches, marks, control wear or other cosmetic imperfections have not been individually documented. Please study the product photographs for a closer assessment of this particular processor.

Power Supply Not Included

No power supply is included with this Boss ME-50.

The processor operates using a suitable Boss PSA-series 9V DC centre-negative adapter or six AA batteries.

The manufacturer's published current consumption is 120mA, so a suitable regulated 9V DC adapter should provide at least 200mA of available current.

Batteries have not been confirmed as included.

What's Included

- Boss ME-50 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor

Not Included: Power supply.

No original box, manual, batteries or additional accessories have been confirmed.

General Operation & Condition Assessment

The Boss ME-50 features multiple effect sections, three main footswitches, an integrated expression pedal and several audio connections.

Relevant checks for a pre-owned example include the correct operation of its effect sections, footswitches, expression pedal, rotary controls, memory functions, tuner and input/output connections.

Individual testing results for this particular unit have not been supplied.

Key Features

• Complete Guitar Multi-Effects Processor: Multiple Boss effects in one floor-based unit.

• COSM Overdrive & Distortion: A selection of classic and modern drive sounds.

• Hands-On Stompbox Controls: Dedicated knobs for quick, intuitive adjustments.

• 30 User Memory Locations: Store favourite effects combinations across ten banks.

• Three Main Footswitches: Control effects or recall saved patches.

• Integrated Expression Pedal: Foot-controlled volume, wah, pitch and other effects.

• Comprehensive Modulation Effects: Chorus, phaser, flanger, tremolo, vibrato, rotary and more.

• Versatile Delay Section: Create short slapback echoes, rhythmic delays and atmospheric repeats.

• Built-In Reverb: Add ambience and depth without an additional pedal.

• Compressor & Tone Modify: Shape dynamics and the character of the guitar signal.

• Noise Suppressor: Helps control unwanted noise in high-gain setups.

• Integrated Chromatic Tuner: Convenient tuning during practice and performance.

• Stereo Outputs: Connect to suitable guitar amplifiers or stereo rigs.

• Headphone / Line Output: Useful for quiet practice and recording connections.

• Auxiliary Input: Play along with an external audio source.

• Battery or Adapter Operation: Flexible power options.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: An attractive alternative to purchasing several individual effects pedals.

Why You'll Love It

The Boss ME-50 combines the flexibility of a digital multi-effects processor with the immediate control of a traditional guitar pedalboard.

Instead of navigating menus and scrolling through complex programming screens, players can select effects and adjust their sounds using dedicated knobs.

This makes it particularly enjoyable for musicians who want to experiment with different combinations of overdrive, modulation, delay and reverb without spending excessive time programming.

The onboard expression pedal adds another level of creativity, allowing real-time control of wah, volume and pitch-based effects.

With 30 user memories, the ME-50 can also operate as a practical live performance unit, giving players access to stored effects combinations for different songs and musical styles.

For guitarists who want a wide selection of Boss sounds in one straightforward unit, the ME-50 provides an appealing balance of versatility, convenience and musical character.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Complete Multi-Effects Processing

The Boss ME-50 combines a substantial selection of digital guitar effects in a single floor-based processor, covering the essential sounds required for many musical styles. Its effects range includes compressor, tone modification, overdrive, distortion, modulation, delay, reverb and noise suppression, allowing players to create everything from straightforward clean sounds to heavily processed guitar textures. The integrated design reduces the need for numerous separate pedals, patch cables and individual power connections, making it particularly practical for musicians who want a compact, self-contained effects setup.

Intuitive Stompbox-Style Interface

One of the ME-50's strongest features is its intuitive control layout, designed to feel more like a collection of individual effects pedals than a conventional digital processor. Dedicated knobs provide direct access to important parameters, allowing musicians to adjust sounds quickly without navigating display menus. This approach is particularly useful during rehearsals and live performance, where immediate adjustments can be more convenient than editing multiple parameters through a complicated interface. For guitarists accustomed to traditional stompboxes, the ME-50 provides a familiar and approachable way to explore digital effects.

COSM Overdrive & Distortion

The ME-50 incorporates Boss's COSM technology to recreate a variety of overdrive and distortion characteristics, ranging from smooth, lightly saturated sounds to aggressive high-gain effects. The drive section includes different tonal characters inspired by traditional guitar pedals and amplifier distortion, allowing players to shape the amount of gain and the overall response. These effects work particularly well when connected to the clean channel of a suitable guitar amplifier, providing a convenient way to access multiple drive sounds without carrying a separate collection of overdrive and distortion pedals.

Compressor & Tone Modify

The ME-50 includes compression and tone-modification functions designed to help shape the response and character of the incoming guitar signal. Compression can smooth variations in playing dynamics, increase perceived sustain and improve note consistency, making it particularly effective for clean rhythm playing, country guitar and expressive lead passages. The Tone Modify function provides additional options for adjusting the overall character of the signal, allowing players to experiment with different tonal responses before introducing drive and modulation effects.

Chorus, Phaser & Flanger Effects

The modulation section offers a selection of classic guitar effects, including chorus, phaser and flanger, allowing players to add movement, depth and character to their sounds. Chorus can enrich clean chords and melodic passages, while phaser produces the familiar sweeping modulation associated with classic rock, funk and psychedelic music. Flanger introduces more pronounced filtering and swirling effects, making it suitable for dramatic guitar textures. Having these effects available within one processor gives musicians considerable flexibility without requiring individual pedals for each sound.

Tremolo, Vibrato & Rotary Effects

Alongside conventional chorus, phaser and flanger sounds, the ME-50 provides a range of additional modulation effects, including tremolo, vibrato and rotary speaker simulation. Tremolo creates rhythmic fluctuations in volume, making it particularly effective for vintage-inspired clean guitar, while vibrato introduces changes in pitch for more expressive modulation. Rotary effects recreate the movement associated with rotating speaker systems, producing a distinctive sense of motion and depth. These options make the ME-50 a particularly versatile choice for players exploring vintage and experimental guitar sounds.

Harmonist & Pitch-Based Effects

The ME-50 includes harmonist processing and several expression-pedal effects designed to extend the guitar's tonal range. Harmonist effects can introduce additional pitched notes, while expression-controlled pitch bending allows players to create dramatic changes in pitch during a performance. The integrated pedal can also provide wah, resonance, voice and ring-modulation effects, offering creative possibilities beyond conventional modulation. These functions make the ME-50 particularly appealing for guitarists who enjoy experimenting with unusual sounds and expressive real-time effects.

Versatile Delay Effects

The ME-50's dedicated delay section allows guitarists to create everything from short slapback echoes to longer atmospheric repeats. Delay is useful for adding depth to rhythm guitar, increasing the sense of space around lead passages and creating rhythmic patterns that interact with the original playing. The unit's hands-on controls make it easy to adjust delay characteristics directly, while combining delay with modulation or drive effects allows players to produce richer, more complex textures suitable for classic rock, alternative music and ambient guitar.

Built-In Reverb

The integrated reverb section provides convenient access to spatial effects without the need for a separate reverb pedal. Subtle settings can add natural ambience to clean guitar sounds, while more pronounced settings introduce additional space and depth to sustained notes and melodic passages. Reverb is particularly useful for players using amplifiers without built-in ambience, and its inclusion within the ME-50 makes it easy to build complete guitar sounds using a single processor.

Noise Suppression

The ME-50 includes a noise suppressor designed to help control unwanted background noise, particularly when using higher-gain distortion settings. By reducing the level of the signal when the guitar is not being played, the noise suppressor can help maintain a cleaner sound between notes and during pauses. This is particularly useful for rock and metal guitarists who use substantial amounts of gain, although settings should be adjusted carefully to preserve natural sustain and quieter playing dynamics.

Integrated Expression Pedal

The built-in expression pedal provides real-time control over several effects, making the ME-50 particularly versatile during live performance. It can operate as a conventional volume pedal or control effects such as wah, resonance, voice, ring modulation and pitch bending. This allows musicians to introduce movement and expression without using their hands, making it possible to shape sustained notes, perform wah techniques or create dramatic pitch effects while continuing to play. The integrated design also eliminates the need for a separate expression pedal and associated cabling.

30 User Memory Locations

The ME-50 features 30 user memory locations arranged across ten banks, with three patches available in each bank. This allows musicians to create and store favourite effects combinations for different songs, guitars and playing styles. In Memory mode, the three main footswitches allow convenient selection of patches within the current bank, while the bank controls provide access to additional stored sounds. The memory system is particularly useful for performing musicians who need to recall different effects setups quickly rather than manually adjusting several knobs between songs.

Manual & Memory Modes

The ME-50 can operate in Manual mode, where its footswitches control effects sections in a traditional stompbox-like manner, or Memory mode, where the switches recall stored sounds. This dual approach gives players flexibility according to their preferred working style. Guitarists who enjoy making adjustments during a performance can use the unit like a conventional pedalboard, while musicians who prefer programmed sounds can create patches for different songs and switch between them. This is one of the features that makes the ME-50 particularly accessible compared with more menu-driven processors.

Built-In Chromatic Tuner

The integrated chromatic tuner allows guitarists to check their tuning without requiring a separate pedal. The tuner uses the unit's display and indicator lights to show the detected note and tuning accuracy, making it suitable for use during rehearsals and live performances. Having a tuner built into the processor helps simplify pedalboard setups and reduces the amount of additional equipment required.

Stereo Outputs & Headphone Connectivity

The ME-50 provides left and right guitar amplifier outputs, allowing it to be connected to compatible stereo amplifier setups or used with a single amplifier through the designated mono output. A separate Phones/Line Out connection provides additional flexibility for headphone practice and suitable recording or monitoring connections. The unit also features an auxiliary input for connecting an external audio source, making it particularly useful for practising alongside backing tracks. These connections add practical versatility for musicians who use the processor in different environments.

Durable Floor-Based Construction

The ME-50 features a robust metal enclosure designed for regular operation on the floor, with three integrated footswitches, an expression pedal and clearly arranged controls. Its construction is suitable for rehearsal rooms, home studios and live performance environments, while the all-in-one design reduces the amount of separate equipment required. The combination of direct controls and durable hardware makes the ME-50 particularly appealing for guitarists who want versatile effects without assembling and maintaining a large individual pedalboard.

Who Is It For?

Beginner Guitarists: A straightforward introduction to a broad range of Boss effects without needing several separate pedals.

Intermediate Guitarists: Ideal for musicians expanding their sound and experimenting with different effects combinations.

Live Performers: The 30 user memories and integrated footswitches make it practical for switching between sounds during performances.

Blues & Classic Rock Players: Overdrive, compression, modulation and delay provide the essential effects for traditional guitar styles.

Hard Rock & Metal Guitarists: COSM distortion, noise suppression and expression-controlled effects offer plenty of options for heavier music.

Ambient & Alternative Musicians: Modulation, delay and reverb can be combined to create atmospheric guitar textures.

Home Recording Musicians: The broad effects selection and headphone/line connection provide useful options for practising and recording.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Boss ME-50 is suitable for blues, classic rock, hard rock, metal, indie, alternative rock, pop, funk, country, ambient and experimental music.

Its overdrive and distortion effects provide a wide selection of conventional rock sounds, while the modulation section offers chorus, phaser, flanger and other textures for clean or overdriven guitar.

Delay and reverb add depth to melodic passages and atmospheric arrangements, while the built-in expression pedal provides additional control over wah and pitch-based effects.

For live musicians, the ability to store 30 sounds makes the ME-50 a practical choice for varied setlists.

For home practice, the auxiliary input and headphone connection provide useful flexibility.

How It Compares

Boss ME-50 vs Boss ME-70

The Boss ME-70 builds on the hands-on design of the earlier ME-50, introducing a broader processing architecture and an onboard amplifier modelling section. The ME-50 focuses on conventional guitar effects rather than amp simulation, making it particularly appealing to players who already enjoy the sound of their existing amplifier. Guitarists seeking a wider range of built-in amplifier sounds may prefer the ME-70, while those prioritising straightforward effects control may appreciate the ME-50.

Boss ME-50 vs Boss GT Series

Boss GT processors generally offer more extensive programming, amplifier modelling, signal routing and effects configuration. The ME-50 takes a simpler approach, concentrating on direct, stompbox-style control and an approachable collection of guitar effects. Players seeking sophisticated sound design may prefer a GT-series processor, while musicians wanting immediate access to their effects without extensive programming may find the ME-50 more enjoyable.

Boss ME-50 vs Individual Boss Pedals

A collection of individual Boss pedals provides the flexibility to select particular effects models and arrange them in a custom signal chain. The ME-50 offers a more integrated solution, combining numerous effects, an expression pedal, a tuner and patch memories in one unit. For guitarists who want to minimise cabling and avoid assembling a large pedalboard, the ME-50 can offer a particularly convenient alternative.

Boss ME-50 Heritage

Introduced in the early 2000s, the Boss ME-50 helped establish a straightforward approach to floor-based multi-effects processing.

At a time when many digital processors relied heavily on small displays and complex editing menus, the ME-50 was designed around familiar stompbox-style controls.

Its combination of COSM overdrive and distortion sounds, modulation effects, delay, reverb and expression-based processing made it an appealing choice for guitarists seeking versatility without complicated programming.

The ME-50 became part of Boss's wider ME Series, which continued to develop around the idea of providing practical multi-effects processing with direct, performance-friendly controls.

Although now discontinued, the original ME-50 remains a distinctive and approachable multi-effects unit, particularly for players who appreciate traditional Boss sounds and uncomplicated operation.

Technical Specifications

Power Requirements

The Boss ME-50 operates using a regulated 9V DC centre-negative power supply, such as a compatible Boss PSA-series adapter, or six AA batteries.

Its published current draw is 120mA, so the power supply must provide at least that amount. A Boss PSA-series adapter rated at 200mA or 500mA is suitable.

For use with a pedalboard power supply, an isolated 9V output rated at 200mA or higher is recommended, provided the connector and polarity are correct.

Alternatively, the ME-50 can operate using six AA batteries. Boss specifies an approximate operating life of up to 12 hours with alkaline batteries, depending on usage conditions.

Please Note: No power supply is included with this pre-owned Boss ME-50. Batteries have not been confirmed as included.

🎵 Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict ★★★★★

The Boss ME-50 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor is an excellent choice for players who want the versatility of multiple Boss effects without the complexity of a conventional menu-driven digital processor.

Its stompbox-style interface makes it particularly enjoyable to use, allowing guitarists to shape their sounds directly through dedicated controls.

The combination of COSM overdrive and distortion, extensive modulation effects, delay, reverb, compression and noise suppression provides an impressive range of sounds suitable for almost any musical style.

The integrated expression pedal and 30 user memories add significant practical value, especially for musicians performing live or experimenting with different effects combinations.

Its focus on conventional guitar effects rather than amplifier modelling also makes it particularly appealing to players who already own an amplifier they enjoy.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and is supplied without a power supply.

Best Suited For: Beginner, intermediate and experienced guitarists seeking a comprehensive, easy-to-use multi-effects unit.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Individual entry-level pedals, basic multi-effects units and simple guitar amplification setups without extensive onboard effects.

Most Commonly Paired With: Clean or lightly driven guitar amplifiers, electric guitars, headphones, suitable recording equipment and compatible Boss PSA-series power supplies.

Our Tip: Start in Manual mode and treat the ME-50 like a traditional pedalboard. Once you've created a sound you enjoy, save it to one of the 30 user memories for quick recall.

Showroom Advice: The ME-50 is particularly effective when used with an amplifier whose basic sound you already enjoy. Because it focuses on effects rather than amplifier modelling, experimenting with a good clean amplifier setting is an excellent starting point.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned Boss ME-50 from Fair Deal Music provides an opportunity to enjoy a wide selection of Boss effects in one convenient unit at an attractive alternative to purchasing new.

Our experienced team understands the importance of accurate condition descriptions, clear technical specifications and transparency about included accessories.

This particular ME-50 is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, with the absence of a power supply clearly identified.

Choosing pre-owned equipment can offer excellent value while extending the useful life of quality musical gear.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This Boss ME-50 is a pre-owned item, and its condition and included accessories are described above.

Applicable warranty arrangements, returns information and delivery options are provided through Fair Deal Music's current terms and checkout information.

The unit can also be discussed with our Birmingham showroom team if you need advice about compatible power supplies or integration with your existing guitar amplifier.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

As Birmingham's largest independent music store, we specialise in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, keyboards and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and friendly personal service, helping customers find equipment suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from our established independent retail experience, competitive pricing, secure online ordering, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including multi-effects processors, individual effects pedals, electric guitars, acoustic guitars, basses, amplifiers and keyboards.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this Boss ME-50.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Boss ME-50 in?

This unit is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

Does the Boss ME-50 come with a power supply?

No. This example is supplied without a power supply.

What power supply does the Boss ME-50 require?

The ME-50 uses a regulated 9V DC centre-negative adapter, such as a Boss PSA-series power supply.

How much current does the ME-50 draw?

Its published current draw is 120mA.

Can I use a 200mA or 500mA power supply?

Yes. A compatible Boss PSA-series 9V DC adapter rated at either 200mA or 500mA provides sufficient current.

Can the Boss ME-50 run on batteries?

Yes. It operates using six AA batteries.

How long do the batteries last?

Boss specifies approximately 12 hours of operation with alkaline batteries, although actual running time varies.

Does the Boss ME-50 have amplifier modelling?

No. The ME-50 primarily focuses on guitar effects, including COSM overdrive and distortion, rather than modelling complete amplifiers.

How many effects does it include?

It includes a wide selection of effects such as compression, overdrive, distortion, chorus, phaser, flanger, harmonist, tremolo, vibrato, rotary, delay, reverb and noise suppression.

Does it have an expression pedal?

Yes. The integrated expression pedal can control volume, wah, resonance, voice, ring modulation and pitch-based effects.

Does the ME-50 have a wah effect?

Yes. Wah is one of the expression pedal's available functions.

Does it have an onboard tuner?

Yes. The ME-50 includes a chromatic tuner.

How many patches can I save?

The ME-50 provides 30 user memory locations arranged across ten banks.

Can I switch between saved sounds during a performance?

Yes. Memory mode allows you to recall saved patches using the integrated footswitches.

Does the ME-50 have a looper?

No. The original ME-50 does not feature a dedicated phrase-looping function.

Does it have stereo outputs?

Yes. It features left/mono and right guitar amplifier outputs.

Can I use headphones with it?

Yes. The ME-50 has a dedicated Phones/Line Out connection.

Can I connect backing tracks?

Yes. The auxiliary input allows connection of a compatible external audio source.

Can I use the ME-50 with a valve amplifier?

Yes. It is particularly suitable for guitarists who want to add effects to an existing amplifier.

Does it have USB audio recording?

No. The original ME-50 does not include a built-in USB audio interface.

Does it have MIDI connections?

No. The ME-50 does not provide MIDI connectivity.

Can I use individual effects without changing patches?

Yes. Manual mode allows the unit to be operated in a more traditional stompbox-like manner.

Does the expression pedal control pitch effects?

Yes. The expression pedal supports pitch bending and other effects.

Is the Boss ME-50 suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its direct controls and all-in-one design make it an approachable introduction to guitar effects.

Is the ME-50 still in production?

No. The ME-50 has been discontinued.

Can I part-exchange another effects unit towards this Boss ME-50?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers multi-effects processors, individual pedals and other musical equipment for part exchange.