BOSS WL-20 vs WL-20L: which one does your guitar need?

The short answer

A traditional Strat, Tele, Les Paul or passive bass normally belongs with the WL-20. Its cable-tone circuit restores the slight softening at the top end that passive pickups develop when they drive a normal guitar lead.

An active guitar, active bass or electro-acoustic with an onboard preamp normally belongs with the WL-20L. These low-impedance outputs are far less affected by cable capacitance, so adding cable tone is unnecessary. BOSS says the WL-20 will still work, but it may sound warmer and softer than the same instrument through a cable.

• Passive pickups: WL-20 is the default choice.
• Active pickups or onboard preamp: choose WL-20L.
• Passive guitar but you like a bright, buffered sound: WL-20L is valid.
• A collection containing both active and passive instruments: consider WL-50 and switch cable tone off or on as required.

What cable tone actually changes

A passive pickup, guitar cable and amplifier input form an electrical circuit. The cable's capacitance gently reduces the highest frequencies; many players hear that as familiar rather than defective. Remove the cable and a passive guitar can sound a little more immediate or bright.

WL-20 recreates that effect permanently. WL-20L does not. This is not an active-pickup input pad, a different radio or a faster codec. The two systems are otherwise functionally the same, which is why choosing by pickup type is more useful than comparing their headline specifications.

One compatibility trap remains

Both sets use the BOSS WL-T plug-in transmitter. Some active instruments use unusual TRS output-jack wiring to switch their battery, and some recessed sockets physically obstruct a plug-in transmitter. BOSS documents both cases. Check the WL-T compatibility drawing if your output socket is unusual; a short mono extension lead can solve some electrical or physical mismatches.

That caveat is separate from WL-20 versus WL-20L. Buying the L model fixes the cable-tone choice, but it does not change the transmitter's plug or its interaction with the instrument jack.

When the WL-50 is worth the extra board space

The WL-50 puts the receiver in a stompbox and offers OFF, SHORT and LONG cable-tone settings. It is the sensible BOSS answer for a guitarist who takes a passive electric and an active or preamped instrument to the same show.

It also docks and charges the transmitter and can distribute DC power when used with the appropriate BOSS supply. The trade-off is obvious: the WL-20 pair fits in a pocket, while WL-50 permanently occupies pedalboard space.