BOSS Effect Loader vs FretLedger
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
BOSS Effect Loader
This application allows users to load effects into the PX-1 Plugout FX device. It offers a selection of free effects and the option to purchase additional model passes within the app. An internet connection and Roland Account are required for full functionality.
- Load effects into PX-1 Plugout FX
- 16 free effect models included
- Purchase additional model passes
- Bluetooth or USB connection
- Requires Roland Account
Read full descriptionHide full description
● BOSS EFFECT LOADER is an app for loading effects into the PX-1 Plugout FX. * Need an internet connection and a registered Roland Account are required to use the BOSS EFFECT LOADER. ● The following 16 models are available for free use: OD-1/SP-1/PH-1/SG-/CS-1/TW-1/SD-1/DS-1/CE-2/OC-2/BF-2/PN-2/DD-2/DF-2 ● Additional Model Passes can be purchased within the app. ● Connect the BOSS PX-1 Plugout FX and your iPhone/iPad via Bluetooth® (*1) or USB cable (*2) to use this app. *1 Set up the Bluetooth connection in the Connection Window displayed after the app is launched. *2 When connecting to an iPhone/iPad equipped with a USB Lightning port, you will need Apple's genuine “Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.”
FretLedger
This app allows guitar owners to meticulously track their instrument collection, including detailed specifications, string changes, service history, and wiring diagrams. It provides a private, offline record of all your guitars, ensuring your collection data stays on your device.
- Detailed instrument specifications
- String change tracking and reminders
- Comprehensive service history logging
- Pickup and wiring documentation
- Multi-photo support with zoom
- Private, device-only data storage
- Export and restore collection data
Read full descriptionHide full description
FretLedger is the guitar log built for players who care about their instruments. Track every guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, or ukulele you own with a level of detail that no other app comes close to. YOUR COLLECTION, FULLY DOCUMENTED Record make, model, year, serial number, and photos for every instrument. Document hardware specs — bridge type, nut, saddle, tuners, hardware finish, trem block, and strap locks — alongside construction details like fretboard wood, fret wire, neck and body finish, and roasted timber. Log tuning, string gauges, pickup configuration, and wiring for each one. Search and sort your whole collection in seconds. STRING TRACKING THAT ACTUALLY WORKS Set a restring interval for each guitar and FretLedger flags overdue strings automatically. Log brand, gauge, and string type every time you restring. Keep a string inventory to track what packs you have on hand, spot gaps before a gig, and add what you need straight to your shopping list. COMPLETE SERVICE HISTORY Record every setup, truss rod adjustment, fret dress, pickup swap, and luthier visit. Track parts used, costs, and the settings you dialled in. Flag issues as they come up so nothing gets forgotten before the next service. WIRING AND PICKUP DOCUMENTATION Choose from 40+ templates covering Stratocaster, Telecaster, Les Paul, Jazzmaster, Gretsch, and more. Document every control, pot value, and coil split. Track your pickup inventory including stored pickups you plan to reinstall. STRAP COLLECTION Track every strap you own — brand, material, colour, lock type, and photo. FretLedger matches straps to guitars by strap button style so compatible pairings surface automatically on each guitar's overview. Attach a strap to a guitar and the pairing travels with the instrument. All major strap lock systems are supported. SIX LANGUAGES FretLedger is fully translated into English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. Every screen, label, and service type — including all 40+ wiring templates — is localised. The app follows your device's language setting automatically. SHARE AND BACK UP WITH CONFIDENCE Export a branded Guitar Passport PDF to share with a buyer. Send individual guitars or your whole collection as a .fretledger file via AirDrop or Mail. Automatic daily backups keep your data safe across app updates. No subscription. No account. No cloud. Everything stays on your device.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: FretLedger at 100% against BOSS Effect Loader's 42%. FretLedger also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 8). BOSS Effect Loader's advantage is price (Free vs $1.99) and ratings volume (8 vs 1). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
BOSS Effect Loader is free to download; FretLedger costs $1.99 up front. BOSS Effect Loader sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. FretLedger asks for nothing beyond the download.
FretLedger holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BOSS Effect Loader has 8 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 42% of BOSS Effect Loader's written reviews are positive against 100% of FretLedger's.
BOSS Effect Loader ships an update every 5 months, FretLedger every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | BOSS Effect Loader | FretLedger |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $1.99 |
| Rating | 3.5 (8 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 41.7% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 8 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 6 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Roland Corporation | ADRIAN GOODYEAR |
Customer experience
BOSS Effect Loader
FretLedger
In-app purchases
BOSS Effect Loader
- PW-2 Power Driver$9.99
- XT-2 Xtortion$9.99
- CS-2 Compression Sustainer$9.99
Show 5 moreShow fewer
- DM-2 Delay$9.99
- DC-2 Dimension C$9.99
- OD-2 TURBO OverDrive$9.99
- Bundle for PW-2/XT-2/CS-2$19.99
- Bundle for OD-2/DC-2/DM-2$19.99
FretLedger
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is BOSS Effect Loader free?
Is FretLedger free?
Which has better reviews, BOSS Effect Loader or FretLedger?
Do BOSS Effect Loader or FretLedger have ads?
Which is updated more often, BOSS Effect Loader or FretLedger?
Other comparisons















