Best Chorus Pedal 2024 - Complete Guide
- Raphael
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Here are the official Guitarsite results for the best chorus pedals of this year. We hope you will be impressed by this list and our tips.
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone
The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone pedal has been used on countless hit records and can add depth and character to your sound.
TC Electronic Afterglow
The TC Electronic Afterglow packs a punch, delivering a classic, warm chorus sound that'll take you back to the days of analog gear.
Boss CE-2W Chorus Ensemble
The Boss CE-2W Chorus Ensemble is part of Boss's Waza Craft series, designed for discerning musicians who seek unparalleled sound quality.
MXR M234 Analog Chorus
The MXR M234 Analog Chorus is a versatile pedal combining compactness and robust control. Tank tough build quality and high reliability.
TC Electronic Corona Mini
The TC Electronic Corona Mini Chorus is a compact pedal that might change your mind if you thought chorus sounds were only for '80s ballads.
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Picture yourself transported back to the ’80s, surrounded by lush, dreamy soundscapes that defined the era’s music.
The iconic shimmer and depth we all know and love were often crafted by one particular device – the chorus pedal.
Chorus pedals became synonymous with the era’s sonic identity, adding richness and movement to the guitar’s tone and quickly becoming a staple in the arsenal of many musicians.
Did you know chorus pedals are making a comeback? That’s right! Modern music genres are rediscovering their ethereal qualities and incorporating them into everything from indie rock to electronic music.
With this resurgence, innovative designs have emerged that offer a broader range of sounds and features, making the chorus pedal more exciting than ever before!
So, let’s explore chorus pedals’ potential to make your guitar sound amazing. We’ll also examine how they continue to inspire musicians in crafting their unique sound.
Get ready to be blown away by the incredible versatility and creativity a chorus pedal can bring to your music!
The Best Chorus Pedal - Guitarsite 2024
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone
Best Multi Effect Pedal (Overall)
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Small Clone is a classic analog chorus pedal that has left its mark on numerous hit records. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this pedal offers a lush chorus effect that can add depth and character to your sound.
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Let’s examine what makes the Small Clone stand out. First, its appearance is unique—the combination of purple, black, white, and silver creates an eye-catching visual ambiance that’s hard to miss.
While it might not be the sturdiest pedal on the market, it gets the job done and will catch your attention.
One thing that sets the Small Clone apart is its analog circuitry. This ensures that you get that beloved chorus sound reminiscent of the ’80s. Plus, your tone remains intact with True Bypass switching when the pedal is disengaged. No loss of characteristics here!
Powering the Small Clone is a breeze, too. Depending on your preference, you can use either a 9V battery or an adapter. And when it comes to the control section, it’s refreshingly straightforward. With just a single knob and a switch, you can dial in your desired chorus effect in no time.
Regarding sound characteristics, the Small Clone delivers a noise-free, quality sound that adds thickness to your tone, making it more dynamic.
However, it’s worth noting that there’s a slight pop when activated, and the build quality isn’t the most rugged. So be sure to handle it with care.
The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone is a beloved pedal that has stood the test of time. It’s perfect for guitarists seeking that classic chorus sound, and its warm analog tones and user-friendly controls make it a great choice.
Try one of the most legendary chorus pedals still out today!
Pros:
- Classic Analog Chorus Sound
- Perfect for creating spacious, shimmering sounds.
- Simple Controls
- True Bypass
Cons:
- Slight Pop When Activated
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Pedal Type: Analog Chorus | Controls: Rate, Depth Switch |
Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ | Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ |
Dimensions: 1.6″ x 3.373″ x 5.1875″ | Power: 9V DC (Sold Separately |
Battery: 1 x 9V Battery | Weight: 1 lbs. |
TC Electronic Afterglow
Best Budget Chorus Pedal
TC Electronic Afterglow Chorus Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Small Clone is a classic analog chorus pedal that has left its mark on numerous hit records. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this pedal offers a lush chorus effect that can add depth and character to your sound.
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The three control knobs – Rate, Depth, and Mix – make it easy to dial in your desired sound. You can adjust the speed of modulation with the Rate knob, control the intensity of the effect with the Depth knob, and balance the dry signal with the chorus signal using the Mix knob. It’s that simple!
But what about the sound? The chorus effect produced by the Afterglow is beautifully subtle and musical. Even with the Mix knob cranked up, it won’t overpower your tone. And unlike some chorus pedals that scream ’80s cheese, the Afterglow adds a nice color without going overboard. It avoids that dreaded cheesy sound, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your clean or driven tones.
The Afterglow Chorus is part of TC Electronic’s Smorgasbord of Tones range, which includes nicely designed pedals. And at an affordable price, it’s accessible for many guitarists.
However, some users find the casing and knobs to be solid but bulky, and the Mix knob may not provide a full 0-100% range of dry/mix level. But these are generally not deal-breakers for most situations.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable chorus pedal that delivers a tasteful effect without fuss, the TC Electronic Afterglow Chorus is worth considering! It’s one of the best chorus pedal deals around!
Pros:
- Vintage-Style Analog Chorus
- Subtle and Musical Modulation
- Adds a nice color without going overboard
- Affordable Price
Cons:
- Size and Bulky Design
- Limited Wet/Dry Range
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Pedal Type: Analog Chorus | Controls: Rate, Depth, Mix |
Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ | Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ |
Dimensions: 2.3″ x 2.9″ x 5.2″ | Power: 9V DC (Sold Separately |
Battery: 1 x 9V Battery | Weight: 1 lbs. |
Boss CE-2W Chorus Ensemble
Best Multi Effect Pedal (Overall)
Boss CE-2W Chorus Ensemble Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Boss CE-2W Chorus Ensemble is a stereo chorus pedal that combines the best of two classic chorus effects. This high-end offering is part of Boss’s Waza Craft series, which means it’s designed for discerning musicians who seek top-tier sound quality.
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This pedal combines the best of two classic chorus effects: the iconic CE-1 Chorus Ensemble from 1976 and its compact successor, the CE-2 Chorus. The CE-1 is also found built into the Roland Jazz Chorus amp.
The CE-2W delivers a unique blend of classic stereo chorus sounds with its versatile chorus modes, accessible via the chorus mode switch. In the standard position, it produces the smooth CE-2 chorus sound. Slide it to the middle, and you’ll experience the definitive swirl of the CE-1. Move it to the right, and the pedal engages full-on vibrato mode for pitch-bending goodness.
Thanks to an all-analog circuit with bucket brigade delay chips, the CE-2W produces authentic and lush chorus tones that thicken your guitar tone with a liquid, watery shimmer. Switching to CE-1 yields deeper modulation with more movement.
The vibrato mode is perfect for SRV-style Leslie leads and can even mimic the Small Clone vibrato effects Kurt Cobain used on “Come As You Are.” Stereo outputs make it a great way to add width to your sound.
Despite being analog, the CE-2W maintains low noise levels and preserves your guitar’s core tone. And while it might not come cheap, priced at around £199 / €219 / $299, its unique blend of classic chorus flavors makes it a worthy investment for serious players.
Whether you’re after vintage vibes or exploring new sonic territory, the Boss CE-2W Chorus Ensemble delivers a rousing ensemble performance that sets it apart from the competition.
So, if you have to choose between other stereo choruses that serious musicians will appreciate, consider the Boss CE-2W Chorus Ensemble!
Pros:
- Lush and authentic chorus tones
- Low Noise
- Vintage Vibes
- Versatile
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Pedal Type: Analog Chorus | Controls: Rate, Depth, CE-1 |
Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ | Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ |
Dimensions: 1.6″ x 3.373″ x 5.1875″ | Power Supply: 9V DC (Sold Separately |
Battery: 1 x 9V Battery | Weight: 1 lbs. |
MXR M234 Analog Chorus
Most Versatile Chorus Pedal
MXR M234 Analog Chorus Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Are you looking for a compact analogue chorus pedal that gives you total control over your sound? Look no further than the MXR M234 Analog Chorus.
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Let me tell you why this pedal is the real deal. First, its small size will only take up a little space on your pedalboard, leaving more room for experimentation.
But that doesn’t mean it skimps on features. In fact, it boasts five knobs that let you fine-tune your chorus sound to perfection.
With the Rate and Depth knobs, you can dial in a range of classic chorus tones, while the two EQ knobs give you even more control over your tone.
And the Level knob lets you adjust the intensity of the effect, whether you’re going for subtle or full-on ensemble sounds.
Plus, with genuine analog bucket brigade technology, you can be sure you’re getting an authentic and rich chorus sound. And by playing around with the rate and depth controls, you can unlock a whole world of unique and exciting chorus tones.
Of course, no product is perfect, and while we love the MXR M234 Analog Chorus, we wish the battery access was a bit easier to deal with.
But all in all, this is an excellent pedal that we highly recommend to anyone looking to add a chorus effect to their setup.
Pros:
- Small footprint for a five-knob pedal.
- Useful tone controls.
Cons:
- The four-screw battery access could be more user-friendly.
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Pedal Type: Analog Chorus | Controls: Rate, Depth, Level, Low, High |
Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ | Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ |
Dimensions: 2.5″ x 4.5″ x 5.5″ | Power: 9V DC (Sold Separately |
Battery: 1 x 9V Battery | Weight: 0.84 lbs. |
TC Electronic Corona Mini
Best Compact Chorus Pedal
TC Electronic Corona Mini Chorus Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The TC Electronic Corona Mini Chorus offers many features that impress even the most discerning musicians. And it does all this while retaining a compact profile, perfect for small pedalboard rigs.
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One of the Corona Mini’s standout features is TC Electronic’s TonePrint system. With this ingenious system, you can easily ‘beam’ new presets from your iOS or Android phone.
While the pedal can only use one setting at a time, it has a massive collection of presets at its disposal.
Another great feature of the Corona Mini is its analog dry-through. This allows the pedal to keep your raw guitar tone intact, perfect for achieving a Perfect Circle-style distorted chords and warbly rotating speaker-ish solos. And with a USB connection, it’s easy to update and explore new sounds.
But what about the pros and cons, you ask? Well, the Corona Mini has an extensive library of TonePrint presets, which means you’ll find a variety of sounds, from subtle thickening to extreme effects.
And at its price point, it’s an excellent value for all its features. TC Electronic pedals are known for their rugged build quality, so you know you’re getting a well-made product.
The only downside to the Corona Mini is its compact size, which may not suit all players.
But if you’re looking for a versatile chorus pedal that delivers shimmering tones, the TC Electronic Corona Mini Chorus is one of the best deals to consider.
So what are you waiting for? Grab one today and start rocking out!
Pros:
- Large Library of TonePrint Presets
- Incredibly versatile for a small pedal
- Good Value
- Well Made
Cons:
- Minimal features
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Pedal Type: Digital Chorus | Controls: Rate, Depth, FX Level |
Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ | Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ |
Dimensions: 1.9″ x 1.9″ x 3.7″ | Power: 9V DC (Sold Separately |
Battery: N/A | Weight: 0.6 lbs. |
Boss DC-2W Dimension C
Best stereo chorus pedal
Boss DC-2W Waza Craft Dimension C Chorus Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
This compact pedal pays homage to its predecessors, particularly the legendary Roland SDD-320 Dimension D, bringing back the iconic spatial sounds that revolutionized the music industry in the late 1970s and 1980s.
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Unlike traditional pedals, the DC-2W features a user-friendly interface with four buttons that allow you to select two buttons simultaneously, resulting in ten different settings for each of its two voicings.
With its unique Dimension effect, this pedal offers a unique twist on traditional chorus modulation, providing richer variations that add depth, shimmer, and sparkle to your sound.
From chordal arpeggios to strummed parts, the DC-2W handles drive and distortion exceptionally well, making it versatile for various musical contexts.
Whether you want to recreate sought-after vintage effects or explore new sonic landscapes, this pedal delivers.
The DC-2W offers two voicings: Dimension C Pedal Mode, which replicates the original Boss DC-2 Dimension C pedal, and SDD-320 Mode, which mimics the essence of the original Roland SDD-320 Dimension D. This mode has great stereo image credit to the original Roland.
With its easy-to-use interface, this pedal is the perfect choice for both clean and driven sounds.
While the Boss MD-500 may be more cost-effective at a similar price point, the DC-2W Dimension C adds a fresh modulation flavor to your sonic arsenal.
If you’ve ever admired the Dimension D and C units but hesitated due to high secondhand prices and reliability concerns, the Waza Craft iteration provides an excellent opportunity to experience this iconic effect again. Get ready to take your sound to the next level!
Pros:
- Faithfully recreates sought-after vintage effects.
- Easy-to-use interface with no knobs.
- Suitable for both clean and driven sounds.
Cons:
- The Boss MD-500 may be more cost-effective at a similar price point.
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Pedal Type: Analog Chorus | Controls: 4 Preset Buttons, Mode Selector |
Inputs: 2 x 1/4″ | Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ |
Power: 9V DC (Sold Separately | Dimensions: 2.37″ x 2.87″ x 5.12″ |
Battery: 1 x 9V Battery | Weight: 1 lb. |
Things to Consider in Choosing the Best Chorus Pedal
When selecting the best chorus pedal for your guitar setup, several factors must be considered. Let’s dive into these considerations to help you make an informed choice:
Playing Style
Chorus stompboxes are a great way to add depth and texture to your sound. But not all chorus pedals are created equal. There are two main types: analog and digital. Analog pedals give you a classic, warm sound for clean or slightly distorted guitar tones. Digital pedals, on the other hand, offer more options and controls, making them a good choice for a broader range of music styles, including heavier genres. Take these differences into account when choosing a chorus pedal.
Type of Music
When choosing a chorus pedal for your music, it’s important to consider the style you play.
If you’re into dream pop or shoegaze, look for a pedal to create an expansive stereo chorus sound with modulation.
But if you’re into blues or jazz, a subtle chorus sounds more natural, or maybe nothing at all. You can enhance your music and create the perfect sound for your style by picking the correct type of chorus pedal.
Be careful not to mindlessly stuff your tone with unnecessary chorus if it’s not really needed by the track. Finding a good chorus pedal that combines well with other pedals is also important.
Controls and Features
To get the most out of your chorus pedal, knowing about the different controls available is essential.
These controls let you adjust the sound in different ways. The Rate control adjusts how fast or slow the sound changes. The Depth control lets you choose how strong or gentle the sound effect is. The Mix control lets you balance the original sound with the new sound effects.
Most chorus pedals offer essential features, but some pedals have extras that allow you to create a bigger, more complex sound.
Conclusion
Drawing from the detailed analysis on the current page, here’s a concise conclusion for an article about the best chorus pedals.
The most important factors to consider are versatility, tone, quality, build, innovation, and features. After all, you want a pedal that can deliver a range of sounds, from subtle shimmer to deep vibrato, while withstanding rigorous use and providing creative control over the sound.
But here’s the thing: the best chorus pedal for you depends on your style and the specific tone you’re seeking. So take some time to consider what you’re looking for, and then choose the pedal that fits your needs. Trust us, once you find the right one, you’ll wonder how you ever played without it.
While we do stand by our recommendations above, don’t let it stop you from checking out runner ups like the Walrus Audio Julia, Ibanez CS9, Line 6 Space Chorus.
Raphael Pulgar
Lead Author
Alexander Briones
Contributor: Editing and Supplemental Writing
2 thoughts on “Best Chorus Pedal 2024 – Complete Guide”
I have been playing guitar since 1979. For the longest time I only used a Wah Wah Pedal. I am a hard core Les Paul & Marshall Amp player. When I got my Fender Blackface Deluxe Reverb I absolutely needed a gain box. After a lot of research I chose the Pro Co RAT II. Then I checked out Chorus Pedals and I went with a DOD “Ice Box” Chorus which I still think is a really great Chorus Pedal. Such depth and crystalline tones. Well, I happened to have an old Boss BCB-30 Pedal Case/Board from the eighties. The black one with chrome metal hinges. I started off with the Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive. That was good but then I checked out the Boss OD-3 Overdrive. Love the OD-3. Then I went with a Boss CH-1 Super Chorus and finally the Boss DD-3 Digital Delay. That’s it. Just a simple (3) pedal pedalboard. I use the Chorus and Delay to thicken my guitar tone. This simple set up sounds great through Fender “Blackface” Amplifiers. I highly recommend the Boss CH-1 Super Chorus even over the Boss CE-3 Chorus Ensemble. The Boss CH-1 Super Chorus is the best Chorus pedal IMHO.
I have this pedal.. Its the best one I have found as well..