Chorus Shootout!

[GuitarFan]

I am looking for a new chorus pedal to potentially replace my Boss CH-1. Amazing pedal, but have trouble with Boss switches going out and am looking for something different. Sound trumps the analog/digital issue. Strongly considering the MXR M234 Analog Chorus or the TC Electronc Corona (digital), but want to hear your experiences.

Current Rig: Strat > Vox Saturator > MXR Carbon Copy > Boss CE-1 Chorus > Fender Hot Rod Deluxe

REQUIREMENTS:
- Warm and natural
- Able to dial in VERY SUBTLE Chorus
- Great for clean and gain
- Under $150!

If anyone has a side-by-side demo of the MXR M234 and the TCE Corona, please post it. Also, please share your other recommendations. Thanks!

[EricPeterson]

Well, it is not boutique, but the DOD FX65 can be had cheap, I just bought one on the bay for 25 bucks shipped! But I think it sounds quite good, can be subtle to very strong, does a good leslie and classic chorus sound, uses an analog circuit, stereo. Here is a good demo (not me) showing the versatility and showing its use for slow, fast, clean and distorted:

dWlSLctE8ec

[Ramblin390]

I have and like the corona, I here good things about the jacques meistersinger
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/jacques-ms-2-meistersinger-analog-chorus-pedal/153027000000000?src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=37318452

I like the tc better than the mxr. ymmv

[jay42]

Amazing pedal, but have trouble with Boss switches going out and am looking for something different.Stomp switches or the panel ones? Switches are generally reliable, but after 35 years they could all be replaced and the pedal will be reliable again. Big footprint of course.

If you don't use the vibrato, is there anything wrong with an old CE-2?

[Axekisser]

Don't laugh but the Fender Starcaster Chorus is great! I TB'd it- it was easy- and did the mod so the "on" light blinks at the cycle rate. It's a Boss analog chorus clone (CE-5) and sounds great. The Hardwire chorus is good too, if you like digital.

[Bobby D]

find a used retrosonic chorus, and you will have the CE-1 in a modern small box -- it's a KILLER chorus!

[Fuzzy Lines]

Well, it is not boutique, but the DOD FX65 can be had cheap, I just bought one on the bay for 25 bucks shipped! But I think it sounds quite good, can be subtle to very strong, does a good leslie and classic chorus sound, uses an analog circuit, stereo. Here is a good demo (not me) showing the versatility and showing its use for slow, fast, clean and distorted:

dWlSLctE8ec

I love the sound of this pedal (and got it via a good trade), but it can't handle being hit with a little mid boost from my EQ pedal. I want to run it stereo though so it doesn't make any sense to put it before the EQ and have only one side EQed. It sounds good if you aren't going to be blasting it, but I'm on the hunt for something with more headroom.

[geodr]

Hardwire CR-7 - sounds quite good and very versatile

[benderman]

I agree with Bobby D.,i've had the Retrosonic Chorus on my board for about 5 years and it has'nt left my board.

[King Rat]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKrvhdTQHos

[tripp2k]

+2 on the Retrosonic. I would add AnalogMan's. IMO, different beasts. Retro = Warble, AM = Wave. I've had multiples of both at different times.

[cubistguitar]

I know it isn't a prize to most, but i really like my Dano Cool Cat 18v. These are the ones they did about 15 years ago when they got into the business. Nice warm sounds, very 80s chorus to me. Of course i can live without this effect.

[Mick_Braun]

I recently picked up the BMF Liquid Sky and I love it. Very warm and lush yet a "traditional" chorus tone if that makes sense. Has a blend knob so it can do subtle. New at $180-ish but I imagine you can pick one up used for well under your budget. I typically use chorus only on clean tones, so I can't speak as to how it would sound with gain.

[Loop-Master]

I am looking for a new chorus pedal to potentially replace my Boss CH-1. Amazing pedal, but have trouble with Boss switches going out and am looking for something different. Sound trumps the analog/digital issue. Strongly considering the MXR M234 Analog Chorus or the TC Electronc Corona (digital), but want to hear your experiences.

Current Rig: Strat > Vox Saturator > MXR Carbon Copy > Boss CE-1 Chorus > Fender Hot Rod Deluxe

REQUIREMENTS:
- Warm and natural
- Able to dial in VERY SUBTLE Chorus
- Great for clean and gain
- Under $150!

If anyone has a side-by-side demo of the MXR M234 and the TCE Corona, please post it. Also, please share your other recommendations. Thanks!


You could put the CH-1 in a loop switcher and turn it on and off via the loop switch. You would never have to stomp on the CH-1 to activate it so no more wear and tear on its switch plus, you would be able to bypass it completely when off. All under $50 ;)

[jpagey]

don't know the price these day, but my Voodoo Lab Analog Chorus fits your description

[paaes335]

Well, it is not boutique, but the DOD FX65 can be had cheap, I just bought one on the bay for 25 bucks shipped! But I think it sounds quite good, can be subtle to very strong, does a good leslie and classic chorus sound, uses an analog circuit, stereo. Here is a good demo (not me) showing the versatility and showing its use for slow, fast, clean and distorted:

dWlSLctE8ec

Not to derail from the OP but does the DOD pedal have a jack for external power supply? This demo sounds great! I love the sound of my TC SCF pedal but don't like how the input trim adds to the signal in a weird way.

Thanks

[Altgtr33]

EH Neo Clone is a smaller nano-sized Small Klone(it actually says small klon on the inside board). Their pretty cheap at $66.75 new on MF and it's a neat analog chorus that gets some cool doubling and flange style sounds as well as leslie-type tones. Only con is it makes a "pop" sound the first time u stomp on it(at least mine does) but there are ways around that.
I used a Boss CE-2 for over 10 years and even as nice as that sounds(the knobs in ANY position sounds great, I'd leave the knobs at O and get a cool boost/thick tone) I still like the Neo Clone better.

[dudu]

This:

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[Csgband]

Retro-Sonic is the one. Then I really dig the Stigtronics, it is real good, small and a fair price.
I use them both, different boards.

[EricPeterson]

Not to derail from the OP but does the DOD pedal have a jack for external power supply? This demo sounds great! I love the sound of my TC SCF pedal but don't like how the input trim adds to the signal in a weird way.

Thanks

Yeah it does, but it is a non standard 1/8inch headphone jack style.

[FenderBigot]

.. Strongly considering the MXR M234 Analog Chorus or the TC Electronc Corona (digital), but want to hear your experiences.

I went through the same search not too long ago and the final two candidates were these two pedals. I ended up buying a used MXR Black Label Chorus (same exact pedal as the 234) for only $70. I has all the things you ask for... I think it does the subtle thing very well. I think you can't go wrong with either and the TCE will give you more sounds with the switches and toneprint, but I found I prefer analog over digital.

Oh a side note... I had the Hardwire CR7 and it's a good sounding clean only chorus, but when you put it with any dirt/od it sounds very processed/digital IMHO.

[GuitarFan]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I have considered a used Retrochorus or Analogman, but haven't found them used under the $150 price range. I have heard great things about stigtronics, but I can't find any demos online - even their website has removed them!

Also, regarding buffering... How much noise have you fund that multiple true bypass modulation pedals cause in your signal chain? The MXR234 is true bypass, the CH-1 is buffered, and the TCE Corona is switcheable from true bypass to buffered. I like true-bypass, but don't necessarily want to buy a separate noise gate down the road if a buffered pedal will kill two birds with one stone. I have heard that many people will use a Boss Pedal Tuner to act as the buffer in their signal change. What are your thoughts and experiences - does any of that matter?

[phisher422]

i'm going to try the malekko chorus to replace my ch-1. Sounds pretty awesome on the proguitarshop.com demo.....

[soopajeanmi]

REQUIREMENTS:
- Warm and natural
- Able to dial in VERY SUBTLE Chorus
- Great for clean and gain
- Under $150!

A used one should be under 150:

http://www.tortugaeffects.com/Martini_files/TortugaMartiniStraight.png

Totally addictive and mind-blowing chorus

[MRCHILL4]

AM BICHORUS rules my world.

[Trotter]

I went through the same search not too long ago and the final two candidates were these two pedals. I ended up buying a used MXR Black Label Chorus (same exact pedal as the 234) for only $70. I has all the things you ask for... I think it does the subtle thing very well. I think you can't go wrong with either and the TCE will give you more sounds with the switches and toneprint, but I found I prefer analog over digital.

Oh a side note... I had the Hardwire CR7 and it's a good sounding clean only chorus, but when you put it with any dirt/od it sounds very processed/digital IMHO.

Agreed. The MXR Analog Chorus is a great sounding, subtle chorus.

[rhythmrocker]

My first Chorus was a DOD FX65B (the stereo version of the FX65). It really is a very good chorus – from subtle to extreme. I actually am sorry that I sold it. Here’s the Instruction Manual: http://www.noisefx.com/docs/DOD_FX65B.pdf (http://www.noisefx.com/docs/DOD_FX65B.pdf)

I bought a TC Chorus/Flanger – too sterile for me – I like a bit of “character.”

I sold the TC for a Jacques Meistersinger – another really great chorus.

Then I did some research and found out about the EBS Chorus - http://www.noisefx.com/product_info/ebs_red_twister?ref=ngDumProdInfo (http://www.noisefx.com/product_info/ebs_red_twister?ref=ngDumProdInfo) a really great one that is rare to find. Here’s more on that: http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=240778 (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=240778)

That’s my experience; good luck.

[GuitarFan]

OK, the demos of the Tortuga Effects Martini Chorus give me the warm and fuzzies all over, though I'm not in love with the $300 price tag. However, is it transparent or does it mask your original tone? I can tell by the demo it is lush and warm, but can't really tell how it affects the original tone. If it is very responsive and interactive with the original tone, I might seek one out used. Any player experience?

[Dave2512]

This is what I use, I like it not sure if anyone else does. Doesn't seem to be much HBE love here.

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[soopajeanmi]

OK, the demos of the Tortuga Effects Martini Chorus give me the warm and fuzzies all over, though I'm not in love with the $300 price tag. However, is it transparent or does it mask your original tone? I can tell by the demo it is lush and warm, but can't really tell how it affects the original tone. If it is very responsive and interactive with the original tone, I might seek one out used. Any player experience?

The Tortuga is amazing, and can be dialed to be very sublte and transparent. The 2 channel is very handy, as you can switch between 2 chorus tones, or between a chorus tone and a amazing vibrato tone. More lush and warm than most other chorus.

It's the best chorus I've tried so far (had the diamond halo chorus, jacques meistersinger, hardwire chorus, modtone aqua-chorus). The few demo videos on youtube give a good idea of the martini tone.

[sick1982]

Corona Chorus. Can be very subtle, can be very warm. So far there are 21 TonePrint's available, so it would be very hard to not find a sound you like! I started with Guthrie Govan's TonePrint and didn't feel to change it so far.

[Richard P]

This thread makes me realize how much I've worried this issue over the last 4 years or so. Wow.

I've owned, not necessarily in this order:

Analogman x 2
Visual Sound (both these very nice, but I was still searching)
JAM Waterfall (better than both of the above, I think, but I was still searching)
Choralflange (had its moments of being the best ever, but too big and glitchy)
Guyatone mini-chorus (noisy)
BBE Mind Bender (REALLY noisy)
Stigtronics (nice but I'd rather just have an old CE-2 modded…oh, that's right! I had one of those too)
modded Electric Mistress (thought I'd love it, but didn't bond)
Corona x 2 (couldn't warm up to it, but the most versatile of all…if you like the sound, it's the most subtle)
ChromaChorus (might have been perfect if the chorused signal had a tone control)

These days I have the Meistersinger, and it's great…and I'm still looking. I'll get the CFV-2 when/if it comes out. I bet it'll be great, and it could replace a chorus, vibrato, and flanger! I'm going to get an MXR Micro Flanger, and if I like it I'll get the Micro Chorus too.

I guess it comes down to getting a particular magic sound I love and seldom hear coming out of my own equipment. Something, I think, about the way chorus does or doesn't interact with the sweet spots in your amps. So I hardly ever use chorus onstage! I imagine that I would/will if/when the magic gets more reliable. Good thing other effects are easier. Love my TC Shaker and Stigtronics trem.

[playthecray]

I am using an older Wilson Lavender Lush 3 knob with A/B switch to further expand the depth. It adds the perfect subtle shimmer to my clean tones.

[wundergussy]

I miss my EWS Arion mod. Such a great sound!

(Oh, and RE the VS video earlier in the thread: am I the only one that wants to throw up whenever I see one of Visual Sound's "Shootout" vids?)

[boogiejem]

The Visual Sound has ended my chorus search for the last 3 years but I always wanted to try the Red Witch Empress as this gets some rave reviews on the net and looks pretty versatile.

[citizen-erased]

it might push your budget a tad, but the red witch empress is an excellent chorus and vibrato.

some others to consider:
Boss CE2
Ibanez BC9
fulltone choralflange

[MRCHILL4]

am bichorus, there is no other to speak of.

[kevin hart]

If you don't use the vibrato, is there anything wrong with an old CE-2?


+1 i have not played a gig without a ce-2 since the early 80's. best chorus ever made i my opinion. and i've never had a boss pedal switch fail.

[MRCHILL4]

played a tc corona today. no way it is in the same league as the AM bichorus. my old tc chorus is far and away much better than this new one. it sounds just okay to me. i am kind of spoiled with the AM, i really want to find a used retrosonic. it sounds so thick.

[Gene]

Anolog Man chorus with stereo, depth, and mix option is it for me. 1st chorus I've bonded with.

[MRCHILL4]

Anolog Man chorus with stereo, depth, and mix option is it for me. 1st chorus I've bonded with.

me too. it spoiled me in a way. it is so right

[forum_crawler]

The retro-sonic is the right choice, but not for the required price limit.

A good option would be the Voodoo Lab Analog Chorus. I love it!

[MadMike62]

EH Neo Clone is a smaller nano-sized Small Klone(it actually says small klon on the inside board). Their pretty cheap at $66.75 new on MF and it's a neat analog chorus that gets some cool doubling and flange style sounds as well as leslie-type tones. Only con is it makes a "pop" sound the first time u stomp on it(at least mine does) but there are ways around that.
I used a Boss CE-2 for over 10 years and even as nice as that sounds(the knobs in ANY position sounds great, I'd leave the knobs at O and get a cool boost/thick tone) I still like the Neo Clone better.

+ 1
Also Works well with acoustic guitar and doesn't hog real estate.

[jzucker]

i'm also looking for a chorus. I'm looking for a holdsworth meets landau chorus. Tried the DLS, nuenaber, mxr, arion, fulltone, tc SCF, retrosonic and several others. The only one I liked was the arion but it's buffered bypass was horrible and when I had it modded to be true bypass, the pedal got ruined. Of the other ones, the closest to what I was hearing was the DLS but it sounded dated to me. The retrosonic is cool if you're looking for an '80s chorus. Most of the others were just meh...

[jzucker]

Well, it is not boutique, but the DOD FX65 can be had cheap, I just bought one on the bay for 25 bucks shipped! But I think it sounds quite good, can be subtle to very strong, does a good leslie and classic chorus sound, uses an analog circuit, stereo. Here is a good demo (not me) showing the versatility and showing its use for slow, fast, clean and distorted:

dWlSLctE8ec

how's the fx64 compare to the fx65?

[jzucker]

retrosonic is very good *IF YOU WANT '80s CHORUS*. It does not do the eric johnson or landau or holdsworth thing.