Boss CE-2 replacement needed: MXR, Joyo or Mooer?

[Speeddemon]

As described in another thread, my Boss CE-2 (MIJ, long-dash) bit the dust after being locked in a moist pedal case (rain drenched the top-lid on an open-air stage, couldn't get everything out, but had to close the case for transport), at this point I have no idea how bad it is with the thing. Even if I get it fixed, I'm thinking twice to bring along such a valued vintage pedal for heavy gigging.
So I was looking for a suitable replacement and from some research, the ones that appeal to me the most are the
-MXR Analog Chorus (most flexible in settings; is said to be subtle)
-Mooer Ensemble King (said to be a very good CE-2 clone, nice and small)
-Joyo JF-37 Analog Chorus (cheap and simple).

I'm playing both clean and distorted with the chorus (70's/80's hard rock/metal covers), although the focus is on clean. Only HB-equipped guitars into an Engl Invader 100.

Can anyone share some opinions on these, in regards to the CE-2, since that's the chorus I like, but age and current market value make it less appealing for heavy gigging (I'm at a point where I rather baby the vintage pedals in a studio environment).
Other chorusses I have, but can't use for size, reliability, power or taste-reasons:
-Ibanez BC9
-Ibanez CS9
-Ibanez CF7 (too metallic/sterile)
-DOD 690 Chorus (too big, and 220V)
-DOD FX60 (weak footswitch system)
-MXR Micro Chorus (vintage version, no LED)
-MXR Stereo Chorus (vintage version, no LED, too big and 110V unfortunately)

And the ones I've tried but didn't like:
-TC SCF (not too bad, but lacks some character compared to the CE-2)
-Boss CH-1
-Boss CE-3
-Boss CE-5

 

[SackvilleDan]

I'd check out an Ibanez SC-10 Super Stereo Chorus. It's the only chorus that beats the CE-2 for me. It's a little more tweakable, and can get slightly brighter than the CE-2, which may be a good thing with your rig.

Quite a few videos on Youtube.

 

[Speeddemon]

I'd check out an Ibanez SC-10 Super Stereo Chorus. It's the only chorus that beats the CE-2 for me. It's a little more tweakable, and can get slightly brighter than the CE-2, which may be a good thing with your rig.

Quite a few videos on Youtube.

I read some of the responses (also after your recommendation), that the SC-10 gets a lot brighter, whereas the CE-2 would be fatter. I prefer fatter. Also, while deals can be had, I rather stick with something that's more readily available, instead of waiting for getting a decent deal on an SC-10. Used prices on that aren't what they used to be. Over $70-80 easily, and that would get me a new pedal of the ones mentioned in my first post.

 

[Kit*]

You could always go for a CE-2 MIT, I've read that they sound the same and are much cheaper.

 

[GuitarsFromMars]

Dry out the pedal, see if it works.

It gets a trip to Bob Keeley if it's broken.

Buy a used CE-2(Taiwan).

I cannot tell the difference.

$75.

 

[dirk_benedict]

I would go with a Corona Chorus and get the free CE-2 toneprint. Stereo ins/outs on it and the ability to try a hundred other Chorus sounds...

 

[theroan]

I would go with a Corona Chorus and get the free CE-2 toneprint. Stereo ins/outs on it and the ability to try a hundred other Chorus sounds...

+1

also Mod Tone also makes a low cost CE-2 style chorus.

 

[cj_wattage]

If you're handy with the old soldering iron (or know someone who is), consider getting a BYOC clone kit. It's excellent.

 

[Nota]

I'd recommend the Ensemble King. It's SMALL (a huge plus for me), sounds great.

 

[freaksho]

how tweaky are you with chorus sounds? i'm guessing not much since the CE-2 is only 2 button. i hope adding another to the list is not too annoying but are you aware of the EHX Neo Clone? (not the Nano Clone). inexpensive, very simple, analog, very warm and can go from very subtle to wacked out watery. also it's TB is that matters to you. one complaint you might have is that the depth control is a 2 position switch rather than a knob, which i've never minded i'm not a huge chorus user. it just sounds nice, and i actually find it a little liberating to have less control.

i should add that i'm not familiar with the CE-2 specifically so i can't say for sure how the Neo compares. but i did have a CE-3 modded to CE-2 specs (Fromel kit) and i like the warmth of the Neo a whole lot more.

 

[scolfax]

Is the ModTone analog or digital?

 

[Mr. Limbic]

I have the analog version of the CH1 and its flat out great, I usse itmore than my ce2 bc the parameters are more adjustable an can be very subtle...now I just use my pitchfactor, and I love that too

 

[theroan]

Is the ModTone analog or digital?

I believe it's analog.

 

[Speeddemon]

how tweaky are you with chorus sounds? i'm guessing not much since the CE-2 is only 2 button. i hope adding another to the list is not too annoying but are you aware of the EHX Neo Clone? (not the Nano Clone). inexpensive, very simple, analog, very warm and can go from very subtle to wacked out watery. also it's TB is that matters to you. one complaint you might have is that the depth control is a 2 position switch rather than a knob, which i've never minded i'm not a huge chorus user. it just sounds nice, and i actually find it a little liberating to have less control.

i should add that i'm not familiar with the CE-2 specifically so i can't say for sure how the Neo compares. but i did have a CE-3 modded to CE-2 specs (Fromel kit) and i like the warmth of the Neo a whole lot more.

Not tweaky at all.
Rate to 10 'o clock, Depth to 2 'o clock and leave it at that.
For both distortion and clean parts, this setting was really useful with the CE-2.

I'm handy with a soldering iron (or did everyone already forget about Hot Wire Audio? ), but too little time these days.
And I figure, if a Mooer, Joyo, MXR or ModTone (although I have my doubts of the later, considering so many complaints, not to mention the pedal is butt-ugly!) does the exact trick too, why bother soldering?

 

[Richard P]

For vintage chorus, can't say enough about the Jacques Meistersinger. I haven't been able to bond with a digital chorus, and I've tried.

Or you could just go ahead and get another old CE-2.

 

[thewordking]

Having been through the same search I can tell you what I found. The winner for me was the Corona hands down, but with the Dimension M toneprint, not the CE-2. The CE-2 toneprint isn't bad but when I AB'ed it with my (still very much working) MIJ Black Label CE-2 it just felt a little flat. The Dimension M, however, NAILED it. I still have the CE-2 but it's no longer on my board. Don't need it anymore. FWIW, my runner up was the BYOC Analog Chorus. It's a great CE-2 clone.

 

[Goldwing]

I think you already have plenty of good suggestions.. so in summary:

- BYOC Chorus.. you cand build it or buy it completed already fromo one ebay dealer.
- Jacques Meistersinger chorus.
- Mooer Chorus..analog, small..cheap and dead on the sound according to some reviews.
- TC Corona chorus with a toneprint that you like. ..

 

[SackvilleDan]

I read some of the responses (also after your recommendation), that the SC-10 gets a lot brighter, whereas the CE-2 would be fatter. I prefer fatter. Also, while deals can be had, I rather stick with something that's more readily available, instead of waiting for getting a decent deal on an SC-10. Used prices on that aren't what they used to be. Over $70-80 easily, and that would get me a new pedal of the ones mentioned in my first post.

If you like fatter, check out a Retro-Sonic Chorus. They are CE-1 clones, and darn good! I love the vibrato side.

 

[kcb]

Corona
MXR Zakk Wylde
Earthquaker Sea Machine

 

[Speeddemon]

If you like fatter, check out a Retro-Sonic Chorus. They are CE-1 clones, and darn good! I love the vibrato side.

I know that one, but it's too big for my pedal case.
It's an Ibanez Tonelok case, so Boss pedals have a bit room to spare, but a 1590BB housing wouldn't fit.

So the Corona would fit, as would the Mod Tone, Mooer (for that one I'd need to make some bracket/holder), or the MXR and Joyo.