Chorus Pedal

Guitar effects can be quite complicated. Most guitarists know the basics, like distortion, overdrive, and reverb, but there are significantly more effects which can be very useful. This includes the chorus pedal, which is not only useful, but also very important. Consequently, it is good to know what chorus actually is, how it works, and with what effects it can be combined with. As a result, we have made a summary of all the important information, so that you can pick the perfect chorus pedal that fits your sound and needs. This article will explain how chorus works, what the differences between chorus and similar effects like reverb and flanger are, what the differences are between chorus pedals, and what additional effects you could use with the chorus effect.

Check out our selection of Chorus pedals!

What is Chorus?

Chorus is a guitar effect which adds a certain ambiance to your sound. It’s kind of like an echo, but not an echo like the delay effect creates. Chorus makes it sound like you’re playing in a room with fantastic acoustics. This is similar to the reverb pedal, but not completely, there are some important differences. Reverb also adds acoustics, which are clear and bright, whereas chorus also slightly detunes the added acoustics. This sounds odd, but it’s actually incredibly interesting, because if you play a tone with chorus, the tone will be played clearly, but also slightly detuned. This was inspired by choirs, because when multiple vocalists sing together, they will all be on a slightly different tune. This is very minimal, because proper detuning will make it sound off, whereas very slight detuning adds a complex and beautiful sound. Additionally, electric sounds tend to sound too perfect, most of the time, which can sound a little flat and artificial. By adding beating to the audio waves (beating is a slight variation within the waves), they aren’t completely perfect anymore. The sound will be less artificial and more realistic, instead. It will also add emotion to your music. Chorus is also relatively similar to the flanger effect, but chorus is more nuanced and authentic, whereas flanger contains more distortion and tremelo, and slows the echo down.

The selection of chorus pedals

There aren’t many differences between chorus pedals, but the most important differences are the various functions of pedals and its circuit. Some pedals are relatively simple and only have the basic functions, like the MXR M148 Micro Chorus, whereas other pedals have a wide selection of different sounds and functions, like the Fender Bubbles Analog. Additionally, there are chorus pedals at different price points, so it’s good to keep your budget in mind. There are relatively affordable chorus pedals, like the Stagg Blaxx BX-Chorus, but also more professional pedals, like the Boss MD-500. The most important difference, however, is in the mechanics of the pedal. Chorus pedals can either have an analog circuit or a digital circuit. Analog chorus pedals sound more authentic, warmer, and deeper, whereas digital chorus pedals sound a little more electronic, but they also have more functions and tend to be more affordable. Nevertheless, there are digital chorus pedals that can recreate the analog sound quite successfully. One of the most popular chorus pedals is the Boss CH-1. The CH-1 was released in 1976 and has a fantastic analog circuit which creates an amazing and authentic sound. Many guitarists have used this pedal, especially in the 1980s, which means the pedal can be heard in many popular songs. After all these decades, this amazing pedal is still available. Nevertheless, Boss has released many other chorus pedals throughout the years, like the innovative CE-2W, which has been made with the best techniques and has even more functions and possibilities!

Which effects can you combine with chorus?

In theory, all effects can be used with chorus. However, certain combination will sound significantly better than others. Firstly, there are multiple combination you can make with reverb and/or delay effects. As explained earlier, these three effects are similar, which means they complement each other amazingly. A delay pedal will add a clear and articulated echo, which will add more layers to the chorus. Reverb, on the other hand, will add even more ambiance and a deeper sound. Furthermore, chorus can be combined with distortion and/or overdrive. The distorted sound these pedals cause will shorten the audiowaves and make the sound grittier and sharper. The chorus will then add more layers to this amazing sound and make it more authentic and lively.

What next?

Now it’s up to you to choose the perfect chorus pedal for your sound! After reading this article, you know what you need to take into account when choosing a chorus pedal. The choice is thus mostly between analog and digital, so either the warmer and deeper sound of the analog circuit, or the artificial and versatile sound of the digital pedals. Furthermore, you’ll have to decide between which functions and which price point you prefer. Chorus is indispensable for every pedal board and it will make your sound more professional and lively. If you have any other questions, you can always get in contact with us and we will personally help you find your ideal chorus pedal!

Check out our selection of Chorus pedals!