As a guitarist, it is very common to use guitar effects nowadays. But, popular as they may seem, it’s hard to describe the distinct tone chorus pedals give to our solos. The good news is you’ve already heard such effects infamous songs like Nirvana’s Come As You Are and Guns ‘N Roses’ Paradise City.
As stated by Andertons Music Co., a chorus pedal falls in the same umbrella as a flanger and phaser, in the sense that these three colour your tone via signal processing and manipulation. Chorus pedals are the best gears to use if you want to put more flavour and rich tone to your solos.
Getting one of the best chorus pedals might not be an easy task, but we’ll help you out. Below are the 7 best chorus pedals in the market today.
Contents
7 Best Chorus Pedals for Guitar (2024 Reviews)
- MXR M234 Analog Chorus Pedal
- Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus Pedal
- Boss CH-1 Stereo Super Chorus
- Donner Multi Guitar Effect Pedal Alpha Cruncher 3 Type Effects Delay Chorus Distortion Pedal with Adapter
- Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone Analog Chorus
- TC Electronic Corona Mini Chorus Pedal
- EarthQuaker Devices Sea Machine V2 Super Chorus Guitar Effects Pedal
Runner Up | Editor's Choice | Also Great |
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MXR M234 Analog Chorus Pedal
Featuring an all-analog pedal utilizing a bucket-brigade circuitry, have more comprehensive control over your chorus with the MXR M-234 Analog Chorus Pedal. With controls like Rate, Level, and Depth, and knobs for high and low frequencies, consider your chorus handled.
It is also housed in very durable and rugged construction functional jacks and switches that are perfect whenever you’re on the go. Explore and play with the M-234’s controls and knobs to achieve your desired setting.
The M-234 has high and low cut controls for detailed tone sculpting and two outputs for a wide and sweeping stereo spread. With that attractive and lively blue hue displayed on its casing, you’ll get a compact and lightweight gear for your solos.
- Useful tone controls
- Small footprint for a five-knob pedal
- Four-screw battery access
- Has pressed sleeve knobs
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus Pedal
Based on the same pedal that has been used by Kurt Cobain, Electro-Harmonix comes with the Small Clone chorus features depth and rate controls, which create a rich, dimensional analog sound.
Because of its analog circuitry, the Small Clone is able to produce high-quality tones with complete clarity. It can also be powered by a 9V battery or an optional 9DC-100 power supply.
The Small Clone features a built-in depth control for rich and warm pulsating warbles or chiming 122-string tone, which can also be more enhanced by double effects by a series of simple tweaks. With an affordable price paired with awesome features, the Small Clone is quite a great deal for its price.
- Can recreate guitar sounds
- Versatile analog pedal
- Noticeable sound when switched on
- Not the sturdiest pedal
Boss CH-1 Stereo Super Chorus
If you’re in it for the long haul, then the Boss CH-1 Stereo Super Chorus should be on your cart. With its long-term reliability, convenient design, and highly durable housing, the CH-1 is not built only to last a few months. It features four giant knobs and two outputs for the user’s convenience.
The four knobs are for the Effect Level, EQ, Rate, and Depth settings, while the two outputs are for mono or both for stereo. As expected from the CH-1, you can go from a subtle thickness and definition added to your tone or level it up for full dizzying “super chorus.”
- Clean sound
- Affordability Perfect for a number of genres
- Does not offer wide chorus effects
- No true bypass
Donner Multi Guitar Effect Pedal Alpha Cruncher 3 Type Effects Delay Chorus Distortion Pedal with Adapter
If you want the goodness of the three essential guitar effects, then the Donner Alpha Cruncher is for you. This analog chorus pedal features distortion, chorus, and, delay effects to bring in the classic British style sound.
The Alpha Cruncher has a very simple design and displays dedicated knobs, and three corresponding dedicated footswitches. Its simplicity won over the hearts of many because of the use of knobs and not having to press a lot of buttons just to achieve one effect.
The Alpha Cruncher is a perfect choice for many classic rock music styles and is represented by its portable size, user friendly form factor and stunning tone.
- Great sounds
- Very easy to set up
- Use and change sounds
- Affordable
- Not programmable
- Very few adjustments per effect compared to other units
Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone Analog Chorus
If you were fond of the Nano Clone but felt like there’s something missing to it, expect to be satisfied with the Neo Clone.
Nano Clone’s lack of a Depth switch is filled by the Neo Clone as its aims to produce one of the most genuine sounds and effects in the market. With its analog circuitry, the Neo Clone only ever produces accurate and superior sonic qualities.
The Neo Clone features a single rate knob plus a micro switch that provides high and light intensities of depth. Its light depth offers a clean tone, while the heavier side gives of plenty of warm vintage shimmer.
- Authentic and nice sound
- Low price Compact size
- No battery compartment
- Not the most versatile unit
TC Electronic Corona Mini Chorus Pedal
When it comes to chorus pedals, size won’t always matter. The TC Electronic Corona Mini Chorus pedal is one ultimate proof. Weighing at about only 6.7 ounces, the Corona mini is packed with useful features for every musician.
Featuring a built-in TonePrint technology, you’ll have access to custom r signature pedal-tweaks and sound effects by popular guitarists. You can also use the TonePrint app to customize your tone selection.
The Corona mini is small enough so as to be pedalboard-friendly. Despite it being affordable and accessible to musicians on a budget, the Corona mini has high quality and won’t let you down.
- Budget-friendly
- Lots of options
- Some are customizable
- Does not really work well with other pedals
- Not one for plug-and-players
EarthQuaker Devices Sea Machine V2 Super Chorus Guitar Effects Pedal
Featuring a display that would make your life easier and features that will bring your chorus to more improvements, the EarthQuaker Devices Sea Machine V2 Effects Pedal is a crowd favorite.
It features three bottom knobs that relate to the digital delay, while the other three at the top concern the actions of the analog LFO. Six knobs might sound hefty, but time spent will be worth it in the end once you hear the outcome.
You will also be given the option to have it as an analog or digital device. The Sea Machine V2 also features innovation, which shows in its sound augmentation technology. This feature produces breath-taking effects which will eventually lead to more aggressive sounds.
- Small footprint
- Wide and numerous set of controls
- Features a unique sound modification technology
- Relatively pricey
- Can be hard to dial in
Factors to Consider When Buying a Chorus Pedal
Dating its popularity back to the 80s, chorus pedals surely made an impact to the music industry up to this date. To get yourself one of the best chorus pedals in the market, below are some of the factors to look for in a chorus pedal.
Tonal Range
The tonal range of a chorus pedal refers to the amount of sounds it can keep up with. Each chorus pedal has its own tonal range since qualities will vary a lot.
Make sure that your potential chorus pedal can deal with the tonal range you’re used to. Sometimes the effect works on dry settings, but end up messing with your distorted sound.
Analog vs Digital
One of the most common debates among users is whether analog is better than digital or vice versa. The answer is highly subjective, though, since it will depend entirely on what you’re looking for in a chorus pedal.
According to ProAudioLand, an analog effects pedal is more natural sounding and smoother with no breaks and discontinuities in its signal. While a digital type is discontinuous and does not sound as natural or smooth, resulting in an artificially “colored” sound.
Bright Vs Dark
Because each chorus pedal has its own sound, there are models that focus more on the lower frequency, while others tend to emphasize more on the brighter sounds. To choose which type works well for you, the only thing you have to remember is to think if it will sound well with your rig.
Our Choice
Considered the top choice and best chorus pedal on this list is the MXR M234 Analog Chorus Pedal. The M234 is an analog pedal with bucket-brigade circuitry with three controls and high and low frequency knobs. Your on-the-go lifestyle is also perfect for the M234 as it’s housed in a highly durable construction and compact size.
