Which chorus? Boss CE-5, CEB-3, Digitech CF-7 or Hardwire CR-7

HalfManHalfBass · #1 01-20-2011, 04:37 AM

Hello all, I realise there are MANY chorus pedal threads but believe me when I say that I HAVE searched every resource possible in order to find a rich, noticable sounding chorus which can also do subtle!

Years ago I had both the Boss models listed but I really can't remember much about their sonic differences or properties-at least when used solely on bass.

More recently I had an EBS analog UniChorus but I didn't find it particularly inspiring or very tweakable (I hated the flanger and pitch modulation modes) and it only had rate and depth controls (with an internal trimpot for effect level/mix).

I want something versatile, that doesn't take more than a standard pedal sized space on a pedalboard and is (or at least can sound) organic and analog-like. I can't help thinking that maybe some kind of tone/eq control might be useful in order to achieve this but despite the Hardwire CR-7 pedal not having this, I see that it still gets very good reviews here!

I generally play funk stuff (finger style and slapping) on mainly 4 string passive Jazz basses or Stingrays and favour a clean and punchy hi-fi kind of sound-but not sterile!-if that helps! I also play a fair bit of fretless too.

Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly received as I can't try out all of these pedals locally and although I think that the Boss CEB-5 would undoubtably be a 'safe bet' I don't want to miss out on getting something better at the same price....

Many thanks!

funkindave · #2 01-20-2011, 02:42 PM

Try out a boss CE-20 ! I've been an avid chorus user for years.Had the EBS and many others including many Boss units guitar and bass versions.The CE-20 is a larger pedal but is superb on Bass as it has a Guitar/Bass switch on the back.A dual pedal you can Store your own presets.So many Chorus sounds available :-)

Jimbob Jones · #3 01-20-2011, 04:38 PM

CE-5, Good Enuff for Duff.

I've tried it on bass a few times and absolutely love the sound that pedal makes.

BigOldHarry · #4 01-20-2011, 04:44 PM

none of the above. There is better options out there.

Chrisk-K · #5 01-20-2011, 05:11 PM

I've been through a bunch of Chorus pedals including a couple very expensive ones. Now I swear by the CE-5. Its shimmering, lush chorus texture is second to none, IMO.

RickenBoogie · #6 01-20-2011, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

none of the above. There is better options out there.

+1

HalfManHalfBass · #7 01-21-2011, 03:27 AM

Many thanks for the votes and suggestions guys - but those who said 'none of the above' and that better alternatives exist.....could I ask you to be more specific???

Am I overlooking another choratic gems in my quest?!

thefruitfarmer · #8 01-21-2011, 03:32 AM

CE 5 - but I think it may work better with a p bass rather than a jazz or a ray.

Venom of God · #9 01-21-2011, 04:03 AM

I use a Boss CH-1, never seen anyone on here mention one before ever but I find it really good for what I use it for (I play hard rock and it is always on).

BackToTheGroove · #10 01-21-2011, 10:50 AM

Take a look at the TRex Sweeper Chorus.

BigOldHarry · #11 01-21-2011, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HalfManHalfBass

Many thanks for the votes and suggestions guys - but those who said 'none of the above' and that better alternatives exist.....could I ask you to be more specific???

Am I overlooking another choratic gems in my quest?!

I've tried all the pedals listed, and currently own a CEB-3, which I'm not happy with. Every one of those pedals seems to get "lost in the mix" - which may be normal... but if chorus gets lost in the mix, why have it? So I'm still looking for a pedal that will make my me happy. A buddy recently recommended the MXR stereo chorus pedal, but I have yet to try it out.

Exploiter8 · #12 01-21-2011, 11:04 AM

I had a TRex Sweeper, the made in China version, that I bought for 100 bucks. I didn't like it at all. It sounded distant/hollow, for lack of a better term. I'd put it away, keep digging it back out and wanting to like it. I finally sold it. I'm using my Boss BF-3 Stereo Flanger Pedal with the suggested settings for chorus effect, and I'm okay for now.

X8

BackToTheGroove · #13 01-21-2011, 11:29 AM

Ah. Thanks Exploiter8.
Ultimately then, guess that leaves the EBS UniChorus. A few buck$ though.

schwarzwinds · #14 01-21-2011, 11:45 AM

theres the new tech 21 chorus... im not sure if its out though. probably worth checking out.

Don Dude · #15 01-22-2011, 01:14 PM

What about the EHX Poly Chorus? is good for bass? I have the same question :O

My name is Mudd · #16 01-22-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HalfManHalfBass

...but those who said 'none of the above' and that better alternatives exist.....could I ask you to be more specific???

You didn't mention what your budget's like, so let me beat others to the punch in saying that the Analogman chorus is considered to be one if THE best chorus pedals around...it's also pricy (starting at $225) and rarely seen used in the classifieds.

I've been considering the EHX Neo Clone...anyone have opinions on that?

EskimoBassist · #17 01-22-2011, 03:22 PM

Rather modern, one could say sterile, but all the same I still like my CEB-3. Does what it says on the tin, great bass retention, built like a tank and can be picked up super cheapz on ebay and on the forum.

thefruitfarmer · #18 01-23-2011, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My name is Mudd

I've been considering the EHX Neo Clone...anyone have opinions on that?

It is probably like the Small Clone, which I found too much on bass - sounds like a warbling organ rather than the extra bit of wierdness the CE-5 gives.

Did n't suit me but might be good for churchy music.

RickenBoogie · #19 01-23-2011, 08:11 AM

After buying 15 chorus pedals, the one I kept and still love after several years is- Maxon CS 9Pro. Stunning.

My name is Mudd · #20 01-23-2011, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefruitfarmer

It is probably like the Small Clone...

Yeah, it's a Small Clone in a smaller box.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefruitfarmer

...which I found too much on bass...

That's the part I'm wondering about - I've only tried them in stores (and without my own gear, obviously), but it did seem to be a bit thick at times, or something...