GAS'in for a Chorus... but do I really need/want one?

YCBass · #1 06-02-2008, 10:56 PM

Maybe I'm just bored and want a little pick me up... I know "need" is subjective or a little extreme so it's probably more of a "want" in my case. It's fun to mess with when playing melodic stuff and leslie-type sounds with the rate control cranked. But really, is that reason enough to buy a whole new pedal?

Your thoughts on the pros and cons of the Chorus effect.... Talk me in or out of it.

Thanks!

bongomania · #2 06-02-2008, 11:03 PM

Effects are fun. Fun means more time spent making music. More time making music = good. Therefore effects = good. Chorus is an effect. Chorus = good.

In all seriousness though, it's one of the most "usable" effects IMO, it can be very musical and natural. Not at all "necessary" except for copping certain famous '80s tones, but it's a nice extra voice to have in the arsenal.

KsToaDangr · #3 06-03-2008, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Effects are fun. Fun means more time spent making music. More time making music = good. Therefore effects = good. Chorus is an effect. Chorus = good.

sadly, i actually agree with you on this one, even though you say it as a joke. but to the OP, i would say that a chorus pedal can do a lot for your sound. if you get one with a good range, it can be used to just slightly tweak your sound and make it a little bit fatter, or you can use it to make some pretty strange sounds that are always fun to throw into a song to make it more unique.

Webtroll · #4 06-03-2008, 06:36 AM

If you aren't sure you need one and get the cheapest chorus you can find (Behringer? Used Boss?) you'll probably still think you don't need it. Technically you don't, but a good chorus pedal may make a pedal whore out of you. I bought a TC Electronic chorus unit because a guitarist I knew had one and I loved it; but when I hooked it up to my bass it blew me away. I leave it on almost constantly but with the effect turned down so low you can't hardly tell it's on unless you turn it off. I had an old Boss before and I didn't really care much for it as it didn't really do subtle well.

RickenBoogie · #5 06-03-2008, 08:05 AM

What Webtroll said. And, personally, I've been through more chorus pedals than anything else except, maybe, overdrive pedals. Looking for the "one" that really does it for me. In the end, I'm using a Maxon CS9 Pro, and very happy with it. (dead silent) Beware though, it's a slippery slope, these little magic boxes.

YCBass · #6 06-03-2008, 11:05 AM

Thanks Guys.... It's really looking like I'm gonna get one. I tried the EBS and the Boss and surprisingly prefered the Boss - also the price makes it a little easier of a comparison. Haven't tried any of the others you mentioned because I was trying to keep the price down.

Thanks again....

Any others? Please keep the opinions coming.

JanusZarate · #7 06-03-2008, 11:07 AM

Which Boss chorus did you try, out of curiosity?

I preferred the Boss CE-5 to the EBS Unichorus.

I'm not known to be a Boss fan, but they did a great job with the CE-5. It's to be expected from the mother brand of chorus pedals, I guess.

fishtx · #8 06-03-2008, 11:08 AM

What both Webtroll and RickenBoogie said...I've gone through my fair share of chorus pedals as well, and have landed on the TC Electronic SCF (like Webtroll). It (IMO) is a fantastic Chorus pedal, and I tend to leave it on a lot as well...set to a very subtle/shimmer...

(EDIT): NOTE - It has an AC power chord...no battery or DC adapter...This might be a problem for you.

A lot of people here love the Analogman Clone Chorus...I had one for a while and tried to love it...but it was just too thick for me...I could never really get it dialed in for the slight/subtle shimmer I wanted...If you like thicker/heavier chorus though...this one could be for you...

YCBass · #9 06-03-2008, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

Which Boss chorus did you try, out of curiosity?

I preferred the Boss CE-5 to the EBS Unichorus.

I'm not known to be a Boss fan, but they did a great job with the CE-5. It's to be expected from the mother brand of chorus pedals, I guess.

I just tried the CEB-3... Just because it was the "bass" chorus. I actually found to be pretty subtle in the lower settings.

It looks like I have some homework/testing to do before I pull the trigger.

PunkerTrav · #10 06-03-2008, 11:50 AM

I love chorus/phase. Additional texture is good to have at your disposal.

#11 06-03-2008, 11:52 AM

You might also try an EHX Small Clone, I use one mainly with my fretless and it has worked out pretty well.

George

JanusZarate · #12 06-03-2008, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YCBass

I just tried the CEB-3... Just because it was the "bass" chorus. I actually found to be pretty subtle in the lower settings.

Ah... I've owned that one before. Definitely a more "subtle" chorus than most, but the low-pass filter has some uses. Never quite liked the CEB-3 for that reason, but that's just me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by YCBass

It looks like I have some homework/testing to do before I pull the trigger.

Yep. There are a lot of chorus pedals out there... prepare to be overwhelmed.

stingray56funk · #13 06-03-2008, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X Wolf

You might also try an EHX Small Clone, I use one mainly with my fretless and it has worked out pretty well.

George

+1.

CliffD · #14 06-03-2008, 12:34 PM

I bought a Fulltone ChoralFlange and a Red Witch Empress to A/B them, I like the Fulltone a lot more and use it frequently!

**bassman314** · #15 06-03-2008, 01:32 PM

the CEB-3 was the first effect I purchased (after a tuner), and since then, it's always been a fixture on any board I've ever built.

Unless I am playing straight jazz, it's on all the time.

Chris V. · #16 06-03-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Effects are fun. Fun means more time spent making music. More time making music = good. Therefore effects = good. Chorus is an effect. Chorus = good.

Even though you may not be 100% serious, I think it's a very valid point to be making. Well said.

JJBass30 · #17 06-03-2008, 02:45 PM

I love my CE - 5 I was lucky to get it for $20 and its my most used pedal. I find that chorus is a easy effect to apply.

fishtx · #18 06-03-2008, 04:38 PM

OK this is off topic, but that chick on the side of the page in the "NOISE BOT" T-shirt ad is hot....

Sorry...now back to the topic at hand...

Smurf-o-Deth · #19 06-03-2008, 04:51 PM

Yeah, I could strangle her all night!

lunarpollen · #20 06-03-2008, 05:04 PM

My precious Clone Theory is an essential part of my bass arsenal in my current band. But I wouldn't use it at all for bass in most other musical contexts.