What is the best chorus pedal to use with a 5 string?

**davidjbass** · #1 02-21-2011, 05:58 PM

Ok first off I have done a lot of research on this so all those who are going to say go search the forums I have been there and done that and need some more definative answers. So off to the question at point. Being a 5 string player I need a chorus pedal that can reproduce the low D, C and B notes on the 5th string. All the ones I have tried just can't seem to cut it. As soon as I start playing those low notes the pedal just seems to lose definition and becomes real muddy. The pedals I have tried are:

Electro Harmonics Small Clone
Boss CE 2
T.C. Electronics Chorus/Flanger
Ibanez CS 9
Boss CEB 3
Hardwire CR7

Maybe I am wanting the impossible but before I give up I fiquired I would ask my fellow low end dwellers for some suggestions if there are any. Thanks in advance.

cybersnyder · #2 02-21-2011, 06:19 PM

Some of the models on the CR7 go very low. Personally I prefer the sound of the CS-9.

Smurf-o-Deth · #3 02-21-2011, 06:27 PM

Try running a little dirt before the chorus. Those low notes just don't feed modulation (or filter, for that matter) effects much to work with, so a little added harmonic content will help in that regard.

Crystalman85 · #4 02-21-2011, 11:03 PM

If you're looking for a good affordable chorus pedal, the danelectro fab chorus would be a good choice for that. it cost $15 and it can give your bass a smooth retro chorus sound. also it handles low b strings real well. I have this pedal and this pedal sounds really cool with my schecter stiletto elite 5-string bass.

davkane · #5 02-21-2011, 11:11 PM

Ibanez CS 9,

I have never found a chorus quite like it (although because it is made by Maxon I would assume their CS9 would be similar)

**TheMutt** · #6 02-22-2011, 03:14 AM

I am also a 5-string player. I have had good results with the Maxon CS-9 Pro (if you're into that shimmery type of chorus) and the Analogman Chorus variants (I've owned two Bi-Chorii with the depth switch, and currently own a Mini Chorus with fixed deep mode.) (Double parenthesis! The Analogman is more of a deep almost flanger like chorus that is modeled after the EHX Small Clone, but takes it a step farther with some major improvements, having owned a small clone in the past.)

Honch · #7 02-22-2011, 03:25 AM

Avoid Ashdown choruses. EBS choruses are great for bass. However, I agree with most people around here, that the lowest low, doesn't benefit at all from any chorus, or modulation. I think you lose too much low end, when any time-changing or modulation device is kicked in. However, the upper frequencies may benefit from chorus. So a pedal that takes care of the crossover split is needed. IMHO I think you lose definition if you play any bass with any chorus. It imposes phase differences to the lowest notes, and on a five string, I don't think the lowest string and notes needs to be spread out in stereo or anything else.

BruceBass3901 · #8 02-22-2011, 04:03 AM

The CEB-3 has a low filter that allows you to tune which frequencies are effected by the effect. It really helps prevent the bass sound getting muddy. Only down side, is that it is a VERY subtle chorus

vibhas_2310 · #9 02-22-2011, 04:14 AM

I tried the T-Rex Bass Sweeper chorus. Great pedal.

giacomini · #10 02-22-2011, 04:35 AM

I have an old FL-100 Yamaha flanger that does chorusing too and have a very precise "manual" knob. It sweeps the peaking frenquency of the effect, so I can dial it to sound fuller on top or in the bottom.

Very useful, makes my life easier when I change between 4- and 5-stringers; a slight turn of the knob and I have a tight lowend chorusing.

I know that other brands have that "Manual" knob, but I do not know if all of them work the same way.