Hell just froze over...chorus content

[JimmyM]

I actually specified 1590b or smaller, which is typical MXR/EHX Nano size. Anyway, I already have the MXR BCD on order, and while I'm really enjoying checking out these pedals you guys are showing and I appreciate it very much, I did make a decision.

OOPS...no I didn't...I made a typo...no wonder there was so much confusion about that!

 

[Slpbass81]

The MXR EVH phaser is really really nice with bass too...

I have the MXR Orange phase 90 from 10 years ago in my closet. I actually have a bunch of effects in my closet but never had a gig that required them. I wish Crybaby would make a mini bass wah. I use it but really slimming down my rig and it had to go back in the closet.

 

[JimmyM]

I liked the Phase 90 but I always liked the Small Stone because of that color switch that adds a little wah to the sound. Used to use it on guitar for my 16-year-old imitation of Peter Frampton on the talkbox in our show-stopping (and audience-emptying) version of "Do You Feel Like We Do." Got a Nano Small Stone now, but can't use it because it swirls me in and out of the mix. Tried it once, never did it again. That's one real nice thing about this MXR chorus. The X-over switch wasn't the deal maker or breaker, but it will be nice to have it in case I get some weird stuff happening with the mix. I generally don't have that problem with chorus anyway.

 

[moe.moe]

Hey Jimmy,
I know that there are a trillion and a half chorus units out there. Seems like I've gone through almost all of them.
One that I have currently and I really like IMHO is the Radial Vieanna Bones Chorus.
It's like having two choruses in one pedal. Two different settings at your disposal. Plus a turbo switch that makes your settings even wilder. You may like it you may knot.... It's all about what we like.... If you have a chance, check it out....

 

[Nic.]

I've heard the Source is a good one, but I'm afraid the form factor enters into it. Has to be 1590a or smaller. Slightly bigger is OK but not any bigger than a Boss pedal, though I really would prefer 1590a.

I know you've already ordered the BCD and I'm pretty interested to see what you get out of it, but I just wanted to mention that SA's releasing a smaller version of the chorus... soon. I'm waiting for it to come out to get it.

Anyway, I wanted to ask - have you ever tried replacing your distortion+chorus sound with a distortion+very subtle light and warm phaser?

 

[DwaynieAD]

I always suggest trex the sweeper. Favorite chorus sound I've ever heard

 

[JimmyM]

I know you've already ordered the BCD and I'm pretty interested to see what you get out of it, but I just wanted to mention that SA's releasing a smaller version of the chorus... soon. I'm waiting for it to come out to get it.

Anyway, I wanted to ask - have you ever tried replacing your distortion+chorus sound with a distortion+very subtle light and warm phaser?

I have indeed and I love it on a personal level. But when it's on one side of the sweep it's great and it's about gone out of the mix on the other side of the sweep. I could probably make it work with a clean blend, but not interested in doing a split signal.

 

[JimmyM]

I must apologize for a typo that kind of screwed the discussion a little bit. I meant to specify that I wanted a 1590B pedal or smaller, and accidentally type 1590A. I think most of you caught on once I said something about the BCD being a front runner, but if you didn't, it's totally my fault and I didn't realize it till now.

 

[MR PC]

Would you mind explaining? Although not many reviews here on TB, from what I had gathered on them internets left me under the impression that it was very similar to the Boss CE2 and some have even reported liking it better.

First, it doesn't have enough headroom for a stock 10-11k output passive P bass, imo. Second, CE2's really aren't generally the best chorus for bass, though I must say a few of the earlier production models did have a nice sound that can be useable sometimes. For me, the Malekko didn't have a warm sound of a real good CE2, though it had a similar adjustment range to the CE2.

 

[Downunderwonder]

I have indeed and I love it on a personal level. But when it's on one side of the sweep it's great and it's about gone out of the mix on the other side of the sweep. I could probably make it work with a clean blend, but not interested in doing a split signal.

I must invite you to check out the light. Splitting highs off lows and leaving the lows unaffected changes everything, mostly in a good way.

 

[Nic.]

I have indeed and I love it on a personal level. But when it's on one side of the sweep it's great and it's about gone out of the mix on the other side of the sweep. I could probably make it work with a clean blend, but not interested in doing a split signal.

Thanks for your views on this! Are you using a very wide sweep? What I was having in mind was a very narrow sweep and intensity... like a low resonance, and the oscillation not moving very far off from the 'zero' position. I asked because I find that for me, a low-resonance narrow-sweep phaser is substitutable for a chorus in a distortion+modulation setting, not quite the same but close enough to serve a similar purpose in a song. I don't hear a lot of discussion about this kind of thing around here, so I was wondering whether you might have gotten a similar result (and so open this discussion to not just good chorus pedals, but also modulation pedals to get the same kind of effect)

By the way, when you say great on one side and gone on the other side, I assume the gone side is when the phaser goes up into the highs?

 

[JimmyM]

Thanks for your views on this! Are you using a very wide sweep? What I was having in mind was a very narrow sweep and intensity... like a low resonance, and the oscillation not moving very far off from the 'zero' position. I asked because I find that for me, a low-resonance narrow-sweep phaser is substitutable for a chorus in a distortion+modulation setting, not quite the same but close enough to serve a similar purpose in a song. I don't hear a lot of discussion about this kind of thing around here, so I was wondering whether you might have gotten a similar result (and so open this discussion to not just good chorus pedals, but also modulation pedals to get the same kind of effect)

The phaser I used most recently was a Nano Small Stone, and I've done it in the past with a vintage Small Stone too. Worked better for me back in the day, but the clean signal helped it to avoid washout. The sweep is preset and only the rate is adjustable, though. You're probably right about narrowing the sweep, and blending clean with phased also helps, but not interested in trying phase anymore personally. I'll keep my Small Stone just in case I might need it in the future, but isn't high on my priority list to get a more deluxe one.

By the way, when you say great on one side and gone on the other side, I assume the gone side is when the phaser goes up into the highs?

Correct.

 

[Feral Feline]

I actually specified 1590b or smaller, which is typical MXR/EHX Nano size. Anyway, I already have the MXR BCD on order, and while I'm really enjoying checking out these pedals you guys are showing and I appreciate it very much, I did make a decision.

OOPS...no I didn't...I made a typo...no wonder there was so much confusion about that!

No worries, it was clear from the other info in your original post you were willing to consider smallish pedals — if not 1590a then close to it.
I threw some more kindling on the fire 'cause when has the OP deciding/ordering/getting something ever stopped the dogpile of suggestions from continuing?

Hey Jimmy,
I know that there are a trillion and a half chorus units out there. Seems like I've gone through almost all of them.
One that I have currently and I really like IMHO is the Radial Vieanna Bones Chorus.
It's like having two choruses in one pedal. Two different settings at your disposal. Plus a turbo switch that makes your settings even wilder. You may like it you may knot.... It's all about what we like.... If you have a chance, check it out.... View attachment 626571

I've always wanted to try one of these. With your recommendation I'll snag one if ever a deal comes my way.

 

[opivy3056]

shoegaze is cool again so chorus can't be dated

I use the mode 8 on a boss PS-3 and it's super lush and icy at the same time. Definitely digital sounding but I love it (I run it after my TC flashback mini for jeff caxide ambient stuff). Retains lower frequencies really well.

The intro to my band's song here gives you a good idea of the sound:

 

[JimmyM]

That does sound cool. Good song, too. Boss does have that chilly chorus thing down.

 

[Feral Feline]

shoegaze is cool again so chorus can't be dated

I use the mode 8 on a boss PS-3 and it's super lush and icy at the same time. Definitely digital sounding but I love it (I run it after my TC flashback mini for jeff caxide ambient stuff). Retains lower frequencies really well.

The intro to my band's song here gives you a good idea of the sound:

Great track!

 

[CB3000]

I have the MXR Orange phase 90 from 10 years ago in my closet. I actually have a bunch of effects in my closet but never had a gig that required them. I wish Crybaby would make a mini bass wah. I use it but really slimming down my rig and it had to go back in the closet.

The EVH is much nicer than the orange phase 90. The swoops are pleasant and rich with none of the harshness or peaks the Orange 90 can have.

 

[Unemploid]

i haven't try the mxr bcd recently, but i have try the ehx electric mistress deluxe. on the high notes, the flanging was awesome, sharp and flanging. i couldn't find a dark flang tone on the low notes like i could with the bass chorus deluxe.

 

[Unemploid]

Definitely. Really trying to avoid big pedals anymore. I have one that's still on my board, and that's enough. MXR sized boxes are big enough in most cases. I've seen enough reductions of bigger pedals to know that it can be done, so why they're not doing it, I don't know.

Have to disagree about the flanger in the BCD, though. Didn't care for it at fast speeds, but slow it down and it becomes a little glitchy in a way I find very cool.

flanger + x over + faster speeds = i like
without cross over, i like the flanger at lower speeds too.

 

[Driven Crane]

Two of my favorite choruses. Thin and thick.