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Using a chorus pedal made for guitar on bass

UserOfTheJack

UserOfTheJack

Guest
Nov 9, 2015
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#1
so, I've been wanting to get a chorus pedal for a long time. But the pedals are close to $100, and I don't have that cash. I've been noticing that guitar chorus pedals go for much cheaper. How much of a difference would it make if I used a guitar chorus pedal on bass vs using a bass chorus pedal?
 
#2
Depends upon the specific pedal, but generally speaking chorus pedals can be used with whatever instrument. Some of the "bass specific" ones have a HPF for the effected sound. There are lots of chorus pedals that aren't bass specific that sound amazing on bass though, like the TC SCF, TC Corona, EHX Small Clone, EHX Clone Theory, CB Warped Vinyl, IE Polytope...
 
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#3
I recommend the Zoom MS60B if cash is tight and you want decent sound for filters/modulation and other one off effects. All the effects models for everything are bendable, can be used as a DI, and can be had for 50-60 bucks used. There are some very usable guitar choruses, but many cut the low end. I use the TC Corona and have used the EHX Small Clone and liked them. If you won't use it a tone or don't have a specific sound in mind, the Zoom will do you very well.
 
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#4
blindrabbit said:
Depends upon the specific pedal, but generally speaking chorus pedals can be used with whatever instrument. Some of the "bass specific" ones have a HPF for the effected sound. There are lots of chorus pedals that aren't bass specific that sound amazing on bass though, like the TC SCF, TC Corona, EHX Small Clone, EHX Clone Theory, CB Warped Vinyl, IE Polytope...
Click to expand...
Iron Ether Polytope was designed for bass by Mr. Livingston. Isn't it?
 
#8
Honestly, most professional bassists who have used chorus have used non-bass versions. Peter Steele, Jeff Ament, Simon Gallup, Dave Edwardson, and Justin Chancellor all use either a Boss Super Chorus or Chorus Ensemble, so don't get too hung up on needing the bass version. The HPF feature on some models like the Boss CEB-3 is nice, but not strictly necessary, I think.
 
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#9
skydivingninja said:
Honestly, most professional bassists who have used chorus have used non-bass versions. Peter Steele, Jeff Ament, Simon Gallup, Dave Edwardson, and Justin Chancellor all use either a Boss Super Chorus or Chorus Ensemble, so don't get too hung up on needing the bass version. The HPF feature on some models like the Boss CEB-3 is nice, but not strictly necessary, I think.
Click to expand...
Peter Hook. Another one with a EHX Clone Theory chorus.
 
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#11
I use a Danelectro FAB chorus--works well for guitar & bass.
Not expensive at all (Got it used for $10)
I don' gig or tour, etc--so who knows how it might hold up for that--but if you don't want to spend a lot & don't need all the spacey stuff--just a good chorus or cheap--check it out.
 
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#17
Try some out in your budget, there are many options!

A little more expensive, but I use an old Boss Ce-2. Pretty sure it was designed for guitar, but it's hands down my favorite on bass. Had a Boss CE-20 and a Fulltone ChoralFlange before and the CE-2 won. The ChoralFlange is an awesome pedal no doubt, I just wanted something smaller.
 
#18
If you're budget is that low, then I would def recommend the Zoom stuff. Either the MS60b or the 70CDR. The CDR is a little more but on the used market you shouldnt break $100. They are multi effects and both have really nice choruses in them for bass. They also have a ton of other effects in them. The BXon or B1Xon may be a good, cheaper, alternative too, it's the same brain and effects as the 60b and 70cdr but maybe a tad better. The housing is just plastic and bigger though.

If all else fails, grab an EXH small clone. That chorus rules IMO. And it can usually be found used for $20-$30.
 
#19
MXR Analog Chorus also a fine, cheap pedal.

Edited to add: Sometimes you can find the Zakk Wylde signature model of this pedal used for cheap. I've seen them on sale for like $50. I'm pretty sure it's the same thing in a different box.
 
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