- Many guitarists favor analog chorus pedals for their rich, classic tones.
- We look at the best analog chorus pedals on the market, from
MXR to Electro-Harmonix! - Also get stuck in to our pick of the best 7 chorus pedals for bass.
Analog chorus pedals offer a unique sound and vibe that is preferred by many players. They come in different configurations, sizes, and with different features, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
In this article, we’re going to explore seven options for rich, lush chorus sounds. Find out which one fits your needs and playing style!
(Not sure about the differences between chorus, flanger, and phaser pedals? We’ve got you covered with Chorus vs Flanger vs Phaser: Breaking It Down!)
What Are The 7 Best Analog Chorus Pedals?
Our pick for the best analog chorus pedal is the BOSS CE-2W Waza Craft Chorus Pedal. It is essentially two legendary pedals in one stompbox, with all the advantages and none of the downsides of vintage gear.
For those discerning players that like to really get into the nuts and bolts of sound, the Electro-Harmonix Eddy Analog Vibrato and Chorus is our premium option.
And for those that want a chorus that can go from mild to all-out wild, the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Analog Chorus Pedal is our most versatile choice.
So, here are our candidates for the best analog chorus pedals.
- BOSS CE-2W Waza Craft Chorus (Our Pick)
- Way Huge Smalls Blue Hippo Analog Chorus
- MXR M234 Analog Chorus
- Electro-Harmonix Eddy Analog Vibrato and Chorus (Premium Option)
- Walrus Audio Julia V2 Analog Chorus/Vibrato
- Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Analog Chorus (Most Versatile)
- Ibanez Chorus Mini
1. BOSS CE-2W Waza Craft Chorus
The CE-1 Chorus Ensemble was the first
A few years ago
The BOSS CE-2W Chorus Waza Craft pedal re-creates the classic sound of the CE-1 and its successor, the CE-2 using premium all-analog circuitry.
Features
- Re-creates the classic modulated effects of the
BOSS CE-1 and CE-2 pedals - Standard mode reproduces the classic CE-2 chorus effect
- CE-1 mode replicates the vintage pedal’s chorus and vibrato effects
- Exceeds the capabilities of the original pedals with CE-2 stereo output and CE-1 variable depth
- Analog bucket-brigade (BBD) technology yields premium vintage modulation effects
Review
Instead of the usual Waza Craft classic and custom settings, the CE-2W Waza Craft pedal comes with the original chorus and vibrato sections of the CE-1.
The CE-2W pedal looks identical to the original CE-2, except for the addition of a mini three-way toggle switch for selecting the CE-2, CE-1 chorus, or CE-1 vibrato modes, a second 1/4-inch output jack (direct-only) that delivers stereo chorus/vibrato effects, and the Waza Craft logo embedded in the rubber on/off switch pad.
It has the same Rate and Depth controls and bright red LED as its predecessor.
The CE-2W Waza Craft pedal features a slightly clearer treble, but the textures, tones, and character, as well as the rate and depth settings, are identical to the original CE-2. In short, this is an analog chorus pedal that recreates the originals, all in one single stompbox.
2. Way Huge Smalls Blue Hippo Analog Chorus
The Way Huge Smalls Blue Hippo Analog Chorus is a reduced version of the original Blue Hippo MkIII chorus, but has the same features, in a reduced space that is more pedalboard-friendly.
This analog chorus pedal also features vibrato, and will be a good choice for players that like to get experimental, but still have a good chorus effect at their disposal.
With its simple Speed and Depth control interface, you can dial in everything from lush tone-widening to full-on rotating speaker modulation madness.
- Chorus and vibrato in a single enclosure
- Versatile
Features
- Bucket-brigade chorus and vibrato in a single enclosure
- Even more versatile than the full-sized version
- Standard-sized footprint better accommodates smaller boards
- Simple Speed and Depth controls
- True hard-wire bypass switching preserves signal integrity
Review
The Way Huge Smalls Blue Hippo Analog Chorus features a chorus section designed by Jeorge Tripps. This is Tripps’ take on the iconic blue-boxed chorus, best known for its liquidy ’80s textures and juicy, whirling Leslie approximations.
The Blue Hippo MkIII can also serve as a competent vibrato effect at the flip of a switch, delivering a tape-like wobbly effect at extreme settings as well as a subtler bounce dialed back past two o’clock.
The Way Huge Smalls Blue Hippo Analog Chorus also features simple Speed and Depth knobs that provide all the control you need for each setting, as well as a blinking blue LED that indicates the rate at a glance.
In addition to the vibrato switch, this fantastic pedal also features a true hard-wire bypass switching, which better preserves the integrity of your signal when disengaged.
3. MXR M234 Analog Chorus
The MXR M234 Analog Chorus features a superb cost-benefit relationship. It features a nice and warm analog chorus sound and can take you from subtle shimmer to dizzying swirl and everywhere in-between for less than $100.
It’s built like a tank and is small enough to fit onto virtually any cramped pedalboard.
Features
- Bucket brigade circuitry
- Rate, level, and depth controls
- High- and low-cut knobs
- Input, Mono Out, and Thru jacks
- 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Review
The MXR M234 Analog Chorus features a five-control layout with Low and High EQ controls, Level, Rate, and Depth for maximum flexibility.
With this pedal, you are capable of dialing in virtually any type of chorus effect you can think of in a compact and easy-to-operate unit.
The Rate and Depth controls of the
When cranked up with the depth and rate controls, this pedal is capable of producing a Leslie-type effect with ease.
On top of that, the MXR M234 Analog Chorus features a High and Low EQ setting that is a nice addition for dialing in just the right amount of presence and depth for your instrument.
In short, if you want to have a chorus effect that can bring you back to the ’80s, give you a ’60s-style Leslie wash but also a nice contemporary texture then the
4. Electro-Harmonix Eddy Analog Vibrato and Chorus
The Electro-Harmonix Eddy Analog Vibrato and Chorus features classic analog chorus/vibrato effects with rich textures and depth that are commonly found on vintage or boutique pedals.
However, this EHX pedal comes with an affordable price tag and a series of modern performance specs, and expanded expressive capabilities, making it our premium choice for discerning musicians.
Drawing on more than 50 years of experience crafting lush bucket brigade effects, the Electro-Harmonix Eddy analog vibrato and chorus pedal presents a swirl of vintage vibes and modern features in a pedalboard-friendly package.
- Versatile and expressive
- Unique LFO shape-warping features
- Affordable considering its quality
Features
- Bucket brigade–based vibrato and chorus pedal with an all-analog signal path
- Control rate and depth via envelope or external pedal for expressive modulation
- Use the Tone control to brighten or darken the sound of the effect
- Unique LFO shape-warping features transform the modulation shape from a smooth sine to asymmetric waves
- Includes a standard EHX 9.6DC200mA power supply
Review
The Electro-Harmonix Eddy Analog Vibrato and Chorus features a volume, LFO waveform shape, tone, envelope, modulation rate, and modulation depth knobs as well as a vibrato/chorus mini-toggle switch that selects either dedicated effect.
In addition to mono ¼-inch input and output jacks, there’s also a ¼-inch jack for an expression pedal that can be set via a mini-toggle switch to sweep modulation rate and depth settings.
The Eddy chorus pedal allows the player to control the modulation Rate or affect the modulation Depth purely with their picking force. This is done by selecting either Rate or Depth on the mini-switch.
A white LED lets users know when the effect is engaged, and a blue LED turns on and off to display the rate and LFO waveform shape.
Additionally, this pedal features a buffered bypass and an included 9.6-volt power supply (the pedal does not operate on batteries).
The Electro-Harmonix Eddy Analog Vibrato and Chorus is more versatile and expressive than the average chorus or vibrato pedal.
Therefore it requires more foresight than just adjusting the rate and depth controls to achieve your desired sound. It features a beautiful sound quality with a three-dimensional depth and full body.
(Electro-Harmonix are also responsible for the Big Muff fuzz pedal. Check out our in-depth review of the Sovtek Deluxe Big Muff Pi!)
5. Walrus Audio Julia V2 Analog Chorus/Vibrato
The Walrus Audio Julia V2 analog chorus/vibrato pedal features updated artwork from designer Adam Forster as well as controls that extend far beyond the typical rate and depth.
In true Walrus Audio form, the Julia V2 chorus pedal is capable of producing anything from a beautiful chorus to use in traditional fashion, all the way to out-of-the-box experimental sounds and textures.
Features
- Features updated artwork from original designer Adam Forster
- From subtle movement to warbling textures
- Continuously blend between dry, chorus, and vibrato sounds
- Analog LFO with sine and triangle waveforms
- Lag control determines the swing of the LFO sweep
Review
The Walrus Audio Julia V2 Analog Chorus/Vibrato is a versatile tool that feels equally at home with moderate chorus and vibrato settings as well as cavernous wobble.
It features an analog LFO that goes between sine and triangle wave shapes, allowing you to dial in conservative or dramatic effects as you see fit.
The Julia V2 also features an LFO LED that blinks in time for visual feedback as well as a very unique characteristic named Lag control.
From subtle textural movement to warbling trembulations, the Walrus Audio Julia V2 analog chorus/vibrato pedal — here in a limited-edition gold finish you'll only find at Sweetwater — is a masterful tool for sonic landscaping.
- Extremely versatile
- Lag control
- Fully continuous blend control
The Lag control determines how much swing each LFO sweep has. When combined with the Depth control, the Lag knob is capable of taking you into a new realm of sound-shaping possibility.
Additionally, the Julia V2 features a fully continuous blend control that dials between dry, chorus, and vibrato sounds as well as true bypass switching that preserves your tone when the effect is switched off.
This superb chorus and vibrato tool requires a standard center-negative 9-volt power supply (30mA minimum; not included) and is a great choice for those that want to have versatility for a great variety of situations as well as deep sonic experimentation.
6. Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Analog Chorus
The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Analog Chorus Pedal is a classic analog chorus guitar effects pedal with a long history.
This pedal was famously used by Kurt Cobain as his main chorus unit and you can hear in the grunge anthem Come As You Are (you know the sound!)
The Small Clone features rich, spacey, and fully analog tones that have made it one of the most popular chorus pedals for over 20 years.
Features
- Fully analog chorus effects pedal
- 1 Rate knob and 1 Depth switch
- Lush, spacey, dimensional chorus tones
- True bypass keeps your tone intact
- Includes a 9-volt battery
Review
The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Analog Chorus Pedal features the typical sturdy and durable EHX construction in a metal casing that will likely last you a lifetime.
It features a true bypass with one control knob, one two-way switch, a master on/off foot-switch, one In jack input, one Out jack input, and a LED status indicator.
The Depth switch controls the intensity level of the chorus effect with the higher option giving you significantly more pitch modulation, while the lower switch is more shallow and mellow.
On the other hand, the Rate knob adjusts the speed of the chorus and its presence in the mix. The more you crank it, the more prominent and more swirly will the effect and the tone become.
Even though the Small Clone is commonly associated with the classic Nirvana track Come As You Are it is also capable of other sounds that run the gamut from rich dimensional chorus to pulsating warbles.
The Small Clone can be powered through a single included 9V battery or via an optional 9DC-100 adapter. In the aesthetic region, the item combines grey, black and purple, scoring a distinctive vibe, so thumbs up there as well.
7. Ibanez Chorus Mini
Few companies have achieved the well-regarded reputation among guitarists that Ibanez has. This respect and admiration that most guitarists have for this brand goes well beyond guitars and extends into pedals as well.
The original CS-9 stereo analog chorus was one of the first chorus pedals to achieve high popularity.
In keeping with the trend towards mini pedals, the Chorus Mini features robust build quality, and low price. This pedal is ideal for users who like to save space.
Features
- All-analog chorus effects pedal for electric guitar
- Compact size is perfect for any pedalboard
- True bypass switching removes the effect from your signal path completely
- 9V DC power supply required
- Reduced size fits perfectly in virtually any pedalboard
Review
The Ibanez Chorus Mini is smaller than most other options featured here and is known for its deep dimensional sound. When set at the proper rate and depth settings, the Chorus Mini is capable of approximating the sound of a well-recorded Leslie speaker.
You won’t notice any harsh artifacts or metallic out-of-phase sounds – just smooth, rich analog chorus.
The Chorus Minis is capable of producing amazing tones, which is truly fantastic for a pedal of this size and price tag. Overall, it’s a great choice for guitar players who need a nice sounding analog chorus but are running low on space and cash.