- Want to engulf your bass sounds with liquid textures?
- We rank and review the seven best bass chorus pedals of 2022
- Feeling adventurous? Check out these 8 Weird Guitar Pedals for insane FX!
- And this article on the best bass compressor pedals.
A bass chorus pedal is not a throwback to liquid sounds from the ’80s. A growing number of bass players are discovering its potential to create new and sophisticated sonic textures.
Love it or hate it, it’s undoubtedly a nifty way to add more booty to your bass bash.
As a die-hard Jaco fan, my board romanced a handful of mass-produced and boutique effects pedals. The first lesson I learned was that poor-quality chorus pedals can suck out the low end.
It gets worse when you pair them with bass fuzz pedals or dirt in the signal chain.
So, invest in a high-quality stomp if you don’t want a signal without definition and mired in muck. You could use any chorus pedal on bass with varying degrees of success.
But current-day bass chorus pedals are fine-tuned to the frequency spectrum of low-enders.
So, without further adieu…
What are the Best Chorus Pedals for Bass Players?
- Source Audio Gemini Chorus
- State-of-the-art
- Powerful and versatile
- Features 3 distinct chorus effects
- Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone
- One of the best-selling bass chorus pedals
- Takes after the legendary Small Clone
- Provides mind-boggling value and sounds
- Providence Anadime Bass Chrous ABC-1
- Screams quality and durability
- Easy to use
- Excellent depth and sweep
Drift away on swirlicious clouds of liquid stereo chorus generated by the Source Audio Gemini Chorus guitar pedal.
Optimized for bass guitar, the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone chorus pedal takes the classic Small Clone chorus and enhances it for your electric bass.
The Anadime Chorus delivers a spacious sense of width and depth as well as warmth and thickness that only an analog chorus can achieve.
The Source Audio Gemini Chorus is my top pick for its hypnotic capabilities and three flavors of the chorus sound. The digital pedal is not a breeze to navigate, but all your legwork is rewarded with tremendous tonal range and awe-inspiring vintage and modern chorus tones.
Our Best Value Pick – the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone – slays everyone in the arena with its pricing. It’s not as versatile as other options, but it’s got the bread ‘n butter sounds. If you don’t want the chorus to take over your sound, get one of these and thumb your nose at the chorus snobs.
After some debate, I chose the Providence Anadime ABC-1 as the best premium bass chorus pedal. It delivers boutique-quality sounds with thoughtful features and excellent circuitry. Even a YouTube demo is sufficient to realize this pedal knocks it out of the park.
Here are the top seven bass chorus pedals to add depth and splash to your bass tone.
- Source Audio Gemini Chorus (Top Pick)
- Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Chorus Pedal (Best Value)
- Providence ABC-1 Anadime Bass Chorus Pedal (Premium Option)
- TC Electronic Corona Mini Chorus Pedal (Best Compact)
- Ampeg Liquifier Bass Chorus Pedal
- Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus Pedal
- MXR M83 Bass Chorus Deluxe Pedal
1. Source Audio Gemini Chorus
Drift away on swirlicious clouds of liquid stereo chorus generated by the Source Audio Gemini Chorus guitar pedal.
- State-of-the-art
- Powerful and versatile
- Features 3 distinct chorus effects
Source Audio Gemini is the end-all bass chorus pedal if you want lots of parameters under the hood.
The pedal is not a breeze to navigate, but all your legwork is rewarded with tremendous tonal range and awe-inspiring vintage and modern chorus tones.
Key Features
- Three Chorus Engines – Single, Dual, Quad
- Stereo input and output jacks
- Universal Bypass and Expression Control
- Tap Tempo to sync modulation rate
- Neuro editing app for desktop and mobile
Review
Gemini Chorus is a powerful and versatile modulation pedal with analog buffered or relay-based True Bypass.
The stereo inputs and outputs and MIDI functionality promise wide modulation and numerous Signal Routing Options.
The bass pedal features four control knobs for Mix, Depth, Speed, and Tone. You can dial in a plethora of malleable timbres or select tones from a library of downloadable phaser, flanger, and chorus sounds.
At heart, the pedal features three algorithms – Classic, Dual, and Quad.
Classic mode covers single voice chorus effects. Dual mode doubles the voices, and Quad mode is reminiscent of dense ’80s chorus effects with expansive and immersing textures.
You can use tap tempo for modulation sync and an expression pedal to control effect animation.
The pedal supports the Neuro app for desktop and mobile. You can use the app to save presets, add new effect algorithms, and use the extensive range of editing options like Feedback, Embeddable Tremolo, Advanced Signal routing, and Parametric EQ.
The stock sounds are fantastic, and the bass effects pedal promises hours of fun. Flexible editing leads to infinite possibilities but comes with the downside of a steep learning curve.
Luckily, you can start by tweaking stock sounds and saving presets for quick recall.
Verdict
Source Audio Gemini Chorus is the ultimate three-in-one chorus box for bass chorus aficionados.
We dare say it’s the best digital bass chorus pedal in the current market. If you can invest the money and time, it’s a gold mine of chorus effects waiting to be discovered.
2. Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Chorus Pedal
Optimized for bass guitar, the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone chorus pedal takes the classic Small Clone chorus and enhances it for your electric bass.
- One of the best-selling bass chorus pedals
- Takes after the legendary Small Clone
- Provides mind-boggling value and sounds
The EHX Bass Clone is one of the best-selling bass chorus pedals, and not just because it’s modestly priced.
The circuitry promises the OG ‘Small Clone’ sound but is optimized for low-end clarity. Plus, there’s a ‘Crossover’ switch and impressive sound-shaping capabilities to add more value.
Key Features
- Analog bass chorus pedal
- Dual-chorus circuit
- True bypass switching
- 9V battery (included)
Review
The analog chorus circuit takes after the legendary Small Clone chorus pedal.
The compact black-and-purple chorus pedal is famed for precise sound shaping, low-end clarity, and excellent note definition. It has a sturdy die-cast enclosure with True Bypass switching.
The pedal sounds great, works well clean, and has the Small Clone vibe – a slight swirl, a chiming overtone, and a deep texture.
It features four knobs (Depth, Rate, Bass, Treble) and a Crossover switch. Depth controls modulation. Rate alters the speed of the chorus.
The Bass knob affects the dry signal. The Treble knob affects the whole signal but can lead to a hiss when cranked up. The Crossover switch cuts lows from the wet signal, allowing the low end of the dry signal to cut through.
As you can imagine, you can dial in a bass tone using Treble, Bass, and Crossover that has a shimmer on top and a focused/tight low end. No more boomy PA sounds.
Add the Depth and Rate controls, and you have a gamut of chorus effects ranging from seasick tremolo to spooky modulation and classic chorus sounds.
There is an occasional hiss factor, but it is not enough to fault an otherwise impressive pedal at this price point.
Verdict
Don’t be fooled by the ‘best value pick’ badge. The EHX Bass Clone is proof that you don’t need deep pockets for an excellent range of chorus tones.
As long as you don’t expect boutique-inspired liquid chorus sounds, the Bass Clone will give you mind-boggling value and sounds.
3. Providence ABC-1 Anadime Chorus Bass Pedal
The Anadime Chorus delivers a spacious sense of width and depth as well as warmth and thickness that only an analog chorus can achieve.
- Screams quality and durability
- Easy to use
- Excellent depth and sweep
Providence repackaged the chorus-y goodness of their flagship ADC-4 Anadime Chorus pedal with bass-friendly filtering and a bucket-brigade delay circuit.
The result is a bass guitar stomp with intuitive controls, beautifully rich sounds, and excellent preservation of the low end.
Key Features
- Best premium bass chorus pedal
- Double-contact grounding circuit (DGC)
- True Bypass Switching and ‘Deep’ toggle
- 9V battery or DC power supply (sold separately)
Review
The build quality and components of the pedal scream quality and durability. The form factor and ease-of-use favor bass players who like a compact and tidy ‘board.
The stout stompbox has a raised LED that pulses with speed control and indicates battery strength.
The front panel has 3 pointer knobs for Depth, Speed, and HPF with a ‘Deep’ switch. Rate and Depth are the basic controls to find and fine-tune sounds.
The HPF acts as a Crossover, allowing the bass to sound tinny or bloom based on the settings you apply.
The ‘Deep’ switch has three settings that control the delay response. In the first position, you can hear more presence and body.
The second (middle) position makes the chorus sounds airier. The third position adds depth and spaciousness.
Sound-wise, the pedal is only capable of spitting very well-constructed modulation effects. It doesn’t do anything extraordinary, but it’s one of the most clear-sounding chorus pedals under $200.
Consider it if you are after a smooth and sophisticated chorusing effect.
Verdict
The pricey Providence bass chorus pedal is worth every dollar if you want a full-range tone with excellent depth and sweep.
The build quality and chorus effects are far superior compared to similarly priced options. It may be overkill if you just need a cheap, simple chorus stomp.
4. TC Electronic Corona Mini Chorus Pedal
You can make the TC Electronic Corona Mini chorus pedal sound like virtually any chorus pedal ever created, and it's small enough to fit even on highly packed pedalboards.
- Ultra-compact
- Reliable
- Versatile
Want a chorus pedal that is flexible and barely takes up pedalboard space? Consider the Corona Mini, an impressive ultra-compact chorus pedal.
It’s sturdy, reliable, and versatile enough for everyday chorus applications. The pedal is designed for guitars but equally competent for bass.
Key Features
- Ultra-compact mono chorus pedal
- TonePrint enabled
- True Bypass Switching and ‘Deep’ toggle
- DC power supply only
Review
This pedal has a solid metal casing with three large white knobs (Speed, Depth, FX Level) an LED indicator, and a True Bypass footswitch.
The green stomp comes in a mini pedal size. So, you can only power it with a 9V DC adapter, as is the norm with compact pedals.
The build quality is solid for a matchbox-sized enclosure. It’s lightweight but packed with high-quality components. You can use TonePrint despite the mini pedal format. Huzzah!
Even without TonePrint, the pedal boasts 3 chorus types including TriChorus and SCF-style (Stereo Chorus Flanger) effects.
The chorusing ranges from huge-sounding ’80s vintage sound to rotating speaker-style or full-on Leslie tones.
You can use TonePrint to create or download additional chorus sounds. You can also use artist-created (read: default) Tone Prints.
But you cannot switch between TonePrint and factory default settings. That’s reserved for the larger-sized TC Corona Chorus pedal.
Verdict
The TC Corona Mini is a musical mini-pedal for bass guitarists who favor flexibility and compactness.
It edges out the Mooer Audio Ensemble Queen Chorus because of the editing options. However, the cheaper Mooer mini-pedal is better if you don’t need the TonePrint functionality.
5. BOSS CEB-3 Bass Chorus Pedal
Designed specifically for the low end, the CEB-3 Bass Chorus pedal allows bassists a greater freedom of expression, for a more compelling sound.
- Easy-to-use
- Reasonably priced
- Built like a tank
The BOSS CEB-3 – a respected elder in the bass effects pedals market – is easy-to-use, warm-sounding, and reasonably priced.
This straightforward stomp can add lush character with a low-end definition when needed.
Key Features
- Analog bass chorus pedal
- Split-frequency circuit
- Buffered Bypass switching
- 9V battery or DC supply
Review
If you are a fan of
It also packs split-frequency chorusing, stereo operation, Buffered Bypass, and a five-year warranty.
The run-of-the-mill controls on the
More importantly, you can crank up the Depth without low-frequency distortion.
The CEB-3 can deliver multi-dimensional chorus sounds with minor adjustments. The chorus effects sound warm and sit well in the mix.
The sounds are not overly sophisticated, but the pedal can thicken the bass while retaining low-end character.
Lastly, you can use the pedal in Mono (dry and wet signals combined) or Stereo mode by routing Output A for the wet signal and Output B for the original sound. That being said, there are more ‘interesting’ options in this price range if you only want mono-operation.
Verdict
The
Also, consider the Boss CE-5, a more versatile multi-chorus used by bassists like Simon Gallup (The Cure).
6. Ampeg Liquefier Bass Chorus Pedal
The Ampeg Liquifier analog chorus pedal takes your bass tone into thick, modulated goodness.
- Depth, dimension, and wobble galore
- Lush and rich modulation
- Compact
The Ampeg Liquefier is an enviably affordable analog bass chorus pedal by a legendary bass-amp company.
Expect simple operation, an inimitable circuit design, and a stunning array of tones. More importantly, it’s light and compact enough to not crowd your pedalboard.
Key Features
- Compact analog bass chorus pedal
- Unique dual-chorus circuit
- True Bypass switching
- 9V battery or DC supply
Review
The purple stomp is a 3-knob, analog chorus pedal in a robust metal chassis.
The bass pedal features a dual-chorus circuit that delivers a wide range of modulation. Dual-chorus refers to the stomp’s ability to send a clear signal with two modulated signals instead of one.
The circuit design ensures that the pedal maintains the low end and renders lush and rich modulation. And from the sound of it, it lives up to that promise in a live setting.
The chorus effects pedal is easy to operate, and the three dials (Rate, Depth, and Dry/Wet) are responsive. Tone-wise, the Liquefier can hawk out a wide range of chorus tones ranging from Peter Hook to Billy Sheehan.
Depth, dimension, wobble, and full-bodied sounds galore.
On the downside, there are a few complaints about a pop when the pedal is engaged. The noise is not loud enough to be a nuisance during performances, but it can be an issue in the studio.
Still, it’s just a minor snag in a chorus pedal that excels in all other aspects.
Verdict
The Ampeg Liquefier is one of the best bass chorus pedals in this price range for live performances.
It can evoke tones ranging from subtle thickening to brooding saturation and more extreme Leslie-like sounds.
7. MXR M83 Bass Chorus Deluxe
Add an MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe pedal to your rig and get the shimmering, liquid chorus sound of genuine bucket-brigade technology.
- Features five tone-shaping controls
- Versatile
- Separate bass and treble controls
Think of the MXR M83 Bass Chorus Deluxe (BCD) as a compact stomp for subtle chorus sounds with a side of Flange.
It sounds dark, icy (read: Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing”), and subtle. However, it isn’t resourceful or eccentric enough to appease hardnosed chorus fetishes.
Key Features
- Bass chorus pedal with X-over and Flanger
- Analog Circuit
- True Hardwire Switching
- 9V battery or DC power supply (sold separately)
Review
As ever, the
You can toggle stereo output with an internal switch and a 1/4″ TRS to dual TS cable.
The pedal features five tone-shaping controls – Bass, Treble, Intensity, Rate, and Width. Bass shapes the bottom end, and Treble adds subtle glassiness to the sound.
The sensitive Rate and Width knobs are handy to dial and fine-tune desired chorus sounds.
The stomp sports two switches for Crossover and Flanger that light up when activated. Crossover – a 100 Hz Highpass Filter – rolls off the chorus modulation effect to ease up on the lows without compromising the shimmer in the top end.
That’s more low-end clarity, simply put.
The Flanger supposedly adds creamy ‘60s and ‘70s overtones, but it pales in comparison to a standalone flanger pedal.
You cannot wrench out any psychedelic rocketship sounds if that’s what you need. It’s not too bad if you want the occasional phaser-like effect.
Tonally, you can expect subtle sounds, nothing over-the-top. The BCD also retains low-end warmth slightly better than the competition, which makes it a popular choice among bass players.
But, it won’t offer much if you are looking to get crazy with chorus effects.
Verdict
The MXR BCD is neither quirky nor humdrum, making it a good middle-of-the-road choice for bass guitar.
Consider adding one to your ‘board if you dig the glassy palette with Crossover functionality. However, it’s not ideal for out-there ‘80s applications or doubling.
If you enjoyed this, check out 7 Best Synth Pedals For Guitar And Bass (That Don’t Suck).
FAQ’s
Does chorus sound good on bass?
The chorus sound has been heavily used on bass since the ’70s and ’80s.
It’s extremely popular with fretless bass. Bass players like Peter Hook, Jeff Berlin, Justin Chancellor, and Jaco Pastorius have used the chorus sound on bass in varying degrees.
Used appropriately, the chorus effect can make a bass sound lush, shimmering, metallic, or outright spooky.
Can I use a guitar chorus pedal for a bass guitar?
Most chorus pedals can be used with any instrument like a synth, guitar, bass guitar, or EP. So, you can use a guitar chorus pedal for bass, and it can sound amazing.
However, some pedals may cut the low end and sound muddy or boomy, making it difficult to find usable tones for bass.
What does a chorus pedal do for a bass guitar?
From subtle thickening to top-end shimmer, a chorus pedal can add new textures to bass sounds. It can also increase the depth and sense of space.
Some feature-packed bass chorus pedals are capable of Leslie speaker-style sounds, vibrato or warbles, and other seasick audio effects.
Do you need a bass-specific chorus pedal?
While it is generally a better idea, you don’t need a bass-specific chorus pedal for bass guitar. However, many bass-specific chorus pedals have HPF or specialized circuit designs for low-end clarity.
No one likes mired muck. So, it’s a safe bet if you don’t have the liberty to A/B test the pedals.