One of the most widely used accessories across music worldwide is the chorus pedal. This pedal holds almost limitless possibilities in the right hands and allows the user to change the musical experience. Countless musicians have used it in thousands of iconic songs over the years. Budding musicians worldwide have begun looking for the best chorus pedals they can use to make similar songs. If you’re one of these people, you’re in luck because we’ve gathered some of the best chorus pedals of 2022 in this list.
Since the chorus pedal was first invented, it has carved a name for itself in the annals of musical history. Chorus pedals can be heard in thousands upon thousands of songs, some of which are the most popular songs of all time. Most professionals consider pedalboards incomplete if they don’t contain a chorus pedal.
These pedals can change the mood and sound on their own. They layer sounds from one instrument, giving different layers different delays, frequencies and pitches so that it sounds like multiple instruments are being played instead of just one. This effect results in a rich, detailed sound that you’ve likely heard many times before.
Chorus pedals are very important pieces in the guitarist’s arsenal. However, you need to know which pedals are the best before you purchase. So, without further ado, here are our picks for the best chorus pedals of 2022.
Want to sound like a rockstar? Try out the 5 best chorus pedals of 2022…
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This pedal produced by Way Huge is one of the best chorus pedals you can get your hands on right now. It’s a smaller, more compact version of the original model, the Blue Hippo. This pedal is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
The Smalls Blue Hippo offers incredible sound quality despite its small frame. Users can use several controls to change the sound of the guitar significantly. These controls include knobs for speed and depth, with a chorus/vibe switch that allows you to change modes on the fly.
The sound produced by this pedal is more warped and fuzzier than in most other pedals. The sound is heavy and thick, reminiscent of old-school music from the 70s and 80s.
This pedal also has excellent durability to withstand damage and be tossed around and carried. This, plus the small form factor, means that the Smalls Blue Hippo is the ideal touring chorus pedal. You can travel anywhere you want, even on the bumpiest possible roads, with this pedal in your bag, and nothing will happen to it. The small size means it’ll fit anywhere and easily carry it.
The presence of the vibe mode increases the possible use cases of this pedal significantly. For one price, you’re getting a chorus pedal that has endless ways to change the character of the sound, and when you want to freshen things up, you can switch to vibe mode to hear some dense, wobbly sounds.
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BOSS is one of the best-known names in the music industry, thanks to the years and years they’ve been active. Since they entered the music industry, they’ve been producing some of the best accessories the world has seen, including pedals, guitars, pedalboards, etc.
BOSS has used all of this experience to produce a feature-packed chorus pedal and fit for all levels of use. If you’re a beginner, you’ll love this pedal, thanks to its simplicity and ease of use. If you’re a professional, you’ll love the sound quality of this pedal as well as the different options and modes it contains.
This chorus pedal is a rendition of two of the best chorus pedals: the CE-1 and the CE-2. These pedals are iconic, and their impact on popular music in the 80s cannot be understated. They were the most popular pedals in that time frame by far.
BOSS has brought these two pedals back to the public in a different form so that fans can have a taste of old-school, classic sounds that were popular decades ago.
BOSS has paid special attention to ensuring that this reissue is as close to the originals as possible. Reviewers have noted that this pedal sounds more or less identical to the pedals it emulates, despite being digital. There is also an extra CE-1 Vibrato mode that only adds to your options with this pedal.
The sound quality of this pedal is one of its best features. In addition to accurately emulating two of the best chorus pedals ever made, it also produces bright, sometimes shimmery sounds with high treble. Players have total control over the sound thanks to the knobs on the face of this pedal. These controls are very precise and allow you to adjust the effects of the sound accurately.
This pedal is also very durable, which is always important when taking it with you on tour or to use the pedal over a long period without it breaking.
This chorus pedal produced by Chase Bliss Audio is an easy-to-use pedal that is as deep as simple. Beginners will be able to pick this pedal up and use it without any problems, while experts will appreciate the subtle differences it can produce in the sound.
This pedal is another in the Warped Vinyl pedals produced by Chase Bliss. This model is the Hi-Fi version, which incorporates extra features and adjustments to make the sonic experience better and more customizable.
This pedal also comes with a vibrato mode, just like the previous entry on this list. The presence of a vibrato mode is a massive boost in terms of the value for money on offer by this pedal. It also increases the number of things you can do with the pedal with no extra inconvenience.
This pedal aims to emulate analog pedals as closely as possible. While the chorus itself is analog, all internal controls are digital. This interesting mix of analog and digital design results in a warped and noisy sound.
This pedal also has a slew of controls that guitarists can use to control anything from the pitch and depth of the signal to how delayed it is.
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The Neo Clone is a pedal that holds a special place in the heart of thousands if not millions of people. This is because the pedal is a redesign of the Small Clone pedal also made by Electro-Harmonix, which Kurt Cobain routinely used while making music for Nirvana.
Today, the sound you can hear in classic Nirvana songs can be replicated with ease using this pedal. The sound quality is just as good as it was back then, and, crucially, the effects of this pedal are all accurate to the original. It even has the same circuitry as its predecessor, according to Electro-Harmonix.
There are several in-depth controls present on the face of the pedal, which you can use to change and modify every aspect of the sound. The pedal is also durable, packed in a safe metal housing that prevents damage, which is worse than cosmetic. It’s also small so that you can carry it around easily.
The durability of this pedal means that you’ll be able to use it regularly for years and years. Knowing that is important because this pedal’s sound cannot be found in any other pedal.
If you’re a fan of Nirvana or 90s grunge and rock n’ roll, this pedal will probably be an instant buy for you. If you’re not a part of that bracket, this pedal is still an excellent option since it contains so many controls and so many options to play around with. The only downside is that beginners won’t use this pedal too easily.
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Next on our list is the excellent Mini Chorus Guitar Pedal produced by Ibanez. Ibanez is a name that needs no introduction at this point. They’re one of the leading musical accessories and instruments manufacturers globally, producing all kinds of items for every major instrument.
The Mini Chorus Guitar Pedal is one of the best chorus pedals you can buy if you’re looking for something inexpensive with a lot of depth and complexity. It also has a small form factor, which is always good considering some users may want to take it on tour.
There are ample controls present on the face of the pedal, which can be used to change almost everything about the sound of the guitar. Durability is high, so you won’t have to worry about the pedal wearing down with use.
As is expected from a piece of equipment made by Ibanez, this pedal lasts for a very long time, so you’ll be able to use it years after the initial purchase.
The sound this pedal produces is heavier and denser than in usual chorus pedals. This sound is reminiscent of classic songs produced by artists like Prince and Metallica in the 80s. The addition of a new level control switch further increases the versatility of this pedal since you’ll be able to mimic other pedals, such as vibrato pedals, using this feature.
Despite packing all of these features, the Ibanez Mini Chorus Guitar Pedal is one of the cheapest items on this list.
Chorus Pedal Buyer’s Guide
With so many excellent options available today, it can be difficult to decide which pedal to buy. To help you out with that, we’ve prepared a buyer’s guide.
Chorus pedals are intricate pieces of machinery that have been painstakingly designed and modified to the point where they are today.
There are two parts of the signal your guitar produces when you play. One part is “dry”, while the other is “wet”. Chorus pedals take the wet part, separate it from the dry signal, detune it and layer it on top. The modified wet signal can also be delayed to add an extra layer of sound.
These chorus pedals are versatile and can produce sounds to match any genre you’re aiming for: rock, grunge, R&B, etc.
If you’ve been researching chorus pedals, or indeed any pedal at all, you’ll know that there is a subset of players that swear by analog pedals. These people claim that analog is the only way to go, and digital pedals simply don’t sound good.
There is some truth to this. Typically, analog pedals produce a richer, more detailed and more accurate sound than their digital counterparts. The signal is pristine, and there are almost no blemishes in the sound. If you’re a professional who knows exactly the type of sound you want, analog pedals are a great option.
However, digital pedals are far more versatile than analog ones. While it’s true that analog pedals have the best sound quality, the sound quality digital pedals offer isn’t far behind. These pedals also pack more features, including the ability to emulate iconic chorus pedals. This means that one digital pedal could pack emulations of some of the best chorus pedals of all time for one small price.
In the end, the decision of which type of pedal you should buy depends on you as a guitarist. As previously mentioned, professionals and people who work in studios will likely only be satisfied by the best analog chorus pedals.
On the other hand, digital pedals are very convenient for jamming sessions at home or with your friends, or even to record/perform some music. These pedals offer several modes in one package and are convenient to carry and use in settings such as concerts.
How to weigh price vs quality
The problem of weighing the price of an item against the value for money it presents is not a problem limited to chorus pedals. However, with the quality of chorus pedals increasing yearly while the price decreases, it can be hard to tell which ones are truly worth buying.
The bottom line is it’s better to spend a little bit more money to get a good chorus pedal than to get a cheap one to save money, at least most of the time. The best chorus pedals are usually a bit more expensive than the competition, especially those that pack many features.
However, the price can easily be justified even by novice users. These pedals aren’t meant to be used for a short time; many musicians have been able to maintain and use their chorus pedals for years, if not decades. The difference in quality between two pedals that are priced just $50 apart can be vast, so if you choose a cheaper option at the expense of quality, it’ll be worse for you in the long run.
The best chorus pedals all have important features that make users’ lives much easier. These features include excellent sound quality, versatility, durability, and portability. Durability is the thing that is sacrificed the most in cheaper pedals, so even if your lower-end pedal sounds great, you won’t be able to use it long-term. Durability is also important for travelling, so if you’re going on tour soon, you’ll want to get a high-end, durable pedal.
The impact the best chorus pedals have on your playing ability
The impact chorus pedals have on songs cannot be understated. The best chorus pedals contain features that can completely overhaul and change the sound and mood. They can make good playing sound infinitely better and, in the right hands, can produce mesmerizing melodies.
Since chorus pedals layer and delay a part of the signal, it can sound like multiple instruments are being played simultaneously. This also means that you can produce a whole range of sounds, enough to make a song, all on your own.
These results are only possible if you use the best chorus pedals.
Things to keep in mind if you’re a beginner
Chorus pedals are some of the most versatile equipment you can use with your guitar. However, they are also complex and not necessarily easy to use or understand, especially if you’re a beginner. Beginners often have trouble figuring out the different settings and controls and the function of the knobs.
If you’re a beginner, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, don’t go overboard with the spending. There are cheaper pedal options that are excellent for beginners. These pedals have a good sound quality and are simple enough that beginners can learn how to incorporate chorus pedals into their music using them. They also have enough features that you’ll be able to use them at the intermediate stage.
High-end pedals are usually very complex, and as a result, it isn’t easy to use them to their full potential. While having a high-end chorus pedal is every guitarist’s dream, beginners can use some of the best chorus pedals for a cheaper price.
Running multiple pedals at once
This trick is recommended for advanced users only. If you’re someone who has been using chorus pedals for a long time and knows how they work and what you can do with them, then this strategy is a good way to take your sound to the next level.
Having a rig with multiple pedals increases the options you have to modify your sound exponentially. Sound layering becomes denser and more intricate, and the layers can be potentially countless. The sound begins to feel tangible, almost like it’s in 3D. However, achieving this sound takes skill and technical knowledge, as managing two pedals at once is never easy.
FAQs about chorus pedals
What is the benefit of having chorus pedals?
Most guitarists will benefit greatly from owning chorus pedals. Owning these pedals increases the possibilities you have when it comes to changing the guitar’s sound. These pedals can achieve special sound effects such as layering. The best chorus pedals may also have some bonus features that can allow you to add more effects to the signal.
Overall, owning a chorus pedal is a good way to massively increase the range of sounds you can produce with your guitar.
Are chorus pedals easy to use?
Chorus pedals can be tricky to use at first but typically, learning how to use them is a relatively quick process. Mastering them is another matter since the best chorus pedals have a lot of depth and options, which you can use to change the guitar’s sound further.
Should I buy a cheap chorus pedal?
Cheap chorus pedals are always a good option for beginners and people buying a chorus pedal for the first time.
For all others, it’s best to invest the extra money and get a high-quality chorus pedal. The difference in quality more than makes up for the additional money spent, especially since the best chorus pedals are meant to be used long-term.
Enjoy Your New Chorus Pedal
Chorus pedals are some of the most impactful and important accessories the electric guitar has. The best chorus pedals can change sounds and make mediocre songs iconic in the right hands.
Our pick for the best chorus pedal of 2022 has to be the Ibanez Mini Chorus Guitar Pedal. This pedal packs a lot of features in a small, durable body. It has enough controls to offer depth while remaining easy to use. The addition of a level control increases versatility, and the value for money is excellent.
That being said, all of the pedals on this list would make for a good purchase. So, if you’re interested in what they can do, consider getting yourself a chorus pedal today.
