Finding The Best Bass Chorus Pedal In 2023

As a skilled bassist, finding the perfect bass chorus pedal can be as crucial as finding the right instrument itself. Chorus pedals are the unsung heroes of your arsenal, subtly adding depth, richness, and a sense of fullness to your bass tone. But with so many options, how do you find the one that’s just right for you? Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best bass chorus pedals in 2023.

This article won’t just highlight the standout features, benefits, and pricing of each top-tier pedal, but it’ll also weigh their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone

Overview

The Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone is an outstanding chorus pedal designed explicitly for bassists. It replicates the circuitry of the Small Clone, a highly popular chorus pedal for guitars, but with added features to cater to bass players. This highly versatile pedal can be powered by a 9V battery or an adapter and is encased in a robust aluminum shell, ensuring durability for live performances.

Key Benefits

• Crafted specifically for bassists, providing excellent modulation effects for bass guitar.
• Features a depth knob and a rate knob for controlling the modulation intensity and speed.
• The crossover switch allows for low frequencies to be cut from the modulated signal, providing a focused and defined low end.
• Equipped with bass and treble controls for shaping the tone of the chorus effect.
• The pedal is built tough with a durable aluminum shell, designed to withstand the rigors of live performance.
• Provides a broad range of chorus tones at an affordable price point.
• A true bypass switch is included for maintaining signal integrity when not in use.

Pricing

The Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone is an affordable choice, providing a superior value for its price due to the excellent features and benefits it offers, especially in creating diverse modulation effects for bass guitar. We have it priced at roughly $83 USD.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

The Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone offers an array of tonal possibilities. It’s designed to maintain the foundation of the low-end while adding shimmer and modulation to the high end, making it a versatile pedal suitable for various settings. From subtle warming chorus to extreme modulation effects, the range is wide, allowing for a myriad of unique sounds when combined with other pedals.

Famous bass players such as Geddy Lee from Rush have utilized this pedal in their recordings, indicative of its professional-level quality. The compact size and straightforward functionality of the Bass Clone make it a reliable partner for both professional bassists and beginners who desire to tap into a multitude of chorus tones.

However, the Bass Clone is not without its drawbacks. There is a slight hiss when the treble control is set to its maximum level. This seems to be a common issue with analog chorus pedals. But overall, despite this minor inconvenience, the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone is a highly recommended addition to any bassist’s gear for its exceptional modulation effects, without compromising the low end.

Behringer Ultra Chorus UC200

Overview

The Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus, a budget pedal inspired by the popular Boss CH-1 Super Chorus, is renowned for its overwhelmingly positive reviews. The UC200, known for quiet operation and a natural, full, rich chorus sound, is suitable for players of all levels. This pedal doubles the input signal and alters the pitch and timing of the secondary signal, creating a fuller sound. With a bright yellow plastic body, this chorus pedal boasts robustness for most players, despite not being as sturdy as a metal pedal.

Key Benefits

• Suitable for players of all levels.
• Features a level, tone, rate, and depth knobs for easy adjustment of the chorus effect.
• Offers true stereo functionality with two outputs.
• Known for its quiet operation and natural, full, and rich chorus sound.
• Offers a range of settings: subtle to extreme.
• Tone control allows modulation customization: dark/brooding or bright/shimmery sounds.
• Can be used with two amps for a true stereo setup to create a Thin Lizzy-like sound.

Pricing

The Behringer Ultra Chorus UC200 is a budget-friendly chorus pedal that retails for around $40 USD and is available on Amazon and other retailers. It is accompanied by a 2-year warranty, which can be extended to 3 years if registered.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

The Behringer UC200 is loved for its affordability and versatility. Its plastic body, while less robust than a metal pedal, is sturdy enough to handle regular use. The pedal’s controls for level, tone, rate, and depth enable a wide range of sound manipulation, creating everything from subtle wobbles to rich, full tones. This chorus pedal can transform a clean tone by adding depth and dimension, providing a unique chorus sound in mono and stereo setups.

However, the UC200 can exhibit some quirks, particularly producing unpleasant sounds at extreme tone knob positions. While it may not match the quality of more expensive chorus pedals like the Boss CH-1 Super Chorus or the MXR M234 Analog Chorus, the UC200 performs well enough for gigs and jam sessions, making it a reliable and affordable alternative. It’s an excellent addition to any pedalboard and a great starting point for beginners or a budget-friendly option for gigging musicians.

BOSS CEB-3 Bass Chorus

Overview

The BOSS CEB-3 Bass Chorus is a pedal designed specifically for bass players, offering a rich, organic chorus effect while maintaining the low-end clarity of the bass. It features a stereo operation with two outputs, providing an added depth and multi-dimensional bass chorus. The pedal is equipped with a set of simple controls, including a Level knob to adjust the volume of the affected sound, a Low Filter knob to alter the chorus spectrum in the bass frequencies, and Rate and Depth knobs to customize the modulation speed and intensity.

Renowned for its excellent build quality and clear sound, the BOSS CEB-3 Bass Chorus thickens the bass and adds dimension to the sound, making it a reliable and budget-friendly option for bassists.

Key Benefits

• Designed specifically for bass players
• Preserves the fundamental bass tone while adding a chorus effect
• Features stereo operation with two outputs for added depth
• Equipped with simple controls for easy usage
• Excellent build quality and clear sound
• Versatile and suitable for various playing styles
• Budget-friendly option delivering quality sound

Pricing

Being a budget-friendly option, the BOSS CEB-3 Bass Chorus provides bass players with a high-quality sound at an affordable price of $130 USD at the time of publishing.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

When it comes to pros, the BOSS CEB-3 Bass Chorus is an absolute gem for bass players. It provides a split frequency chorus effect, applying a rich BOSS chorus to the higher frequencies without muddying up the lows. The pedal shows its mettle by featuring a low filter knob, which filters out the low-end signal to preserve the critical fundamental bass tone, a much-needed feature for those who like their bass sound to stay intact.

Moreover, the excellent build quality and straightforward controls make the pedal user-friendly and robust. The stereo operation of the pedal is a sturdy plus, adding an additional layer of depth to the sound. And not to forget, it is budget-friendly, a factor that can’t be overlooked.

However, it’s essential to have a balanced perspective, and there are a few things to consider on the flip side. While the BOSS CEB-3 Bass Chorus has been designed with bass players in mind, it may not offer the same level of versatility as some other pedals in the market. For instance, the MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe, in comparison, offers both chorus and flanger effects, and stereo capabilities. Yet, it’s important to note that each pedal brings its unique sound characteristics, and the choice ultimately comes down to the specific sound that one is seeking.

Final thoughts? The BOSS CEB-3 Bass Chorus is a clear winner for those seeking a chorus effect that doesn’t compromise the fundamental bass tone, for those who prefer a simple and effective control layout, and for those who are tight on budget but don’t want to sacrifice on the quality. It’s a pedal that delivers what it promises – a reliable, quality sound for the bass players.

Ibanez CSMINI

Overview

The Ibanez CSMINI is a compact version of the classic Chorus pedal designed to deliver a wide range of chorus effects in a small, portable package. Despite its smaller size, it is durable and versatile, allowing for a variety of playing styles. It is built with high-quality components, ensuring reliability and durability. A favorite among users, the CSMINI is particularly praised for its warm, vintage-sounding chorus tones.

Key Benefits

• Compact and Portable: The Ibanez CSMINI is small in size, making it perfect for guitarists who want depth and dimension to their sound without sacrificing space on their pedalboard.
• Versatile: This pedal allows users to dial in their desired chorus sound with ease, thanks to its controls for speed, depth, and level.
• Warm Sound: The CSMINI offers a warm and vibrant tone, devoid of any dissonant echoing.
• Robust Build: Made with solid metal housing, this pedal can withstand regular use.
• True Bypass: The CSMINI features a true bypass switch, ensuring that the pedal does not color the tone when it is not in use.

Pricing

The Ibanez CSMINI is available for purchase at roughly $120 USD, making it an affordable option for those looking for a top-quality chorus effect.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

From my perspective, the Ibanez CSMINI offers lush and rich chorus tones that enhance your guitar’s sound. This pedal is perfect for adding shimmer to the guitar sound and making it pop out. Its depth control allows for adjusting the amount of chorus effect, while the speed control can take the sound into Leslie territory. The pedal produces a pretty and lush chorus sound, making it a great addition to any pedal lineup.

However, there is a minor concern. The smaller dials on the pedal can be difficult to see, but this is a small price to pay for the incredible sound it produces. Moreover, there’s a small issue with the switch making a “pop” sound when turned on and off, which can be inconvenient in quiet recording settings. But, considering its overall performance, these downsides do not significantly impact the pedal’s effectiveness.

In terms of its color, not everyone is a fan of the pink-purple shade, but again, this is a minor aesthetic concern. The main attraction is the sound and functionality of the Ibanez CSMINI. This is a pedal that offers a great value for its price, showing off its versatility and ability to create a wide range of chorus sounds. It’s a popular choice among musicians for its great sound and affordable price.

Providence Anadime Bass Chorus ABC-1

Overview

The Providence Anadime Bass Chorus ABC-1 is a high-quality analog chorus pedal designed specifically for bass guitars. The pedal is recognized for its warm, rich sound and is valued for its ability to add depth and dimension to bass tones. It combines a top-notch chorus effect with bass-friendly filtering and a subtle delay. The pedal is compact and sturdy and offers a mix of smooth compression without any extra tonal changes. The ABC-1 is easy to use and is designed to preserve the player’s sound character while adjusting the volume.

Key Benefits

• Delivers a spacious sense of width, depth, warmth, and thickness in sound
• Versatile and suitable for various playing styles, from delicate arpeggios to powerful riffs
• Features controls for depth, speed, high-pass filter, and a deep switch, allowing a wide range of chorus effects
• Designed with a D.C.G circuit for improved durability and sound
• Has a raised LED acting as an indicator of battery strength
• Offers smooth compression without extra tonal changes, preserving the player’s sound character

Pricing

The Providence Anadime Bass Chorus ABC-1 is priced at $249. This price point offers great value considering the quality and features of the pedal.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

The Providence Anadime Bass Chorus ABC-1 is appreciated for its warm and rich analog sound. The controls are simple and intuitive, allowing easy adjustments to the overall volume and intensity of the chorus effect. The unique mix control is a standout feature as it provides the flexibility to blend the dry and wet signals according to one’s preference. This feature is particularly helpful to dial in just the right amount of chorus effect, from subtle and transparent to lush and immersive.

The pedal is built with high-quality components and features true bypass switching, ensuring that the bass tone remains pristine when the pedal is not engaged. The compact and rugged design makes it suitable for both studio and live performances.

The versatility of the ABC-1 is another key strength. The pedal can be used for a wide range of musical styles and genres, making it a valuable addition to any bass rig.

However, while the pedal is generally easy to use, the range of controls might be overwhelming for some, particularly beginners. Despite this, once familiar with the controls, the Providence Anadime Bass Chorus ABC-1 offers exceptional performance and quality. Whether adding depth and dimension to the tone or creating lush and immersive chorus effects, this pedal delivers.

Source Audio Gemini Chorus

Overview

The Source Audio Gemini Chorus is a cutting-edge stereo chorus pedal that proffers three variants of deep, trance-inducing chorus effects: Classic, Dual, and Quad. Each mode is designed to reproduce the unique chorus effects from different musical eras. The Classic mode replicates the gentle and creamy tones of 1970s chorus pedals, Dual mode renders a fluid and animated double-voiced effect, and Quad mode revives the ’80s rack system sound with a rich and spacious chorus.

Key Benefits

• Offers three distinct types of chorus effects: Classic, Dual, and Quad.
• Features onboard Mix and Tone controls for fine-tuning the perfect sound.
• Compatible with the Neuro Mobile App, granting access to Source Audio’s free library of additional phaser, flanger, and chorus algorithms.
• Provides adjustable parameters such as Feedback, Output Level, Tremolo, Parametric EQ, and Advanced Signal Routing via the Neuro App.
• Fully MIDI compatible when used with the Neuro Hub, allowing storage of up to 128 presets.
• Offers a wide tonal range and can be customized using the Neuro App.
• Features stereo input and output jacks, and can be used with analog buffered or relay-based True Bypass.
• Compatible with Source Audio expression pedals and the Hot Hand 3 Universal Wireless Effects Controller.
• Can be synced to the band’s tempo using the External Tap Tempo switch.
• Offers various signal routing options, including True Stereo, Mono to Stereo, Dual Mono, Sidechain Envelope, and External Effects Loop.

Pricing

The Gemini Chorus comes with a 9v DC power supply and a cable for connecting to the Neuro Mobile App. Additional algorithms can be downloaded directly to the Gemini Chorus at no extra cost, enhancing its versatility. We currently have this pedal priced at roughly $199 USD.

See Current Pricing Here.

Pros & Cons

The Gemini Chorus is a reliable pedal that is known for its good clean tone and controls for speed and depth. With a mini toggle switch offering three settings: normal, classic, and quad, this device can produce a range of chorus sounds. In the normal setting, the product provides a nice even chorus effect, while the classic setting offers a classic chorus sound that is rather favored amongst various options, and the quad setting introduces a quad chorus effect.

However, this variety can also be seen as a downside as it may take some time to fully explore and understand the different chorus sounds produced by the Gemini Chorus in each setting. This could potentially be intimidating for users who are new to chorus pedals or prefer a simpler interface. Furthermore, while the pedal’s compatibility with the Neuro Mobile App and MIDI functionality are certainly benefits, they require additional hardware and software that users may not already have, potentially adding to the overall cost and setup time.

TC Electronic Corona

Overview

The TC Electronic Corona is a versatile chorus pedal that offers a wide range of tones, from subtle to more intense. Part of TC Electronic’s new range of compact pedals, the Corona stands out for its Tri Chorus mode, which utilizes three stereo choruses to create a unique and broad chorus effect. This pedal also features the TonePrint functionality, enabling users to download and apply custom tweaks made by their favorite artists. Compact, durable, and adaptable, the Corona can run on a 9V battery or a DC adapter, offering both mono and stereo inputs and outputs for flexible setup options.

Key Benefits

• Offers a wide range of chorus tones, adaptable from subtle to more intense.
• Tri Chorus mode utilizes three stereo choruses for a broad and unique chorus effect.
• TonePrint feature allows for the application of custom tweaks made by popular artists.
• Compact size allows for easy integration into a pedalboard setup.
• Dual power options (9V battery or DC adapter) for versatile use.
• Provides both mono and stereo inputs and outputs for flexible setup.
• High-quality sound and versatile capabilities have received positive reviews.

Pricing

The TC Electronic Corona is well-built and reasonably priced, offering great value for bass players looking to enhance their sound with a rich chorus effect.

Pros & Cons

The TC Electronic Corona is a solid choice for those looking to add a chorus effect to their bass sound. The pedal is designed specifically for bass guitars, adding depth and dimension to the sound. It’s simple to adjust the chorus effect using the controls for speed, depth, and blend, and a switch allows for choosing between chorus and vibrato modes.

Another pro is its true bypass feature, which means it doesn’t impact the tone when it’s turned off. With its high-quality components, it offers durability and reliability. The lightweight and compact design make it a convenient addition to any pedalboard.

Sound-wise, the pedal produces a warm and lush chorus effect, which can enhance the bass tone—a major plus for various musical styles, from funk to rock to jazz. Depending on the settings, the chorus effect can be subtle or intense, and the vibrato mode adds a slight pitch modulation to the bass sound.

In addition to its versatility, the pedal is suitable for both live performances and studio recordings. However, the chorus can be a little too intense for some, and it might take some time for users to find the perfect balance. But for those looking to add depth and dimension to their sound, the TC Electronic Corona comes highly recommended.

The Benefits Of Adding Chorus To Your Bass Tone

A bass chorus pedal can be a game-changer for you, adding depth and richness to each note you play. The magic of a chorus effect is in its ability to create the illusion of several voices playing in unison, almost like a choir. This is done by layering the original note with copies that slightly vary in pitch and timing, resulting in a fuller, more complex sound. Some chorus pedals even let you add higher and lower octaves, opening up a world of tonal possibilities.

Chorus can give a fresh twist to your bassline, giving it a melodic presence that can almost make it seem as if it’s singing. It’s particularly effective on longer notes, but can work its magic on any bassline, no matter your playing style. Plus, it can be a handy tool for cutting through the mix, standing out in certain musical moments, and sweetening high parts.

But remember, like any spice, it’s best to use chorus in moderation. Overdoing it can lead to a repetitive, tiresome sound, and it might mess with the harmony and overall sound of the band. So, it’s important to play around with different settings and apply the chorus effect at the right time and place, depending on the tempo and style of the music. Notably, famous songs such as “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns N’ Roses and “Save a Prayer” by Duran Duran have brilliantly shown how effective the chorus effect can be when used wisely.

What Is A Bass Chorus Pedal?

A bass chorus pedal’s a piece of musical equipment that changes the sound of your bass guitar, adding depth and richness to its tone. This effect’s achieved by splitting the bass signal into two, delaying one part, and then merging them to produce a shimmering modulation effect. The result? A sense of fullness and warmth to your bass tone that’s most pronounced in higher-register chords and melodies.

Some bass chorus pedals come with a crossover function, letting the low notes stay unmodulated while the higher notes get modified. This feature helps to keep clarity and definition in the low end while adding modulation to the higher frequencies, thereby enhancing the versatility of your tune.

Adding a chorus effect to bass tones doesn’t just enhance the depth and dimension of the sound, it also enriches it to sound fuller and more expansive. This can be especially useful in a band setting where your bass needs to stand out. Plus, chorus can add a touch of vintage warmth and character to your bass tone or serve as a creative tool for experimentation and sonic exploration. By tweaking the rate, depth, and other parameters of the chorus effect, you’re able to create unique and interesting sounds that can inspire new musical ideas.

Bass Chorus Pedals: From Subtle Shimmer to Sonic Swirls

When you’re looking to shape your bass tone, chorus pedals can be a unique way to add depth, dimension, and character. Whether you’re after that Geddy Lee-like shimmer or the dreamy ambiance of The Cure’s soundscapes, these pedals can be the secret ingredient in your sonic recipe.

In this article, we’ve looked at some of the best bass chorus pedals on the market – each with its own charm and features. The Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone offers top-notch modulation effects. The Behringer UC200’s known for its affordability and versatility. The Ibanez CSMINI’s got warm, vintage tones. The Providence Anadime Bass Chorus ABC-1 brings a high-quality analog chorus effect. The Source Audio Gemini Chorus offers cutting-edge stereo chorus effects, and the BOSS CEB-3 Bass Chorus enhances your bass’s fundamental tone with a chorus effect while preserving it.

No matter what you’re looking for—be it budget, features, or specific tonal characteristics— it’s clear there’s a bass chorus pedal that’ll fit your needs. But remember, the magic’s in how you dial in your settings, how you integrate it into your effects chain, and ultimately, how you play.

So, go ahead. Pick the chorus pedal that catches your eye and start exploring the sonic possibilities it can bring to your bass playing. Your pedalboard might just be a chorus pedal away from hitting the perfect note!