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Fireguy8402 « Nice Chorus »
Published on 12/23/11 at 07:43The Boss CH-1 is the best selling chorus pedal out by Boss at the moment. The pedal has an Effect Level knob that adjusts the amount of chorus that is mixed with the dry tone, an EQ knob that adjust the amount of high end on the chorus, a Rate knob that adjusts the speed of the waveform on the chorus, and a Depth knob that adjusts the height of the waveform on the chorus. The pedal can be powered by 9 volt batter or external AC adapter. Dimensions of the pedal are Boss’s typical 2.4" x 5.1" x 2.9" and it weighs about a pound. A single input and either mono or stereo outputs.
UTILIZATION
This chorus uses the tried and true pedal formula that Boss has been using for years. Basically Boss builds little tanks, pedals that can take serious abuse from the road and never hiccup, and the CH-1 chorus is no exception to the rule. It is a very reliable pedal and I’ve never heard any complaints in the build of the pedal or quality control. It’s a very straightforward layout and the knobs seem sturdy and hold your settings well. The housing and jacks are metal and will deal with life on the road. The inclusion of stereo outs on this pedal is a great addition and really makes the pedal useful in a stereo setup.
SOUND QUALITY
This pedal does about any normal chorus sound you’ll ever need, and does it fairly well. There is a bit of fakeness when this pedal is maxed out, but I think that’s intentional and inherent of the effect. It does a very good shimmer effect when used subtly and can pulse and spin you right around in the higher settings. I only use chorus sparingly and lightly, but it can really make your guitar sound lush and warm with a swarming movement on just basic chords. When used in stereo with two widely spread amplifiers (I use one on either side of the stage) this effect is very trippy and just beautiful for clean playing.
OVERALL OPINION
Overall this is a pretty great chorus pedal for the money. Boss really shines in the modulation and digital delay world and this is no exception. I like that Boss included the stereo outs, stereo ins may have been useful as well for keyboard players especially. When used in stereo this pedal works great and has a large spread. The pedal sounds a bit sterile with the EQ set to noon, but roll back the tone knob a bit and you get a somewhat analog sounding chorus that really sits well with me. Chorus is an occasional pedal for me, so I don’t need to spend a ton on a boutique pedal that will be used very little. When I need a good chorus sound, I always pull out my Boss CH-1 and go from there.
UTILIZATION
This chorus uses the tried and true pedal formula that Boss has been using for years. Basically Boss builds little tanks, pedals that can take serious abuse from the road and never hiccup, and the CH-1 chorus is no exception to the rule. It is a very reliable pedal and I’ve never heard any complaints in the build of the pedal or quality control. It’s a very straightforward layout and the knobs seem sturdy and hold your settings well. The housing and jacks are metal and will deal with life on the road. The inclusion of stereo outs on this pedal is a great addition and really makes the pedal useful in a stereo setup.
SOUND QUALITY
This pedal does about any normal chorus sound you’ll ever need, and does it fairly well. There is a bit of fakeness when this pedal is maxed out, but I think that’s intentional and inherent of the effect. It does a very good shimmer effect when used subtly and can pulse and spin you right around in the higher settings. I only use chorus sparingly and lightly, but it can really make your guitar sound lush and warm with a swarming movement on just basic chords. When used in stereo with two widely spread amplifiers (I use one on either side of the stage) this effect is very trippy and just beautiful for clean playing.
OVERALL OPINION
Overall this is a pretty great chorus pedal for the money. Boss really shines in the modulation and digital delay world and this is no exception. I like that Boss included the stereo outs, stereo ins may have been useful as well for keyboard players especially. When used in stereo this pedal works great and has a large spread. The pedal sounds a bit sterile with the EQ set to noon, but roll back the tone knob a bit and you get a somewhat analog sounding chorus that really sits well with me. Chorus is an occasional pedal for me, so I don’t need to spend a ton on a boutique pedal that will be used very little. When I need a good chorus sound, I always pull out my Boss CH-1 and go from there.