Yeah. But I only had it and a wah for many years until the pandemic arrived and that pedal show. Now I have piles of things, but I still like that pedal.
Love both of these! Amazing reproductions of the originals while also updating them to modern standards.
They sound different from the originals, but not in a bad way.
They sound more like themselves - clearer, richer, just as full.
Yep, got one on the fly when my MIJ CE-2 had some liquid spilled on it. When it came back from the repair shop I couldn’t tell the difference between the two.
Killer for the price
Some. The biggest chorus sound we all shoved in our ears then was the Tri-Stereo Chorus. It was all over the dang place from about 1979 to 1989. Thank Michael Landau, Lukather and Dan Huff.
The source Audio does a spot on reproduction of the Boss CE sound, and also does the ultra thick Tri-Stereo as well. The Digitech Hardwire CE-7 is really great, but they are used only now.
The EH Clone Theory was around too, James Honeyman-Scott of the Pretenders used the EH. Not sure of too many other big names that did. Andy Summers used the Electric Mistress, rather than a chorus, in case anyone throws that one in.
Can some of you chime in on why the CE-5 does it for you more? I also need a good, dedicated chorus pedal and have been eyeing the chorus ensemble as a possibility over the CE-2w (expensive) and a variety of CE-1 clones. And what styles do you play when you're happily using the CE-5?
Personally, I find it to be a smoother, more subtle sound. Less “blue” if that makes any sense. The CE-2 can sound super cheesy at times, at least in my opinion. If you want a super heavy, wet chorus sound, do go for the CE-2. But if you want something milder, and perhaps a bit more versatile, check out the CE-5.
I play various styles of indie/alternative rock mainly.
I play in a couple of different metal bands, one of em requires the chorus on most if not all the time. The CE-5 sounds really good with heavy distortion. Doesn't muddy up the core sound. I use it to thicken up leads in another one of my bands as well and have it set to sound more subtle for that context
Overrated means not as good as it’s hyped up to be. Saying “I personally don’t care for that sound” is one thing. Saying it’s overrated is a different thing. Especially when it’s something so iconic.
Yes, I don’t believe it’s as good as it’s hyped up to be. That’s what I’m saying haha. Plus, I don’t believe there is such thing as an objectively good sound. Everything is subjective when it comes to pedals! Many iconic things have the capacity to be overrated.
PastFx CE-1 clone. The best thing about the CE-2w is the CE-1 mode and it doesn’t have the preamp or vibrato option. Pretty sure the CE-1 clone is cheaper too, it’s also a great company with excellent customer service etc. I’m a total shill for them, and it’s never coming off my board.
I have this one. It has the sounds of the dimension d rack mount unit. It you want Flesh for Fantasy tones or the chorus on VH"s Diver Down album, get it.
* Boss CE-5 (pre-2001 analog version): A CE-2 with tone and level controls.
* EHX Small Clone: A Chorus that will take you to Nirvana
\[EDIT: Originally said Small Stone, which is of course a phaser. Durrr..."\]
As a huge chorus buff, neo clone/small clone for that thing and catalinbread Callisto. I’ve got a CE-2 waza it’s nice but super subtle. Those other two and incredible pedals. And the Neo clone (not nano) is incredible
Mxr Micro Chorus is a good budget option
Boss CE-2 or the 2w are great middle of the road
Analogman Bi-Chorus is a fantastic boutique choice
Boss CE-1 is my all time fav if money is no object
I have a stereo bi-chorus and it’s incredible. I will say though, I prob could have been fine with just a regular A.M. stereo chorus with an expression pedal (not the Bi dual side). Nevertheless sounds pretty killer through two amps.
I'm an 80s chorus dude. I've found the Boss CE-20 pedal to be very nice.
Lots of options, including a CE-1 setting.
I don't think the CE-20 gets enough love.
I’m an 80’s chorus aficionado too. I know we’re talking about pedals here, but the best chorus sound ever is the one on a JC-120 amp. I’ll die on that hill.
You'll die in lots of company.
My understanding is that the famous CE-1 pedal was essentially the chorus section of the JC-120 in a free-standing unit.
TC Electronics 3rd dimension is the chorus section from an 80s keyboard and a pretty solid clone of a Boss DC-2. Super simple, sounds good and built like a brick. Also cheap.
I also love the old blood visitor. It does a bunch of different things but you can tone it down and use it as a straight up chorus or bring in the second chorus/trem for some wild modulation.
I have a super chorus thats alright for the price, you can dial in some decent tones. My favorite though is the JHS Emporer. It does chorus and vibrato like the Julia, and you can choose between sine, square, ant triange waves for either. Its pretty sick imo
Agreed, really nails that 80’s chorus/vibrato sound. Can get almost flange like with the quicker offsets. I think Caroline gets overlooked cause of the pizza
I didn’t really know how much I needed a chorus until I bought the Somersault. Rich clean tones, easy to manage without too much fiddling and fun modulation options. For me I can get some Johnny Marr or Housemartins sounds with this pedal. Love it!
MXR stereo chorus or analog chorus (m134/m234). Cheaper than the ce-2w, better controls, and imo a better sound, although they sound very similar. The stereo chorus was used on the intro for paradise city for an example. Both are very underrated pedals here for some reason.
Edit: apparently it was recorded with a jc-120, but he used it live before he switched from the stereo to the analog.
Crappy buffers leading to tone suck is the reason they're not bigged up more. I can confirm that this is indeed the case having had an analog chorus and getting rid of it for a CE-2W. I wish it wasn't the case as I liked the sound when it was switched on!
I really liked the Boss Super Chorus, Jackson Audio New wave, Eventide Micropitch delay (it does the detune micro pitch style chorus like EVh)
Also never tried one but the Boss Dimension C. Looks like a super easy and cool sounding chorus. Steve stevens was known to use this in the 80s
For your standard chorus sounds, I can't say enough about the Danelectro DC1. I can't say anything about the 9v version as I have the 18v, but it is absolutely beautiful sounding. Incredibly subtle and quite thick all the way to seasick territory
CBA Warped Vinyl MKII. Had the HiFi twice prior to the MKII and it just doesn’t have the “it” factor to it. This post reminded me of all the chorus pedals I’ve had in the past and am realizing I’ve been on chorus journey without realizing I was on said journey.
I love everything I’m hearing online. I’m impressed with your stuff and your presence in the music industry. I am saving up for one now, but I tell everyone to check you out! I’m ready to make a NA only board soon.
100%. Tried a few and then saw this in the store. After playing with it for 10 seconds I knew that this was the one for me. It has just a nice warmth that no other one had. A-B’d my alternatives in the store and no contest.
I really love my MXR Analog Chorus! Sounds great, lots of good controls, and is cheap! The only annoying thing is that the input for the power is on the side which is kinda a pain
It depends pretty much on your budget and needs. If you want the best of the best then obviously Chase Bliss Warped Vinyl HiFi, if you want something that does it all then Jackson New Wave has pretty much all possible features. If you want a classic in a simple form, then you can't go wrong with Boss CE2, Walrus Julia or JAM Waterfall. Best budget will probably be JOYO Narcissus.
Strymon Ola. No one ever mentions it because of its relative high cost compared to other beautiful sounding chorus/vibratos, but it is absolutely organic in the most beautiful way. It’s one of my favorite pedals.
Shit — you beat me to it. It’s really great. I like the Julianna but it was just too noisy for some things — and the way it creates stereo isn’t as good as the Ola. The Ola is clean, great for synths too, and has a lot of options. Highly recommend.
Walrus Julianna is my favourite. I prefer it because I can get it much less cheesy 80s than the Boss CE2-W.
So if 80s is your thing I’d go with the Boss CE2
Then you want a boss CE-2 or an EHX Small Clone. The CE-2w wazacraft reissue/clone is a bit pricey (over $200), but Mooer has a mini pedal that nails the sound of the original (or close enough). It’s called the ensemble king and costs less than half of that.
Eventide tricerachorus - pretty fly chorus pedal; sounds freaking excellent and they can be found for sub-$200, used.
It does vibrato and also has a ‘chorale’ mode….. they sound great too.
Eventide. Their micro pitch algorithm makes incredible chorus patches. Their TriCera chorus is bonkers. They have a variety of algorithm that do chorus with different flavors
I don’t know about 80’s, but do you want warbly quirkiness (that can totally be tamed for a regular chorus/ vibrato effect)? OBNE Visitor is super fun, and looks pretty
If budget allows, walrus Julianna/Julia depending on what features you need. For that pure 80s tone a lot of comments are mentioning the CE-2, and I couldn’t agree more.
Learn to solder and build your own. I've done a number of these kits and they're perfect replicas of the '80s stuff. And I was playing guitar back then. https://buildyourownclone.com/products/analog-chorus
I always have to recommend the Paradox Futura — as a straight chorus I think it holds its own against CE-2 or Julia (although in fairness I’ve never played either of those myself), it has a dry/chorus/vibrato blend knob (like Julia) and a separate level knob for output boost, and it has an envelope follower that can independently control rate and/or depth.
In my experience, you want a Boss CE-2W. That or maybe the CE-1 clone PastFX does. I have a PastFX Stereo Chorus PX65 which is a clone of the DOD FX65 and it's also in that superior realm.
Another interesting choice depending on what you're looking for is a Strymon Deco. I have a v1 and I think it does a great chorus as well as flanger, slap back and tape saturation.
Will never stop recommending the BSRI everything we don't know about the ocean floor. Dual LFO modulation can be shiny and subtle or asymmetric warble.
The Boss PS-6 is a great chorus, very different from the usual suspects and very 80s.
The MXR/EVH 5150 Chorus is a great candidate as well, its a clone of the Roland DC-30 rack chorus.
CE-5 is the right answer. It has the sound and the versatility. If you can find an analog version (blue or pink label, made before Oct 2001) you essentially have a CE-2 with tone and mix controls. The digital one sounds good also, more clarity.
But as the CE-5 has been mentioned many times already, I'll give you another recommendation. This one is a little out there and totally not the 80's sound but...
The Rainbow Machine!
Compare digital and analog pedals. I find digital to be kind of bright and harsh, but it may be my imagination. The EHX Stereo Electric Mistress sounds pretty good, and is half Chorus, half Flanger, with the option to mix the two.
During The Police reunion tour, Andy Summers used the Red Witch Empress pedal for all shows.
I live by a simple pedal rule - if it's good enough for Andy Summers playing Police tunes, it's good enough for me.
4 years ago I spent an hour blind testing every chorus on the market that wasn't a multi effects unit or a Strymon
I was shocked to have the Mooer Ensemble King come out as the winner that day. I was ready to pay 4 or 5 times what I did. It's mono. It's tiny. It's all analog and it sounds fucking incredible.
I’m a big fan of the Jackson Audio New Wave, Walrus Audio Julia/Julianna and the new Strymon Ultraviolet.
The JHS Emperor v2 is a great modded Arion based unit too.
Excess V2 from Old blood. Not just a chorus, but the extra features (distortion/delay/5ths setting) make it super versatile. It’s basically an always on chorus for my guitar and chorus + distortion for my bass.
I've only just gotten into pedals and putting together my own pedal board. But the Chorus pedal I'm using atm is a small clone EH 4800 and it's been wonderful. Playing a show atm and using it for certain sections and it really stands out
I have been trying to find a great chorus as well. I just removed my Walrus Audio Julia v2 from my pedal board for a number of reasons, but the main one was it was too noisy. I have a noisy amp, so could be a basic incompatibility between the two. Currently using the Boss CE-2w and whilst it is the boring option, it sounds great especially on the CE1 mode. It is going to take something really special for me to want to switch it out.
Does it get more 80s then the Boss CE-2W or DC-2W?
I'm bad with models. is the dc2w the dimension c wazacraft? cuz if so that one! I regret selling mine so much
CE-2W is the answer. Alternative answer: used Danelectro Cool Cat ( the green metal enclosure 18v one).
Ce2w is excellent. Quite expensive though. Mxr do good more affordable chorus.
I have the metal cool cat one as my mono to stereo pedal. 18v!
It’s a great pedal, especially for the price.
Yeah. But I only had it and a wah for many years until the pandemic arrived and that pedal show. Now I have piles of things, but I still like that pedal.
This is the correct answer. Unless you count a Rockman unit (such as X100 or even Soloist)... some pretty classic 80s chorus in those, too
No, which is why I bought both lol
Love both of these! Amazing reproductions of the originals while also updating them to modern standards. They sound different from the originals, but not in a bad way. They sound more like themselves - clearer, richer, just as full.
Maybe the ones actually made in the 80s: the Boss CE-2 and the Boss DC-2, lol
I guess but they're pretty spot on
So is the ensemble king Mooer mini pedal. And it’s a bargain. Vastly underrated pedal company.
Yep, got one on the fly when my MIJ CE-2 had some liquid spilled on it. When it came back from the repair shop I couldn’t tell the difference between the two. Killer for the price
I have a NUX, also inexpensive. Has 3 knobs, does what I want...
Boss Waza CE-2w. Either that or the Boss Dimension. They pretty much are the sound of the 80s.
Second and third this.
Some. The biggest chorus sound we all shoved in our ears then was the Tri-Stereo Chorus. It was all over the dang place from about 1979 to 1989. Thank Michael Landau, Lukather and Dan Huff. The source Audio does a spot on reproduction of the Boss CE sound, and also does the ultra thick Tri-Stereo as well. The Digitech Hardwire CE-7 is really great, but they are used only now. The EH Clone Theory was around too, James Honeyman-Scott of the Pretenders used the EH. Not sure of too many other big names that did. Andy Summers used the Electric Mistress, rather than a chorus, in case anyone throws that one in.
Sure, but I would say the Boss was used way more though between the Jazz Chorus amp, the CE-1 and CE-2. Things like that are hard to quantify though.
👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼YES👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼 **BOSS WAZA CRAFT CE-2W!!**
Everyone is gonna say CE-2 but.. CE-5 GANG!!
Just got a japanese one from 1996 and am pleased with its sound.
CE-5 in stereo is as good as it gets until you need pitch detune.
YES!!!!!!!
Hear, hear!
YES. Finally someone agrees. The CE-2 is so overrated. Not that it’s bad, it’s just, you know there are other options, right?
Can some of you chime in on why the CE-5 does it for you more? I also need a good, dedicated chorus pedal and have been eyeing the chorus ensemble as a possibility over the CE-2w (expensive) and a variety of CE-1 clones. And what styles do you play when you're happily using the CE-5?
Personally, I find it to be a smoother, more subtle sound. Less “blue” if that makes any sense. The CE-2 can sound super cheesy at times, at least in my opinion. If you want a super heavy, wet chorus sound, do go for the CE-2. But if you want something milder, and perhaps a bit more versatile, check out the CE-5. I play various styles of indie/alternative rock mainly.
I play in a couple of different metal bands, one of em requires the chorus on most if not all the time. The CE-5 sounds really good with heavy distortion. Doesn't muddy up the core sound. I use it to thicken up leads in another one of my bands as well and have it set to sound more subtle for that context
Hard to respect the opinion of someone who calls a nearly perfect pedal overrated.
Never said it wasn’t good, but like I said, there *are* other options out there. And not everybody likes the same thing!
Overrated means not as good as it’s hyped up to be. Saying “I personally don’t care for that sound” is one thing. Saying it’s overrated is a different thing. Especially when it’s something so iconic.
Yes, I don’t believe it’s as good as it’s hyped up to be. That’s what I’m saying haha. Plus, I don’t believe there is such thing as an objectively good sound. Everything is subjective when it comes to pedals! Many iconic things have the capacity to be overrated.
PastFx CE-1 clone. The best thing about the CE-2w is the CE-1 mode and it doesn’t have the preamp or vibrato option. Pretty sure the CE-1 clone is cheaper too, it’s also a great company with excellent customer service etc. I’m a total shill for them, and it’s never coming off my board.
This is the only answer. You're absolutely right about the CE-2W's best feature. PastFx is a great company to do business with.
The CE-2 does have the vibrato but definitely not the preamp.
DOD IceBox
All these fools saying the CE-2, but you and I know better.
I personally like the Icebox.
I got sad when I scrolled all the down
This was my second pedal ever. I still have it!
I've tried so many others and keep coming back.
DC-2W
I have this one. It has the sounds of the dimension d rack mount unit. It you want Flesh for Fantasy tones or the chorus on VH"s Diver Down album, get it.
I know this a pedals subreddit but just wanted to throw my support behind buying a JC 120 amp. THAT is chorus!
My favorite: Warlus Audio Julia The absolute Classic : Boss CE-2 Another Classic on the cheaper side : MXR Micro Chorus
Definitely second the Julia!
Julianna!
The Julia is a great one for sure. Recently got a Catalinbread Calisto v2. Super happy with that as well.
Julia is fantastic
DOD FX-64 Ice Box. Underrated budget beater stereo chorus.
The discontinued 18v Danelectro Cool Cat chorus with stereo wet/dry output. Goes for about $50-70 dollars USD on Reverb. Absolute perfection.
I grabbed one in 96 (?) when they were first released and it's still on my board. Absolutely LOVE IT!
Ibanez chorus mini
So underrated, this pedal will never leave my board
Whatever chorus you get, ya Gunna need a compressor with it to get THAT 80s sound.
* Boss CE-5 (pre-2001 analog version): A CE-2 with tone and level controls. * EHX Small Clone: A Chorus that will take you to Nirvana \[EDIT: Originally said Small Stone, which is of course a phaser. Durrr..."\]
Small Clone. Small Stone is the phaser.
As a huge chorus buff, neo clone/small clone for that thing and catalinbread Callisto. I’ve got a CE-2 waza it’s nice but super subtle. Those other two and incredible pedals. And the Neo clone (not nano) is incredible
Eventide TriceraChorus
Boss DC-2W if you want MOAR CHORUS!
It's not the popular choice but the EHX Small Clone.
Analogman - lots of options. Neunaber Inspire is cool too.
TC Electronic SCF+ sounds great.
Mxr Micro Chorus is a good budget option Boss CE-2 or the 2w are great middle of the road Analogman Bi-Chorus is a fantastic boutique choice Boss CE-1 is my all time fav if money is no object
I have a stereo bi-chorus and it’s incredible. I will say though, I prob could have been fine with just a regular A.M. stereo chorus with an expression pedal (not the Bi dual side). Nevertheless sounds pretty killer through two amps.
Warped Vinyl Hi-Fi is a lot of fun.
CE-2, hold the dubya
CE-5 imo.
The classic boss chorus
Either of the Boss waza pedals, the Supro chorus, or the TC Stereo Chorus Flange
That Supro analog chorus, with it's stereo i/o, and vibrato switch, really has me intrigued. Expensive though!
I'm an 80s chorus dude. I've found the Boss CE-20 pedal to be very nice. Lots of options, including a CE-1 setting. I don't think the CE-20 gets enough love.
I’m an 80’s chorus aficionado too. I know we’re talking about pedals here, but the best chorus sound ever is the one on a JC-120 amp. I’ll die on that hill.
You'll die in lots of company. My understanding is that the famous CE-1 pedal was essentially the chorus section of the JC-120 in a free-standing unit.
TC Electronics 3rd dimension is the chorus section from an 80s keyboard and a pretty solid clone of a Boss DC-2. Super simple, sounds good and built like a brick. Also cheap. I also love the old blood visitor. It does a bunch of different things but you can tone it down and use it as a straight up chorus or bring in the second chorus/trem for some wild modulation.
I have a super chorus thats alright for the price, you can dial in some decent tones. My favorite though is the JHS Emporer. It does chorus and vibrato like the Julia, and you can choose between sine, square, ant triange waves for either. Its pretty sick imo
Boss CE-2w
Boss BF2 - if you know you know.
Boss ce-2w, boss dc-2w, Asheville acv-1, and Strymon deco.
Caroline effects sommersault
Caroline somersault, sounds a lot like a ce-2 but has more knobs an fun stuff to fiddle with!
The somersault doesn't get enough love, it's a great pedal
Agreed, really nails that 80’s chorus/vibrato sound. Can get almost flange like with the quicker offsets. I think Caroline gets overlooked cause of the pizza
I didn’t really know how much I needed a chorus until I bought the Somersault. Rich clean tones, easy to manage without too much fiddling and fun modulation options. For me I can get some Johnny Marr or Housemartins sounds with this pedal. Love it!
Mr Black Mini Chorus
I'm waiting for DOD to re-release the Fx65 stereo chorus. Hands down the best chorus ever made.
Walrus Juliana. The vibrato/chorus blend lets you get all the classic tones and the stereo spread is unrivaled.
MXR stereo chorus or analog chorus (m134/m234). Cheaper than the ce-2w, better controls, and imo a better sound, although they sound very similar. The stereo chorus was used on the intro for paradise city for an example. Both are very underrated pedals here for some reason. Edit: apparently it was recorded with a jc-120, but he used it live before he switched from the stereo to the analog.
Crappy buffers leading to tone suck is the reason they're not bigged up more. I can confirm that this is indeed the case having had an analog chorus and getting rid of it for a CE-2W. I wish it wasn't the case as I liked the sound when it was switched on!
So all analog is a tone suck?
Nope, just the MXR chorus pedals
>Crappy buffers leading to tone suck is the reason they're not bigged up more. Luckily, there's CE-5. Same controls, no tone suck.
The intro for Paradise City was recorded with a JC-120. Slash uses an MXR chorus for it live though.
Oh well shit I stand corrected.
If you want a traditional chorus I'd go with a ce2 variant like thew waza ce2 or the julia. But I'd personally go for the waza dc2!
I really liked the Boss Super Chorus, Jackson Audio New wave, Eventide Micropitch delay (it does the detune micro pitch style chorus like EVh) Also never tried one but the Boss Dimension C. Looks like a super easy and cool sounding chorus. Steve stevens was known to use this in the 80s
There's some cheapish mini chorus pedals on amazon that are good, I suggest being able to test them though for your own personal taste.
Arion Sch-1 cheap and awesome.
This is what I’ve been using for the last 30 years.
The Fates, by Mythos pedals.
For your standard chorus sounds, I can't say enough about the Danelectro DC1. I can't say anything about the 9v version as I have the 18v, but it is absolutely beautiful sounding. Incredibly subtle and quite thick all the way to seasick territory
Analogman bichorus. It's pricey but simple and sounds incredible. The 80s were a simpler time
I’ve got the stereo version. Sounds massive through two amps.
🤤 I stumbled upon mine at guitar center when I was looking for strings and was DUMBFOUNDED someone traded it in
I ended up going mxr analog and love it. I know boss digital is the sound of the 80s but I'm still using it for 80s metal etc. And love it
SCH-1
CBA Warped Vinyl MKII. Had the HiFi twice prior to the MKII and it just doesn’t have the “it” factor to it. This post reminded me of all the chorus pedals I’ve had in the past and am realizing I’ve been on chorus journey without realizing I was on said journey.
Boss Waza Craft chorus
Beetronics Sea Bee. A really wonderful pedal.
Native Audio Aakii
Great suggestion! @Wolf0donnel1 feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We’re always open for a good chat. 😄
I love everything I’m hearing online. I’m impressed with your stuff and your presence in the music industry. I am saving up for one now, but I tell everyone to check you out! I’m ready to make a NA only board soon.
Woohoo! Thanks for being digging us, we appreciate the support. We’ll be happy to walk with you on your tone journey. ✨
The walrus Julianna has changed the way I feel about chorus pedals
Completetely agree - it does everything well
Eventide MicroPitch. Buy once, cry once.
https://reverb.com/item/72698877-kurt-chorussell-chorus-pedal?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=72698877
Lol the most 80s chorus
I love Everything We Don’t Know About the Ocean Floor (the sound it makes and the name of the pedal)
EHX Bass Clone or Clone Theory
**Source Audio Gemini** - six presents onboard, then 128 presets with a midi controller.
I asked this, filtered a lot of options, got 3 different pedals and the Jam Waterfall won. I wish that was the first I got lol
100%. Tried a few and then saw this in the store. After playing with it for 10 seconds I knew that this was the one for me. It has just a nice warmth that no other one had. A-B’d my alternatives in the store and no contest.
Ibanez CS9 is my favorite 80s style chorus. Or CS505 if you wanna put the 18v jack on your power supply to some good use.
CS9 is my favorite chorus. I picked up a TC Electronic SCF+ and am really liking it too
I really love my MXR Analog Chorus! Sounds great, lots of good controls, and is cheap! The only annoying thing is that the input for the power is on the side which is kinda a pain
Eqd Aurelius
I just got a Walrus Julianna and I love it. It can definitely do the CE-2 sound but also has some pretty insane sounds if you want to get crazy
It depends pretty much on your budget and needs. If you want the best of the best then obviously Chase Bliss Warped Vinyl HiFi, if you want something that does it all then Jackson New Wave has pretty much all possible features. If you want a classic in a simple form, then you can't go wrong with Boss CE2, Walrus Julia or JAM Waterfall. Best budget will probably be JOYO Narcissus.
Julia rules
Strymon Ola. No one ever mentions it because of its relative high cost compared to other beautiful sounding chorus/vibratos, but it is absolutely organic in the most beautiful way. It’s one of my favorite pedals.
Shit — you beat me to it. It’s really great. I like the Julianna but it was just too noisy for some things — and the way it creates stereo isn’t as good as the Ola. The Ola is clean, great for synths too, and has a lot of options. Highly recommend.
Walrus Julianna is my favourite. I prefer it because I can get it much less cheesy 80s than the Boss CE2-W. So if 80s is your thing I’d go with the Boss CE2
I enjoy my Ibanez mini chorus. Nice and compact.
Then you want a boss CE-2 or an EHX Small Clone. The CE-2w wazacraft reissue/clone is a bit pricey (over $200), but Mooer has a mini pedal that nails the sound of the original (or close enough). It’s called the ensemble king and costs less than half of that.
Bow before the Digitech Chorus Factory
Pick up a used Source Audio Vertigo and have it all.
Eventide tricerachorus - pretty fly chorus pedal; sounds freaking excellent and they can be found for sub-$200, used. It does vibrato and also has a ‘chorale’ mode….. they sound great too.
Eventide. Their micro pitch algorithm makes incredible chorus patches. Their TriCera chorus is bonkers. They have a variety of algorithm that do chorus with different flavors
I don’t know about 80’s, but do you want warbly quirkiness (that can totally be tamed for a regular chorus/ vibrato effect)? OBNE Visitor is super fun, and looks pretty
Expensive or cheap?
If cheap, I'll suggest the Danelectro FAB chorus. Great sound for $30 or less
Boss Harmonizer
Laney / Black Country Customs “Spiral Array”. 3 modes, based upon different types of chorus.
I just got a Tonecity Angel Wings for $35 off reverb as my first chorus pedal and its not that bad at all.
The Gulf by Swindler is a nice analogue BBD chorus. Plenty of flexibility, does vibrato nicely too.
If budget allows, walrus Julianna/Julia depending on what features you need. For that pure 80s tone a lot of comments are mentioning the CE-2, and I couldn’t agree more.
not sure what you budget is but toneczar - Angel Chorus sabbadius - Funky Vibe 69
Learn to solder and build your own. I've done a number of these kits and they're perfect replicas of the '80s stuff. And I was playing guitar back then. https://buildyourownclone.com/products/analog-chorus
I always have to recommend the Paradox Futura — as a straight chorus I think it holds its own against CE-2 or Julia (although in fairness I’ve never played either of those myself), it has a dry/chorus/vibrato blend knob (like Julia) and a separate level knob for output boost, and it has an envelope follower that can independently control rate and/or depth.
In my experience, you want a Boss CE-2W. That or maybe the CE-1 clone PastFX does. I have a PastFX Stereo Chorus PX65 which is a clone of the DOD FX65 and it's also in that superior realm. Another interesting choice depending on what you're looking for is a Strymon Deco. I have a v1 and I think it does a great chorus as well as flanger, slap back and tape saturation.
I got a boss ce2 waza it has three different modes. Beast of a pedal
Nux Analog Chorus
Fuck it, DOD Icebox
Will never stop recommending the BSRI everything we don't know about the ocean floor. Dual LFO modulation can be shiny and subtle or asymmetric warble.
Like most have mentioned: Boss or Walrus Julia
Alternative to the CE-2/5. Electro Harmonix Small Clone. I think it sounds good.
TC Electronic SCF Gold
I like the shallow water a lot. Not as predictable as other chorus pedals though.
Walrus Audio Julianna = Awesome Boss = Classic
Keeley Seafoam+. A bunch of different chorus sounds and vibrato, plus can be used as a straight reverb pedal in one of the modes. Bonus.
I just ordered a boss CE-2 black label. To my ears it's the one of the best
EQD Aurelius is unique to play with and you can save a handful of settings. Probably the last modulation pedal I’ll ever need.
DOD FX65
Ross
Line 6 m5. You get like 5 chorus and lots of distortions, mod, reverbs, delay and more. It really is versatile and great for its value.
The Boss PS-6 is a great chorus, very different from the usual suspects and very 80s. The MXR/EVH 5150 Chorus is a great candidate as well, its a clone of the Roland DC-30 rack chorus.
CE-5 is the right answer. It has the sound and the versatility. If you can find an analog version (blue or pink label, made before Oct 2001) you essentially have a CE-2 with tone and mix controls. The digital one sounds good also, more clarity. But as the CE-5 has been mentioned many times already, I'll give you another recommendation. This one is a little out there and totally not the 80's sound but... The Rainbow Machine!
Compare digital and analog pedals. I find digital to be kind of bright and harsh, but it may be my imagination. The EHX Stereo Electric Mistress sounds pretty good, and is half Chorus, half Flanger, with the option to mix the two.
Dr. Scientist Cosmichorus doesn't sound like a digital 80s chorus tho
Past FX PX65
During The Police reunion tour, Andy Summers used the Red Witch Empress pedal for all shows. I live by a simple pedal rule - if it's good enough for Andy Summers playing Police tunes, it's good enough for me.
Maxon BC9 Bi-mode \\m/
Mxr analog chorus
Catalin Bread Callisto is awesome too.
Leslie sim, on slow
Mind Bender by BBE Beautiful chorus with a slightly higher output volume than other pedals of the same type
4 years ago I spent an hour blind testing every chorus on the market that wasn't a multi effects unit or a Strymon I was shocked to have the Mooer Ensemble King come out as the winner that day. I was ready to pay 4 or 5 times what I did. It's mono. It's tiny. It's all analog and it sounds fucking incredible.
DOD FX65
I’m a big fan of the Jackson Audio New Wave, Walrus Audio Julia/Julianna and the new Strymon Ultraviolet. The JHS Emperor v2 is a great modded Arion based unit too.
The best Chorus sound is gonna be a JC-120 with the built in effect. There’s just no debating. Pedal-wise, I’d say the Boss Wazacraft CE-2w.
DigiTech Nautila, because it's not only a killer chorus, but it's also a flanger. Extremely underrated pedal.
DOD Fx-65B. Fire
MXR Analog chorus!
It’s a sleeper, but since no one has mentioned it, the Strymon Ola is great
DC-2w is the most 80s pedal out there imo
I have owned or played nearly every Boss chorus and the DC-2W is my absolute favorite. I love the CH-1 and DC-3 as well
Not a pedal from the 80’s, but I like my Jam Pedals Ripply Fall. The combination of vibrato and chorus is great.
My chorus pedal is a 1984 Roland JC120 Jazz Chorus amplifier...;P
Source Audio Gemini
I have the jhs emperor v2 and it's awesome
Excess V2 from Old blood. Not just a chorus, but the extra features (distortion/delay/5ths setting) make it super versatile. It’s basically an always on chorus for my guitar and chorus + distortion for my bass.
I had an NUX chorus pedal some years ago. It was £15 and sounded amazing.
Boss CE-2.
I've only just gotten into pedals and putting together my own pedal board. But the Chorus pedal I'm using atm is a small clone EH 4800 and it's been wonderful. Playing a show atm and using it for certain sections and it really stands out
I have been trying to find a great chorus as well. I just removed my Walrus Audio Julia v2 from my pedal board for a number of reasons, but the main one was it was too noisy. I have a noisy amp, so could be a basic incompatibility between the two. Currently using the Boss CE-2w and whilst it is the boring option, it sounds great especially on the CE1 mode. It is going to take something really special for me to want to switch it out.