Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal Review: The Ultimate Low-End Shimmer for Bassists?
As bassists, we have always lived in the shadow of guitarists when it comes to modulation effects. For decades, many of us simply borrowed chorus pedals designed for electric guitar, only to find our fundamental low-end frequencies vanishing the moment we stepped on the switch. It is a common frustration: you want that lush, 80s-inspired shimmer, but you don’t want your bass to sound like a thin, warbling tin can. Losing the “oomph” in a live mix is a cardinal sin for any rhythm section. I have spent years searching for a solution that provides that classic “Clone” sound without sacrificing the gut-punching lows that my band relies on. This brings us to the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal, a device specifically engineered to solve the “disappearing bass” problem once and for all. If you have been struggling to maintain your presence in the mix while adding texture, solving this tonal puzzle is crucial for your stage sound.
- Provides precise sound shaping control for a tight, focused sound with a well-defined low end and shimmering chorus on top
- Delivers an accurately articulated bottom end with excellent note definition
What to Consider Before Buying Electric Guitar Chorus Effects for Bass
An Electric Guitar Chorus Effects unit is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bassists looking to add depth, width, and a sense of movement to their tone without sounding stagnant. In the world of bass, chorus is essential for everything from Peter Hook-style post-punk leads to smooth, fretless fusion lines. The primary problem these pedals solve is the “dryness” of a direct signal, providing a thick, luxurious blanket of sound that helps the bass occupy more sonic real estate. However, not all chorus pedals are created equal, especially when they are being asked to handle the high-amplitude low frequencies of a four or five-string bass.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a “sterile” tone—perhaps a bassist in a trio who needs to fill out the sound during guitar solos, or a studio musician looking for that specific “mojo” that only analog modulation can provide. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who prefer a purely transparent, clinical sound or those who play in genres where any modulation is considered distracting. If you are a purist who believes the only good bass tone is a dry P-bass into a tube amp, you might find modulation of any kind unnecessary. Before you explore its technical details and pricing, you need to understand your own tonal needs.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Crossover and Frequency Retention: Since chorus involves pitch modulation, it can often make low frequencies sound “muddy” or out of tune. Look for a pedal that offers a crossover switch or a specific “low-end” retain feature. This ensures that your sub-frequencies stay tight and dry while the chorus effect is applied only to the mid and high frequencies.
- Build Quality and Portability: Your pedalboard is a high-traffic area. The Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal features a compact, die-cast chassis which is vital for long-term survival on the road. You want something that can withstand a heavy boot but won’t take up half of your board.
- EQ Versatility: Having dedicated Bass and Treble knobs on a chorus pedal is a game-changer. It allows you to tailor the effect to your specific bass and amp combination. Some basses are naturally bright, while others are dark; your pedal should be able to accommodate both.
- Power and Signal Integrity: Always check for True Bypass switching. This ensures that when the pedal is off, your signal remains pure and uncolored. Additionally, consider the power draw; a low milliamperage requirement (like 15mA) means your power supply won’t be taxed, and the pedal will run efficiently for long periods.
Choosing the right modulation is a deeply personal journey, but understanding these technical pillars will prevent you from making a costly mistake. If you’re ready to enhance your rig, you can invest in this specific model to start your journey.
While the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- [Analog Chorus Pedal]: Donner Tutti Love pedal reproduces the classic warm jazz chorus tone with a natural wave curve; Suitable for jazz, rock, and pop, for both electric guitar and bass
- 11 high-quality classic modulation effects: Chorus, Flanger, Tremolo, Phaser, Vibrato, Rotary, Liquid, Auto wah, Stutter, Ring, Low bit.
- Delivering different styles of chorus effects from Surreal, Deep tone to Fierce and Vintage Distortion tone
First Impressions: Unboxing the Classic Electro-Harmonix Vibe
When we first pulled the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal out of its box, the immediate impression was one of rugged reliability. There is something undeniably “pro” about the EHX die-cast enclosures. It feels substantial in the hand without being unnecessarily heavy. The purple-and-black aesthetic is a nice nod to the original Small Clone, yet it clearly signals that this is a bass-centric tool. It even comes with a 9V battery, which is a rare but welcome touch in an era where most manufacturers expect you to already own a power brick.
Setting it up is a breeze. The knobs have a satisfying resistance—they don’t feel “loose” or cheap. Compared to the original Small Clone, which famously had just a single Rate knob and a Depth switch, the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal feels like a significant evolution. It offers four knobs and a switch, giving the modern bassist the precision control that guitarists have enjoyed for years. Initial tests showed a very low noise floor, which is impressive for an analog circuit. You can check the current availability of this unit if you’re looking for that legendary Small Clone sound with modern bass features.
What We Loved
- Incredible “Mojo” that replicates the classic Small Clone analog texture perfectly.
- The Crossover switch is a lifesaver, keeping the low end tight and focused.
- Dedicated Bass and Treble controls allow for extreme sound shaping.
- Outstanding value for the price point compared to boutique alternatives.
What We Didn’t Like
- The mechanical footswitch can produce an audible “pop” in some setups.
- The Bass boost can be a bit overwhelming if not dialed in carefully.
A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal
Testing the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal wasn’t just about plugging it in and turning knobs; it was about seeing how it interacted with different playing styles—from fingerstyle funk to aggressive picked rock. We spent weeks with this pedal, integrating it into various signal chains to see where it truly shines and where it might stumble.
The Crossover Switch: The Secret Weapon
In our expert opinion, the Crossover switch is the most critical feature of the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal. When engaged, this switch prevents the chorus effect from modulating the frequencies below a certain threshold (around the low-mids and below). We found that this is what separates a “good” bass chorus from a “great” one. In a live setting, we noticed that with the crossover engaged, the “thump” of the kick drum and the fundamental of our low E string remained perfectly clear and undistorted. One user review mentioned that standard chorus pedals often cause a loss of low-end definition, but with the Bass Clone, that definition remains pristine. It allows the shimmering “top end” of the chorus to dance over a solid, unshakable foundation. This is a feature that really sets it apart in a crowded market.
During our testing, we even tried it with a five-string bass tuned to drop A. Even at these extreme low frequencies, the crossover held up. The warble stayed in the harmonics where it belongs, while the fundamental notes stayed “dry” and punchy. If you’ve ever felt like your bass disappears when you kick on an effect, this switch is the answer to your prayers. It makes the pedal feel like two separate signals being blended perfectly—a clean low end and a lush, chorused high end.
Sound Shaping: Bass and Treble EQ Controls
The EQ section on the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal is surprisingly powerful. Unlike many pedals where the EQ is subtle, the knobs here have a massive range. We found that the Bass knob can provide a “completely insane” amount of boost, as one user accurately described it. If you’re looking to create a massive, wall-of-sound post-punk tone, cranking the Bass and Treble knobs while keeping the Rate low is the way to go. It adds a “luxurious blanket” to the tone that feels expensive and studio-quality.
We specifically appreciated how the Treble knob interacted with the chorus. By boosting the Treble, you can make the chorus “sparkle” more, which is great for melodic playing or solos. Conversely, cutting the Treble gives you a dark, moody vibrato-style sound that works wonders for fretless basses. We tested this with a fretless Jazz Bass, and the results were hauntingly beautiful. The ability to fine-tune these frequencies means you can match the pedal to any amplifier, whether you’re playing through a bright 4×10 cabinet or a dark, vintage 1×15. You can view the detailed product specifications to see how these EQ bands are voiced.
Rate and Depth: Finding the Analog Mojo
The heart of any chorus is the Rate and Depth controls. The Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal uses an analog circuit that captures the legendary Small Clone “Mojo.” At low Rate settings, it adds a subtle width that makes the bass sound “larger than life” without being obviously an effect. We found ourselves wanting to leave it on all the time because it adds a certain musicality to the notes. As you increase the Depth and Rate, you move into “warble town”—perfect for experimental sounds or psychedelic rock.
What we found particularly impressive was the lack of noise. Analog chorus pedals are notorious for having a “hiss” or a “whoosh” sound that follows the LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator). However, the Bass Clone is remarkably quiet. Even when paired with high-gain distortion or fuzz pedals, the background noise remained negligible. This is vital for recording sessions where every hum is amplified. The “mojo” here isn’t just a marketing buzzword; it’s the organic, slightly unpredictable nature of an analog bucket-brigade device (BBD) that digital simulations often fail to replicate accurately.
Durability and Real-World Use
A pedal’s performance isn’t just about how it sounds in a bedroom; it’s about how it handles the rigors of the road. We found the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal to be incredibly well-built. The die-cast package is “tough” and “compact,” fitting easily onto crowded boards. However, we must address one point raised by a few users: the mechanical switch. In very quiet settings, or when running into a high-gain amp, we did notice a slight mechanical “pop” when engaging the pedal. While this is “the nature of the pedal” and its true-bypass design, it is something to be aware of if you do a lot of silent switching in a church or theater environment. For rock and metal, however, this is a non-issue. The trade-off for that pop is a completely pure signal path when the pedal is off, which most of us prefer. For those interested, you can see more user experiences and pricing regarding its long-term durability.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment among the bass community regarding the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal is overwhelmingly positive, with a few notable caveats. Long-time bassists with over 25 years of experience have called it a “big winner,” especially considering its price point. Many users emphasize that the pedal simply “sounds good” at almost any setting, making it one of the most usable chorus pedals on the market today. The phrase “it just has that Mojo” comes up frequently, confirming our findings about its analog warmth.
One specific user noted that it’s a “perfect match” for fretless basses, maintaining tonal integrity while adding a “thick luxurious blanket” of sound. However, it’s not without its detractors. A few users mentioned the “loud” engage/disengage button, which they found unusable for quiet performances. Another user felt that the Bass knob didn’t compensate for a perceived drop in low-mids, instead only boosting the very low frequencies (around 60Hz), which they described as “wooly.” While these negative reviews are in the minority, they highlight that tone is subjective and the pedal’s voicing might not suit every single ear. Overall, the consensus is that for the money, this chorus is nearly impossible to beat for its feature set and classic tone.
Comparing the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal to the Competition
Before you make a final decision, it’s important to see how the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal compares to other legendary modulation pedals. While some are designed for guitar, they are often used by bassists for their unique flavors.
1. MXR Phase 90
- 9V Batteries Required, best with Polaroid 9V Batteries.
- Rich, warm analog tone
While the MXR Phase 90 is a phaser and not a chorus, it is often considered the “gold standard” for simple modulation. Unlike the Bass Clone, which offers deep EQ controls and a crossover, the Phase 90 is a one-knob wonder. It provides a swirling, four-stage phase that is classic but lacks the specific low-end retention of the Bass Clone. Bassists who want a “set it and forget it” vintage swirl might prefer the MXR, but those who need to maintain a focused low-end and want to shape their treble response will find the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal to be a much more versatile tool for the instrument.
2. MXR Analog Chorus
- All-analog bucket-brigade circuitry
- Create classically lush, liquid textures
The MXR Analog Chorus is a direct competitor in terms of features. It also offers High and Low cut filters and an analog bucket-brigade circuit. However, it is fundamentally a guitar pedal. While it works well on bass, we found that the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal has a more “musical” midrange for bass specifically. The MXR is incredibly clean and “hifi,” whereas the EHX has that grit and character—the “mojo”—that defines classic rock bass tones. If you want a clinical, modern chorus, go for the MXR; if you want a classic, inspiring tone with a dedicated bass crossover, the Bass Clone is the clear choice.
3. BOSS CH-1 Compact Chorus Effects Pedal
- Classic BOSS chorus pedal with clean, brilliant sound for guitar and keyboards
- One of our most enduring and trusted chorus pedals since 1989
The BOSS CH-1 is a legend in the industry, known for its crystal-clear, almost digital-sounding clarity (even though it’s an analog-voiced circuit). It offers an EQ knob and a mix control, which is great for bass. However, the CH-1 lacks a dedicated crossover switch, meaning you still get some modulation on your lowest frequencies, which can lead to muddiness. The BOSS is virtually indestructible and features a silent FET switch, which solves the “pop” issue found in the EHX. If you prioritize a silent switch and a very “clean” 80s pop sound, the BOSS is fantastic. But for that warm, “Small Clone” texture and superior low-frequency management, the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal still holds the edge.
The Final Verdict: Is the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Worth Your Money?
After weeks of testing and comparing it against the market’s best, we can confidently say that the Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Chorus Pedal is one of the best values in the world of bass effects. Its strengths lie in its specific tailoring for the bass guitar, particularly the crossover switch and the powerful EQ section. It manages to capture the legendary “Small Clone” sound—immortalized by guitarists like Kurt Cobain—and translates it perfectly for the low-end frequency spectrum. While the mechanical switch pop might be a minor annoyance for some, the sheer quality of the tone and the ruggedness of the build make it a standout choice.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle thickening of your tone or a wild, warbling modulation, this pedal delivers with style and “mojo.” We recommend it to any bassist who feels their sound is currently too “dry” or anyone who has been disappointed by guitar-centric chorus pedals in the past. It is an essential addition to any modern pedalboard. If you’re ready to take your bass tone to the next level, we highly suggest you add this classic to your pedalboard today and experience the difference that a dedicated bass chorus can make.
Last update on 2026-06-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API