If you’ve ever listened to Nirvana’s “Come As You Are,” you’ve heard the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus in action. This little purple-and-black pedal is famous for its lush, watery chorus sound, and it’s been a favorite among guitarists for decades.
But is it worth adding to your pedalboard today? Let’s break it down. https://amzn.to/3Zff3KA
Analog Chorus
First, the basics. The Small Clone is an analog chorus pedal, meaning it creates its sound using old-school circuitry rather than digital processing. This gives it a warm, organic feel that many players prefer over digital choruses.
It’s simple to use—just one knob for rate (speed of the effect) and a switch for depth (intensity). That’s it. No complicated menus, no hidden settings. Plug in, tweak, and play.
The sound is where this pedal really shines. Even with minimal controls, it delivers a wide range of chorus tones. With the depth switch off, you get a subtle shimmer, perfect for adding a little movement to clean chords.
Flip the depth switch on, and suddenly you’re in thick, swirling territory—ideal for that classic ‘80s chorus sound or, yes, nailing Kurt Cobain’s tone. The rate knob lets you dial in anything from slow, dreamy waves to fast, seasick wobbles. It’s surprisingly versatile for such a simple pedal.
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Build Quality
Build quality is solid but not indestructible. The metal casing feels sturdy, though some users report that the footswitch can be a bit stiff, requiring a firm press to engage.
It’s not as rugged as a Boss pedal, but it’ll hold up fine under normal use. Power options include a 9V battery or an adapter (not included), and the battery compartment is easy to access. True bypass means your tone stays clean when the pedal is off, with no unwanted signal loss.
Now, the downsides. Some players find the depth switch a little extreme—there’s no middle ground, just “subtle” or “intense.” If you like fine-tuning your chorus, this might feel limiting.
Others mention a slight volume drop when the pedal is engaged, especially with high-gain settings. And while the analog sound is gorgeous, it can pick up a bit of noise in certain setups, though it’s generally not a dealbreaker.
Pedal Character
One thing that stands out in reviews is how much players love the character of this pedal. It’s not just a chorus effect—it’s a specific flavor of chorus, one that feels alive and musical.
Whether you’re playing clean arpeggios, grunge riffs, or even shoegaze textures, the Small Clone adds something special. It’s not trying to do everything; it just does its thing really well.
So, who is this pedal for? If you want a no-nonsense chorus with a vintage vibe, the Small Clone is a fantastic choice. It’s great for beginners because it’s easy to use, and pros love it for its unmistakable tone.
Nirvana fans will obviously dig it, but it’s far from a one-trick pony. Blues, rock, indie, even jazz players can find a use for its warm, swirling sound.
Conclusion
At around $107 new, it’s not the cheapest chorus out there, but it’s also not overpriced for what you get. Considering its iconic status and the quality of its sound, it’s a solid investment. If you’re on the fence, try one out—you might just fall in love with that analog magic.
In the end, the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone is a classic for a reason. Simple, reliable, and full of character, it’s a pedal that earns its spot on any board. Whether you’re chasing a specific tone or just want a great-sounding chorus, this little box delivers.
FAQ: Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus
1. What kind of sound does the Small Clone produce?
The Small Clone delivers a warm, analog chorus effect ranging from a subtle shimmer to a deep, swirling modulation. It’s known for its lush, watery sound, famously used in Nirvana’s “Come As You Are.”
2. Is the Small Clone easy to use?
Yes! It has just one knob (rate) and a depth switch (on/off), making it super simple to dial in a great sound without any complicated settings.
3. Does it work well with other pedals?
Absolutely. It plays nicely with overdrive, distortion, and reverb pedals, though some users notice a slight volume drop when engaged, especially with high-gain setups.
4. Is the pedal true bypass?
Yes, the Small Clone has true bypass, meaning your signal stays clean when the pedal is off.
5. Can it run on a power supply, or does it need a battery?
It can use either a 9V battery or a standard 9V power adapter (not included). The battery compartment is easy to access.
6. How durable is the Small Clone?
It’s built with a sturdy metal casing, but some players find the footswitch a bit stiff. It’s not as rugged as a Boss pedal but holds up fine under normal use.
7. Does it add noise to the signal?
Being analog, it can introduce a slight noise in some setups, but most users find it minimal and not a major issue.
8. Why does the depth switch only have two settings?
The switch toggles between subtle and intense chorus, which some players love for its simplicity, while others might prefer more control.
9. Is the Small Clone worth the price?
At around $107, it’s a fair deal for an iconic, great-sounding analog chorus. If you love warm, musical modulation, it’s a solid choice.
10. Who should buy this pedal?
Anyone who wants a simple, great-sounding chorus—beginners, pros, Nirvana fans, or players who prefer analog warmth over digital precision.
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