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Average Price: $99
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Description
The Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus pedal is a classic gem from the '80s, recognized for its versatility and rich sound. Providing a silky, smooth chorus, this pedal can oscillate from the faintest whisper to a commanding roar. Renowned for creating a remarkable faux-Leslie tone at higher settings, this pedal is not just a chorus but also a master of vibrato and rotary effects. With a rich legacy, the SCH-1 has been the choice of iconic musicians like Clapton and Michael Landau. It's not just a pedal, it's a time machine that takes you back to the golden era of music.
Key Features:
- Smooth and versatile chorus effect
- Capable of producing a faux-Leslie tone at faster settings
- Offers vibrato and rotary effects
- Used by renowned musicians
- Classic '80s production
Product specs
| Brand | Arion |
| Model | SCH-1 Stereo Chorus |
| Finish | Blue |
| Year | 1980s |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Chorus and Vibrato |
FAQs
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What kind of power supply does the Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus require?
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The Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus requires a 9V power supply and can also operate using a 9V battery, making it versatile for both pedalboard setups and standalone use.
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Can the Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus be used in a stereo setup?
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Yes, the Arion SCH-1 is designed for stereo use, providing two output jacks that allow you to create a wide, immersive chorus effect when connected to two amplifiers.
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How does the Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus compare to other chorus pedals from the 1980s?
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The Arion SCH-1 is known for its warm, lush sound and subtle modulation, often favored for its musicality and unique character compared to other chorus pedals from the 1980s.
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Is the Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus suitable for both guitar and bass?
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Yes, the Arion SCH-1 can be used with both guitar and bass, providing a rich chorus effect that enhances the sound of either instrument without losing low-end clarity.
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What are the main controls on the Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus?
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The Arion SCH-1 features three main controls: Rate, Depth, and Tone, allowing you to adjust the speed, intensity, and overall character of the chorus effect to suit your playing style.
Videos
dirtboxdotnet
Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus Demo - DBTV
Reviews
PROS
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Favored by famous musicians for its unique sound
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Offers a variety of deep, lush chorus sounds
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Capable of producing famous 80s chorus tones
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Allows for subtle tone enhancements not found in most pedals
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Can mimic faux Leslie sounds with ease
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Features a useful tone control not common in chorus pedals
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Warm, analog sound that references the 80s
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Versatile, from slow spacious to fast Leslie-ish modulation
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Modification options available for even more sound types
CONS
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Unassuming plastic build may not inspire confidence in durability
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Some may find the sound nontraditional at times
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus.
Features and functionality
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Described as capable of producing both subtle and intense "evil carnival" chorus effects.
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Noted for producing a convincing faux rotary sound, surpassing other modulation pedals.
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The Tone knob is highlighted as unique, offering subtle sound variations that appeal to users who prefer less pronounced chorus effects.
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Comparisons
Setup and maintenance
User experience
Build quality
Mods and upgrades
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Rehousing with upgraded parts is possible but reportedly complex, especially changing plastic components.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 16 Ratings
449
The Best Chorus Pedal
This is the most amazing sounding vintage analog pedal out there. The tone can be compared to a thin lizzy kinda setting and can be a little nontraditional at times.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Keep the depth cranked to max!
Artist usage
Add artist
In this Rig Rundown for James Valentine, you can see his Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus Pedal
Scott's long time favourite is this old chorus pedal, the gear page on his website lists it among his current gear.
In the "Rig Rundown: Lindsay Ell [2023]" interview conducted by John Bohlinger for Premier Guitar, Lindsay Ell confirms her use of the Arion Stereo Chorus.
Guthrie Trapp uses the Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus on his studio pedalboard, as shown in a photo from Xacttone.
In this photo, which shows 2006 pedalboard of Stu G, one of the pedals that can be seen in the photo is the Arion SCH-1.
In this photo, which comes from Woolstenhulme's basement studio, one of the pedals that can be seen on top of the rack is the Arion SCH-1 stereo chorus.
Kengo Matsumoto of THE NOVEMBERS incorporates the Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus into his main effects board, as detailed in a Facebook post by the band. Alongside other pedals like the Boss CS-3 and Phantom FX Ruins Fuzz, the Arion SCH-1 contributes to achieving a core synthesizer sound by mixing with reverb and a line selector, especially in performances of "Gift."
In an interview with Gear Patrol, guitarist Redd Volkaert confirmed his use of the Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus pedal, stating, “I was looking for a Leslie pedal. I tried a DigiTech and a bunch of different kinds, and this kid turned me on to this. He said, ‘Get one of these cheap ol’ shitty Arion chorus pedals, turn it up all the way. It sounds horrible, but in a band, when the band’s loud and playing, it sounds like you’ve got a Leslie on.’ So I got one of those at a pawn shop for forty bucks. Lid was busted and gone, so I duct-taped over it.” This information was provided by John Zientek in an article titled "Legendary Telecaster Slinger Redd Volkaert Shares His Favorite Live Gear."
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43927712@N00/9827898533/
This picture of Nathan's Pedaltrain jr. pedalboard circa 2013 features an Arion Stereo Chorus, a Boss Heavy Metal HM-2, a Boss Chromatic Tuner.
In the fifth edition of Joseph Johnson's YouTube series "Noise Sessions," titled "Stoney Point - Noise Session 05" (4/4/2023), he showcases a nearly complete version of his touring pedal board, which prominently features the Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus, providing clear evidence of its use. This session, which was mastered and mixed by Joseph Johnson, is available on the Stoney Point YouTube channel.
Album Usage
The Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation7 alternative and related items for Arion SCH-1 Stereo Chorus, curated by the Equipboard community.
$69.00
The SCH-Z is an updated, reissue verison of the SCH-1, featuring more of a volume boost when engaged.
$199.00 - $221.00
A much more refined take on the Arion circuit, with an added expression feature designed to mimic the sweep of a Leslie.
$69.00
A variant of the later SCH-Z, designed to avoid a volume increase when the effect is activated.
A modded SCH-1 created for Micheal Landau. Designed to preserve many of the eccentricities of his original unit.
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