Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $550
High-end/Boutique
$60
$201+
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High-end
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Description
Bring the iconic touch of the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble to your music. Launched in 1976, the CE-1 is a classic piece of gear that helped shape the sound of countless hits. With its sturdy chassis and independent chorus/vibrato effects, this pedal offers a rich, warm, analog effect that has been cherished by musicians for decades. Whether you're a guitarist, bassist, or keyboard player, the CE-1 can infuse your sound with a touch of vintage magic.
Key Features:
- Boss CE-1 is one of the first chorus/vibrato effect pedals
- Sturdy die-hard chassis for long-lasting durability
- Features Bucket Brigade Driver chip for a warm, analog effect
- Provides independent chorus and vibrato effects
- Ideal for guitar, bass, and keys
- Timeless original, launched in 1976 by Roland's Boss division
Product specs
| Brand | Boss |
| Model | CE-1 Chorus Ensemble |
| Finish | Grey |
| Year | 1976 - 1977 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Chorus and Vibrato |
FAQs
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What type of circuit does the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble use?
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The Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble uses an analog BBD (Bucket Brigade Device) circuit, which was groundbreaking at its release in 1976, offering rich and warm chorus and vibrato effects.
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Can the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble be used in stereo?
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Yes, the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble can be used in both stereo and mono configurations, allowing for versatile setup options to enhance your sound.
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What additional effect does the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble offer besides chorus?
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In addition to chorus, the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble also features a vibrato effect, providing users with more modulation options.
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Is the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble suitable for modern pedalboards?
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While the Boss CE-1 is a larger pedal due to its vintage design, it remains a sought-after piece for its unique sound, although it may require more space on modern pedalboards.
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What is the power requirement for the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble?
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The Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble requires a specific AC power supply, as it was designed before the standardization of 9V DC power supplies common in modern pedals.
Videos
Reverb
Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble: Andy's Vintage Picks | Reverb Tone Report
Reviews
PROS
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Unique, lush chorus sound unmatched by other units
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Built-in preamp allows for overdriven fuzz sound
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Durable build quality, has lasted decades for some users
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Stereo outputs enhance the chorus effect
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Adds a desirable 'crunch' to the signal
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Vibrato effect praised alongside the chorus
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Depth of effect surpasses later models and competitors
CONS
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Large size takes up significant pedalboard space
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Cannot be powered by standard 9V or 12V without an adapter
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Some find the circuitry and footswitch design misleading
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May introduce noise issues, requiring careful setup to avoid ground loops
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Bright, jangly sound may clash with desired dirty tones
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble.
Comparisons
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Mr. Black's Stereo Vintage Ensemble is another alternative, though it's often compared less favorably to PastFX options.
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The Horrothia Type One, another CE-1 clone without a preamp, is noted for higher LFO sweep making it sound brighter, yet not quieter than the CE-2w.
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The UAFX Astra's Brigade Chorus model offers the best digital CE-1 recreation with warm, lush sound but lacks dimensionality compared to Retro-Sonic.
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The Retro-Sonic Chorus Stereo Edition, a true CE-1 recreation, is praised for reduced distortion compared to PastFX, possibly due to omitting the preamp.
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The PastFX Chorus Ensemble Deluxe is frequently mentioned as the closest replica to the original Boss CE-1, offering additional features like a preamp.
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Features and functionality
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The CE-2w's depth knob setting at 2:00 mimics the authentic CE-1 depth, with users finding this setting provides the best tonal match.
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The CE-2w in CE-1 mode offers unity gain output without a preamp, providing a clean, lush sound without high-end rolloff.
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The Retro-Sonic Chorus Stereo Edition darkens the tone slightly by rolling off high frequencies, even with buffered input.
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The Boss CE-1 maintains a unique analog charm and crunch that many boutique reproductions aim to emulate, favored for its classic sound on records and live shows.
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Mods and upgrades
User experience
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VRM Effects in Brazil offers a version with a preamp, praised for its quality, adding another international option for CE-1 enthusiasts.
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Mixed experiences with Triungulo Lab CE-1 replicas, ranging from satisfaction with the sound quality to frustration with customer service and build issues.
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Some owners of PastFX pedals reported receiving complimentary items like Tim Tams with their orders, adding a personal touch to the buying experience.
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Owners appreciate its historical significance and distinctive sound, often comparing it favorably even against newer iterations like the CE-2W.
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Use cases and applications
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Works well when used with a buffer before it, preserving its tonal characteristics and enhancing its performance in a signal chain.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 40 Ratings
191
Love the 80s? This will take you back further than VH-1 can.
This pedal's chorus is as legit as it gets. The chorus not only sounds great and has the appropriate tone to complement the effect- but the depth that the pedal provides puts other respectable chorus pedals to shame, even the subsequent 80s chorus stomp boxes that Boss produced. The CE-2 is nice, ladies and gentlemen, but put it next to a CE-1 and you'll never be satisfied with the CE-2 again, knowing that there's a superior chorus out there. The difference justifies the price tag. The only negative thing about this pedal is the circuitry. The foot switches themselves are misleading and you can't exactly turn on the vibrato without turning on the chorus. At the end of the day, though, this is comfortably the best chorus sound on the market.
249
The legend.
What I can say about this pedal? It's incredible: it does only two things and it's the best at doing them. A legendary pedal that I feel lucky to own!
224
There is Chorus... and there is CE-1 Chorus. Unbelievable...
The Chorus is really fantastic. What I also like about the pedal is that it adds some 'crunch' to your signal (With the Level knob at 2 and the button on high impedance). The Vibrato side is also very good. Build quality and looks of a tank. I love it!
297
Fckn amazing
Crunch, punch, sexy chorus and pretty dope vibrato. Good to have that stereo out too.
204
41029
You have an original CE-1? damn those are hard to come by
204
my dad got off a mate for christmas
Artist usage
Add artist
Sorry for the lo-res pic, but the Boss CE-1 is on top of the Roland RE-201 (the one atop the mixer). Tony would often run the Hammond thru this or an MXR Phaser (also visible next to the Boss pedal) or both. Initially used as a replacement for a Leslie speaker, it actually gave Banks his quite distinctive chorused-organ sound (think "Robbery, Assault, and Battery" or "Afterglow")
"This one is an old Boss chorus, the original one, and it's on its last leg, but it still sounds good. And that, I use for another, I think 20 seconds, I use it on the E-Bow intro to "Black Hole Sun". It just makes it a little mysterious sounding. So, everything's for a reason." - Frampton about Boss CE-1.
"Yeah, It’s pretty big. I still have that [CE-1] Chorus Ensemble, which is the best of BOSS—a big, heavy cast-iron thing. I bought that in Hollywood at our first recording session. It was awesome." - Steve Morse.
Listed on Reverb.com in November 2020.
This Boss CE-1 is owned by Junkie XL
Serial: 128890 Overall this unit is in pretty great shape for its age. The pedal functions however the left LED light seems to have issues and doesn't light up most of the time. At times you can see it flicker but it seems to be random so this will likely need to be looked at and possibly repaired.
All items in The Official Junkie XL Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation. The first 500 orders will ship with a signed and embossed Certificate Of Authenticity from Tom Holkenborg.
In this 1982 documentary on the making of Gabriel's fourth album, we see a shot of several pieces of gear set up in his then-home studio. At the 16:07 mark, there's a clear shot of the CE-1 above one of Peter's keyboards.
In an Instagram post, Justin Meldal-Johnsen is seen with a Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, expressing his late-night struggle with the pedals.
Masayoshi Takanaka is known to use the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble in his studio recording setup from around 1979-1980. Also, In an interview, Takanaka mentioned:
"I use a lot of effects... Then there's the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase, Roland Chorus Ensemble, and something called Stereo Box - I forgot the manufacturer."
This information was provided by user EJxcix on Reddit and takanaka_vibes on Instagram, along with visual proof of the setup.
Mark King of Level 42 exclusively utilizes the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble pedal with his Jaydee basses, valuing its vintage sound quality. This is evidenced in the performance captured in the video "Level 42 - Dune Tune - Cheltenham 2021," provided by K8 M8 on YouTube.
Album Usage
The Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble has been featured on the following albums:
Broken Wings (Gaudi Rework)
Mr. Mister & Gaudi (2025)
I Would Die 4 U
Wendy & Lisa (2024)
LP1
Lady Pank (2018)
Syro
Aphex Twin (2014)
Zamki na piasku (The Best)
Lady Pank (2004)
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers (1999)
The Great Southern Trendkill
Pantera (1996)
Peter Gabriel 4: Security (Remastered Version)
Peter Gabriel (1982)
Borrowed Time
Diamond Head (1982)
Permanent Waves
Rush (1980)
Whiskey Bent And Hell Bound
Hank Williams, Jr. (1979)
Hemispheres
Rush (1978)
A Farewell To Kings
Rush (1977)
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 Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation18 alternative and related items for Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, curated by the Equipboard community.
$210.50 - $241.99
To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the CE-1, BOSS released the CE-2W, able to perfectly replicate the sound of the original CE-1 or the CE-2
$187.86 - $210.00
A more affordable, modernized clone of the original CE-1.
$161.87
In 1979, the CE-2 brought the original effect present in the CE-1 to the iconic compact stomp box design.
A modern recreation of the CE-1, featuring more readily available MN3007 BBD chips.
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