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Average Price: $550
High-end/Boutique
$60
$201+
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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
Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble: Andy's Vintage Picks | Reverb Tone Report
Reverb
Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble demo
Pacafeliz
Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble Demo
Joe Perkins
Now I get it!! - Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow
Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble - The Buffer Trick
Joe Perkins
Viewer Request #1: Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble In Stereo
Joe Perkins
BOSS - CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
Bass Stuff
Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
Christophe Pons
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.
Source -
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.
Source -
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.
Source
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.
Source
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.
Source
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.
Source
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
There’s effects all over everything on this last record, [especially] a Klon Centaur. We use a Boss CE-1, and I’ve never heard any vibrato that sounds anywhere near as good; it just sort of twists everything up.
"Roger Hodgson's Wurlitzer, fed through a Roland Jazz Chorus on previous albums, was DI'd and the signal then split through a Boss chorus pedal to create a semi-straight, semi-modulated sound." The only Boss chorus pedal available when this album was being recorded was the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
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The first effects pedal that this website says Die uses is a Chorus Ensemble by Boss.
Noel Hogan uses the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, as depicted in a Pinterest post by Jonathan B Diaz Hernandez showcasing Hogan's guitar rig setup.
.jpeg?v=1783256359)
Wendy Melvoin said in this youtube video https://youtu.be/8F_IX4b85y8?si=DcqQwDM-fRt6d6dr&t=592 she used Boss CE-1 on Purple Rain.
In a 2018 keyboard rig tour video, Matt Johnson is observed using the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble at the 0:14 mark, as evidenced by an image from the video.
According to Burton's website, Burton also used Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble Pedal.
At the 1:00 mark a Boss CE-1 is visible sitting on Minoru Mukaiya's Rhodes.
"Totally full blast. I had two of them, and I had an old Roland Chorus, that's the metal one that you put on the floor, that you plugged into a wall -- there's not a wall wart -- it's a real AC plug." - furthermore, in the article there is Boss CE-1 pictured.
In an interview with Effects Bay, Peter Koppes of The Church discusses his use of the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble. He describes how his guitar technique, influenced by his early interest in the Hammond organ, incorporates elements like droning strings and harmonic interplay. Koppes mentions the CE-1 as part of his distinctive "jingle jangle" style, which blends guitar and keyboard techniques to create unique sounds.
In 1976 Roland launched the mains powered Chorus CE-1 chorus pedal and this was added between the pedal board and the Echoplex. Due to the lack of real estate on the board and size of the CE-1 this was normally placed on the floor next to the board.
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.
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Community setups
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Similar
Add recommendation18 alternative and related items for Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, curated by the Equipboard community.
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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
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