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Average Price: $550
High-end/Boutique
$60
$201+
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Budget
Standard
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
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
In the performance of "Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound," you can see the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble next to Hank Williams, Jr.'s right foot. Waylon Jennings used one too.
THIS IS INCORRECT (She used a Jet Phaser)
His guitar signal runs to three Boss pedals - a chorus, an overdrive, and a compressor. From there it goes to one of three 100-watt Marshalls (the other two are spares): "I always play with the guitar flat out, and I set the level as it would be for a live rhythm sound. Then if it comes to showing off and doing a solo, I flip on the overdrive. I like a really loud rhythm sound."
Używany przez Jana przez całe lata 80. Po latach Jan użył tego efektu do albumów "Zimowe graffiti 2" oraz "LP1".
In an interview with Brightonsfinest in 2014, Barry Adamson describes using the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble during his time with Magazine.
In this instagram post, Amir is using his Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble pedal.
Can be seen at the bottom of this photo. Used in the recording of "Borrowed Time".
Vincent Gallo uses the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, as confirmed by its listing on the website drowninginbrown.com under his studio gear.
According to Premier Guitar's gear list attached with the interview with Boorer, one of the pedals he uses is the Boss CE-1 chorus ensemble pedal.
"They’re there for life. I had a couple other pieces that became too much real estate for my pedalboard, but I had some of the old [CE-1] chorus ensembles. Back in the day, I loved those things."
Great interview with Terry in which he reveals his effects set up during his time with The House of Love.
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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A more affordable, modernized clone of the original CE-1.
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In 1979, the CE-2 brought the original effect present in the CE-1 to the iconic compact stomp box design.
A boutique clone of the CE-1's preamp, in pedal form.
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A clone of the CE-1's legendary preamp, that can be used as a standalone gain pedal.
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