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Average Price: $162
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$60
$201+
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Description
The Boss CE-2 Chorus is a classic musical artifact that has stood the test of time, making it a mainstay in the world of chorus effects pedals. With its origin dating back to 1979, this compact pedal is not just about nostalgia, it's about quality and durability. Its made-in-Japan construction ensures robustness that has allowed many original models to live on, delivering the same exceptional sound quality they did decades ago. If you're in search of a straightforward, no-nonsense chorus pedal, look no further than Boss CE-2 Chorus.
Key Features:
- A product of the renowned Boss brand
- Part of the Musical Instruments > Guitar Pedals & Effects > Chorus Effects Pedals category
- Compact, durable design
- Proven track record since 1979
- Made-in-Japan construction
- Simple, no-frills operation
- Classic chorus effect
- Suitable for musicians of all levels
Product specs
| Brand | Boss |
| Model | CE-2 Chorus (Black Label) |
| Finish | Blue |
| Year | 1979 - 1984 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Chorus and Vibrato |
FAQs
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What makes the Boss CE-2 Chorus pedal unique compared to other chorus pedals?
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The Boss CE-2 Chorus is renowned for its warm, rich analog chorus sound, which has become iconic since its release. Its simplicity and lush modulation make it a favorite among guitarists seeking classic chorus effects.
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Is the Boss CE-2 Chorus pedal suitable for both guitar and bass?
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Yes, the Boss CE-2 Chorus works well with both guitar and bass, providing a smooth, lush chorus effect that enhances the tonal depth of either instrument.
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What power supply is required for the Boss CE-2 Chorus pedal?
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The Boss CE-2 Chorus pedal requires a 9V battery or a compatible 9V DC power adapter for operation.
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How does the Boss CE-2 Chorus pedal affect the tone of my guitar?
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The Boss CE-2 Chorus pedal adds a rich, shimmering modulation to your tone, enhancing depth and dimension without overpowering the original sound.
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Is the Boss CE-2 Chorus pedal easy to use for beginners?
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Yes, the Boss CE-2 Chorus is straightforward to use, featuring simple controls for rate and depth, making it accessible for beginners while providing high-quality sound.
Videos
shnobel
Vintage MIJ Boss CE2 Chorus
Reviews
PROS
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Mellow sounding compared to alternatives
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Conveniently modded to 9vDC
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Simple, two-knob design for easy use
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Captures the classic analog chorus sound of the 80s
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Lush, smooth, angelic tone
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Low power consumption, can run on a 9V battery
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Warm, dimensional sound even on subtle settings
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No noticeable volume boost when engaged
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Offers a rich chorus without being overly pronounced
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Reliable and durable even with vintage models
CONS
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May track with too much bass for some preferences
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Not as lush as some high-voltage competitors
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Limited tweakability with just two controls
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Some find it slightly noisy, particularly older models
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May wish for more control over depth
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Can experience a slight volume boost once engaged
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss CE-2 Chorus.
User experience
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Owners often use opposite knob settings, like rate at 10:00 and depth at 2:00, to achieve a rich chorus tone, especially for Rush-inspired sounds.
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The CE-1 mode on the CE-2w is favored for its "drippy" sound, with settings like rate at 10 o’clock and depth slightly past noon capturing iconic tones like The Cure’s "Lovesong."
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Some owners prefer the CE-1 mode on the CE-2w for its unique syrupy tone that other pedals haven't matched.
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Mods and upgrades
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The Boss CE-5 pre-2001 version features Panasonic BBD chips and a blend option, with a two-band filter for enhanced tonal shaping.
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Use cases and applications
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Users report that digging into the strings with low-output pickups can drive the analog BBDs in the CE-2w, adding subtle harmonic distortion.
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The TC June 60v2 is noted for its 80s style keyboard chorus with preset options catering to styles like The Cure and Joy Division.
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The CE-2w is favored for achieving John Frusciante's sound, especially with its CE-1 mode.
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Features and functionality
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The CE-1 mode is noted to include a slight volume boost, adding a touch of lo-fi distortion, which can be enhanced with a clean boost pedal.
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The CE-2w allows for a real vibrato effect when a patch cable is inserted into the secondary output, removing the dry signal for a unique sound.
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The CE-2B, originally a bass chorus, includes a mix knob and operates at 12V, but is appreciated for guitar use due to its similar sound to the CE-2.
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The CE-2w includes a CE-1 "vibrato" mode that increases the rate for Leslie-esque tones, unlike the original CE-2.
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The Ibanez CS9 offers a lush sound with stereo output, distinguishing it from the CE-2, and is praised for its affordability.
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Comparisons
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Users who have compared the CE-2w and Walrus Julia find the CE-2w superior for vintage 80s tones, although the Julia's mix knob offers more versatility.
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The MXR Analog Chorus was noted to closely replicate the sound of an old 80s CE-2, making it a strong contender for those seeking vintage tones.
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The TC SCF reissue is recommended for those seeking the classic chorus sound many grew up with, similar to the CE-2w.
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The original CE-2 is praised for a slightly thicker swirl and more midrange push compared to the CE-2w, which some find harsh on the top end.
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Way Huge Blue Hippo is noted for its compact size with top jacks, offering a similar tone to the CE-2 but lacking the CE-1 mode.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 26 Reviews and 143 Ratings
Iconic pedal
May not be the most versatile chorus on earth, but for me it has the best tone ever. I have quite some chorus pedals, and I got 3 CE2, japanese and taiwan. You just can't beat the warmth and lush of the CE2. Doesn't have a lot of speed, but it's enough for regular chorus sounds. It made the history of rock. Buy one and be happy.
A classic for a reason
The only chorus you’ll ever need. For my taste, only the 18V Ibanez CS-505 surpasses it for lushness, but it’s as close as makes little difference. Unlike with the CS-505- I don’t detect a volume boost with the CE-2. However, what it does do is fatten/boost the lower mid response. As such, at more subtle settings, or with Rate high and Depth low/off, it can do nicely as an understated thickening agent for your leads (Johnny Winter and David Gilmour certainly thought so). I have a black label MIJ from ‘81 and a green label MIT from ‘89. FWIW, the Japanese unit sounds very slightly warmer, and seems to blend into your signal in a tiny bit more natural way, but it’s also noisier than the Taiwan pedal, which itself has a cleaner (ever so slightly flangey?) character that some may prefer. Both sound warm, thick and lushly analog, and both are superior to the Waza Craft reissue, which I felt was short of the mark. If you score an original, be advised that they run on the old Boss ACA power, which translates to 12V off a modern power supply. Alternatively, you can power it off another Boss pedal with a 2nd DC output (e.g. TU-3, NS-2). As with any modulation effect, the CE-2 will devour a 9V battery pretty quick, so better not to rely on battery power.
984
Legendary
My favourite chorus pedals (Waterfall and Anadime) were based on the CE-2, but the Waza marketing/concept kinda bugged me and I was avoiding the CE-2W with it's modes switch, I wanted something really simple not to waste time tweaking and also a pedal with low power consumption that could run on 9v battery for quick setup. The Micro Chorus was under my radar, until the graceful day I stumbled upon an absolutely mint 1989 MIT CE-2 with original box and documents whose owner was willing to trade in another item I had, so I pulled the trigger! I can now say the legend is true, this pedal is MAGICAL! I love it's simplicity and warm dimensional sound, not too pronounced, not too fast, just right. The fact that it's used on countless recordings I grew up listening to lends it some extra special mojo no doubt. So if you're in the market for a "boutique" chorus I strongly suggest you spare some extra 50 bucks and grab this legend while they still sell for <300€!
191
Excellent Built Pedal; Don't Bother with the Substitutes
Boss took the CE-1 and converted it into a small stomp box with improved functionality. The CE-2 captures the analog chorus sound of the 80s and I always laugh at people paying ridiculous sums of money for boutique chorus pedals that aim to mimic the early Boss pedals. Folks, the CE-2 can be had for $200 or less. There's no reason to spend more (or less) on another chorus- that is, except the Boss CE-1. The reason that I'm giving the CE-2 4 stars/5 is that I can't give it 4.5 stars; the reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that it doesn't capture the "depth" element of tone that the CE-1 originally had. However, the CE-1 can be pricey, and while I'd argue that the depth is worth the extra money, the CE-2 is hands down the best chorus for the money.
52
A True Classic.
I bought my Boss CE-2 used, and it definitely looked well-loved. My version is the most vintage (and perhaps most coveted) version, with the Japanese black label (these were made in the late 70s/early 80s). It just sounds terrific, and easily recalls chorus tones of yesteryear, from the lush chorused guitars on Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over" to the subtle jangle on The Smiths' "This Charming Man", this chorus does it all. Needless, to say this pedal is a legend in its own right, and a must-have for any chorus lovers/vintage pedal collectors/anyone.
103
Classic 80s Chorus
Been using since the 80s and it;s still my favourite chorus pedal. Usable on all settings.
282
A wobbling classic
I own a 1982 green label and its wonderful. I do wish I had a little more control with the depth knob but when it’s on, it’s glorious. I keep mine in a loop switcher and find that it’s for the best, to keep any noise out of signal chain.
838
It's not a journey, it's destination
That lush, smooth, angelic reverby tone is what makes this pedal so good. Like asymptote, you can try to approach this tone, but you'll never fully recreate it.
Yes, it's not very tweakable pedal, but you don't need a journey, if you already where you should be.
514
End of the chorus journey
I've reached the end of my little chorus trip for that perfect 80s / 90s tone by getting this CE-2. I have quite early one, 1983 from Japan (Black Label) with MN3002 chip. Funny how two controls are enough to get that perfect tone which cannot simply be described in any words here. You need to hear it to understand why some many people hype about CE-2. Sounds just astonishing on cleans, kicks a** on dirts. Do not bother about CH-1, CE-5, Small Clone, MXRs etc - just get CE-2, period.
191
I bought one too and remember how "perfect" the tone itself was. Not even considering the low price I paid for the pedal, I immediately recognized that it was one of the best gear I had ever purchased. However, as far as the chorus journey goes, I didn't realize there was more ground to cover until I heard the CE-1.
Artist usage
Add artist
At 15:17 in this video, a screenshot of a chat transcript is shown where John Mayer says that he used a Boss CE-2 chorus in the studio for Last Train Home. John Mayer also used a Boss CE-2 live in his 2019 world tour (revealed at 16:13), set according to Mayer himself:
Chorus turned down about half way. Maybe a little lower.
This small light-blue pedal can be seen on top of some of David's equipment in the first two photos of his 2001-2002 concert setup.
Used extensively throughout the 80's and 90's. Also used in solo shows when doing more recent Floyd tunes.
According to Pete Cornish's website, Boss CE-2 chorus pedal is a part of his pretty massive pedalboard.
In this 1985 photograph of Eric Clapton playing his "Blackie" Fender Stratocaster on the late-night talk show "Late Night with David Letterman", it can be seen that the british rock musician uses the Boss DD-2 Delay effect (introduced in 1983) as well as a Cry Baby wah wah pedal and the Boss CE-2 Chorus stomp box.
This picture by Chuck Pulin of Star File was taken from the 2004 Christie's auction catalogue for the sale "Crossroads Guitar Auction - Eric Clapton and Friends for the Crossroads Centre", page 194.
From the master himself; in his book 'Acid for the children' page 235 he talks about Christmas around 1980 (following the story).
In this story, Flea gets a present: 'inside was the baby blue Boss pedal and my heart melted '
The only baby blue Boss pedal out there was the CE-2 at that time.
In this photo of Mac's setlist and pedals, it can be seen that he uses a Boss CE-2 Chorus.
"Live in Barcelona, 1985. Fender Silverface Twin Reverb and JC-120. Note Boss CE-2 on top of Twin."
Used on “Headrush”, as taken from Satriani’s personal notebook.
Melody Guitar: MCO #4, Mezzabarba M Zero, Marshall ’71 Super Lead Rhythm #1: Fender Custom Shop Tele (red sparkle), Xotic SP Compressor, BOSS CE-2 Chorus, Lazy J J80 combo Rhythm #2: Ibanez T-style with Evertune, Korg G4 Rotary Speaker, Xotic SP Compressor, Lazy J J80 combo Solo: MCO #1, Marshall JVM410HJS
Mark Knopfler utilized a pair of Boss CE-2 Chorus pedals during his 1985/86 tour with Dire Straits, as documented on Mk-guitar's "Mark Knopfler's Guitar Effects."
Carlos Santana is shown using a Boss CE-2 Chorus pedal in a photo uploaded to Musicradar.
"We've got a modded one which is really, really wide and out of tune. Then we've got a classic. The mod on the first CE-2 is literally just to widen the sweep. So you get a really almost Leslie-like out-of-tune for the wobble to that. The right hand of those CE-2s just has a very warm, I guess you might almost say a slightly 80s sounding chorus on it. Then people will hear that and say, 'Oh that's a sound I know'," says Josh Klinghoffer's guitar tech about the Boss CE-2 Chorus Guitar Effect Pedal.
In this video, Gary featured a selection of Boss guitar effects pedals he uses including the DS-1, CE-2, DM-2, OC-2 as well as the BF-2 Flanger.
Album Usage
The Boss CE-2 Chorus has been featured on the following albums:
Pour Some Sugar On Me
Def Leppard & Imanbek (2023)
Last Train Home (Ballad Version)
John Mayer (2021)
Something From Nothing
Manny Charlton (2019)
LP1
Lady Pank (2018)
Air for Free
Relient K (2016)
Static & Silence
The Sundays (1997)
Unplugged
Alice in Chains (1996)
Goodbye
The Sundays (1992)
Vulgar Display of Power
Pantera (1992)
Cowboys from Hell
Pantera (1990)
Hysteria
Def Leppard (1987)
Hello America (2019 Remaster)
The Cassandra Complex (1986)
Synchronicity (Remastered 2003)
The Police (1983)
Rebel Yell
Billy Idol & Billy Idol (1983)
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-2 Chorus, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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