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Average Price: $162
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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
Vintage MIJ Boss CE2 Chorus
shnobel
Rhodes Mark 1 Suitcase & Boss Chorus CE-2
Martin Legène Jensen
Boss CE-2 Chorus Pedal | Reverb Demo Video
Reverb
Boss CE-2 vs Ibanez CS9 Analog Chorus
shnobel
Boss CE-2 Chorus Made in Japan
shnobel
BOSS CE-2 CHORUS PEDAL SETTINGS HOW TO GET AMAZING TONES!
Leon Brown Music
Do you need a Chorus Pedal? The Boss CE2 Should Be On Your List
John Nathan Cordy
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.
Source -
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.
Source
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.
Source
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.
Source
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.
Source
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.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 26 Reviews and 143 Ratings
My Favorite Effect
This is absolutely my favorite purchase of the last few years or so. Found a used one from '85. Simply the best sounding Chorus money can buy.
111
219
280
Very nice chorus
I have a DIY Chorral Chorus, wich is based on (replica of) this unit, but it sounds amazing.
41029
yeah, the CE2 is pretty badass.... its no CE1, but its close enough for live, though I wish it had stereo.... it seems like every modulation effect I've ever owned is mono and then when I score a stereo one it sounds inferior so I get rid of it and swear off chorus and flange again.... CE2, mono.... CS9, mono... FL9, mono, BF2, mono... small clone, mono.... smalls tone, mono! it goes on and on.... but I like using 2 amps and would totally dig on spreading my modulation across both. lif is really unfair man.
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.
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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.
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Community setups
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