The underrated and overlooked Boss chorus

The Boss CE-3 seems to have an ambivalent reputation in the pedal community. A lot of musicians dismiss it due to being more "metallic" than a CE-2, some recommend modifying it to make it more CE-2 like, while some appreciate the pedal as is. Whichever category you may fall in, this pedal is still a great one to try out. When trying it out, it's good to see it for what it is, a CE-3, not a CE-2, OR CH or Dimension C. This is why this pedal is overlooked, because people expect it to sound like other Boss choruses when in reality, it has its own voice and identity. In my tests, trials, recordings and general use, it has sounded great in mono and stereo. The stereo feature is incredible to try out, and gives this huge enveloping chorus sound. With a touch of reverb or delay (as is the case with the majority of chorus pedals) this pedal really comes alive and delivers fantastic tones. Price wise, its also easier on the wallet than other more famous Boss Choruses (picked my CE-3 for around £50).

Authentic 80s chorus

Really nice chorus especially for 80s tunes! The metallic voice which gets mentioned often was not recognized by me. The only thing I could not handle was the quite drastic volume drop.

The vibrato mode is fantastic and justifies the acquisition solely for this!

I wanted to be like Robert Smith. But not be Robert Smith.

I failed in the prospect of not wanting to sound like The Cure completely. I love their sounds and tones, but I wanted to be a little different. Instead of a Super Chorus, I picked this up instead. The differences are minuscule. But I do like the look of this one a bit more, so that's a plus I guess. It's a chorus pedal, it gives you that otherworldly tone, and it's solid as a rock. The one I own has obviously been beaten to death by previous owners over the last near 40 years. But it still sounds great!

argh!

this has all the features you might want, various stereo mdoes, delay time knob.... but the chorus circuit sounds awfufor most guitar applications. Why didn't they just add features to the CE2? I will never know. It does a cold analog chorus sound that can be useful. Think of the Police's chorus+delay+clean marshall superlead tones. The DOD icebox chorus is a cheaper alternative for this sound. Very good for chorusing 80s synhesizers. Can make DX7 strings sound more lush.

Excellent chorus with vintage vibe for funny price

CE-3 had to be a successor for CE-2, but it sounds totally different. In comparison to CE-2, CE-3 is a bit cold, metallic and sterile and that is a shame unless you want your chorus to sounds so. It sucks tone a lot, bypass seems to be terrible. Definately the weakest chorus in Boss' line up. It can be found quite cheap (I got mine for 10$), so it is worth checking just for fun.

EDIT: I got my CE-3 modded - simple mod, just cut R18 resistor. That removes horrible volume drop and adds LOTS of headroom. Now CE-3 sings, seems to be more "alive" than even CE-2. 5 stars this time!

the bad 80s boss chorus

Will you play in stereo with the CE3 at your next show? I will not use the stereo, I will not use it a show. Would you use it wired stock? Would you play it through your Vox? I would not use it wired stock, I would not play it through my vox... I do not like the CE3, the icy tone is not for me!

First Pedal I Ever Bought

The CE-3 is straight forward and super simple. I keep it tamped down as a subtle means to filling out and softening the harmonics especially when strumming the Ovation. I do not enjoy the chorus it in conjunction with the FL-9 flanger. Personal taste. ~m

Not a pedal guy but this does good

Got this pedal from my dad and as a guy who hates chorus I've found it very useful as it adds character and flavour to my guitar work. With the rate set low and the depth set high I get a very usable tone from it.

My first chorus pedal

I just started using pedals seriously a few months ago. I held off on using a chorus because I thought it might be perceived as too cheesy. But I said "whatever".. it's ok to just be myself and like the pedals I like. This CE-3 is really pretty and thick-sounding. I can't stop using it.

Best Chorus ever

The sound of the dark tones with clear metallic edges and thick overtones