Boss CE-3 Chorus

^# 13

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$64.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (53)

12 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble

$96.20 - $153.99

4.5 (260)

Find out who is using Boss CE-3

15 community setups

23 wishlisted

162 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (32)

$64.00 73 available Used

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Average Price: $64

Standard/Professional

$60

$201+

Price Tier

In the Chorus Effects Pedals category, Boss CE-3 Chorus is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Introducing the Boss CE-3 Chorus, a timeless piece from the golden age of pedal effects. Hailed as the 'workingman's chorus effect' between '82 and '92, it has been a staple on countless pedalboards and countless recordings. With its association to great names like Andy Summers, John Frusciante, and Herbie Hancock, the CE-3 is more than just an effect pedal. It's a piece of music history. Known as the stereo counterpart of the earlier Boss CE-2, the CE-3 offers a crisper tone, allowing you to craft richer soundscapes. Experience the vintage charm of a made-in-Japan classic without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Vintage chorus effect pedal manufactured between 1982-1992
Associated with great musicians like Andy Summers, John Frusciante, and Herbie Hancock
Known as the stereo version of the earlier Boss CE-2
Offers a slightly sharper tone compared to its predecessor
Made in Japan, ensuring high-quality build and sound fidelity

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	CE-3 Chorus (Black Label), CE-3 Chorus (Green Label)
Finish	Blue
Year	1982 - 1988
Made In	Japan
Categories	Chorus and Vibrato
Pedal Format	Standard

FAQs

Is the Boss CE-3 Chorus an analog pedal?: Yes, the Boss CE-3 Chorus is an analog pedal, known for delivering the classic '80s chorus sound with a brighter tone than its predecessors.
Does the Boss CE-3 Chorus offer stereo output?: Yes, the Boss CE-3 Chorus was the first in the Boss chorus series to offer stereo output, allowing for more expansive soundscapes and spatial effects.
What are the main controls on the Boss CE-3 Chorus?: The Boss CE-3 Chorus features Rate, Depth, and Stereo Mode controls, allowing you to adjust the modulation speed, intensity, and output configuration for customized chorus effects.
Can the Boss CE-3 Chorus be used with a bass guitar?: Yes, the Boss CE-3 Chorus can be used with a bass guitar, providing rich modulation effects that enhance the depth and texture of bass tones.
How does the Boss CE-3 Chorus compare to the CE-2 model?: The Boss CE-3 Chorus offers stereo capabilities and a slightly brighter sound compared to the CE-2, which is mono and known for its warm, lush chorus tones.

Videos

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shnobel

Vintage MIJ Boss CE3 Chorus

shnobel

Boss CE-3 Chorus Pedal | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Great or Garbage? - Boss CE-3

Leon Todd

Boss CE-3 Chorus

Pedal of the Day

The Boss CE-3 Gets No Love

Stompbox Breakdown

Boss CE-3 Chorus (Stereo)

Pedal of the Day

1982 Boss CE-3 Chorus...A Hidden Stereo Gem?!?

Joe Perkins

What's so great about the Boss CE-3 Chorus pedal? - episode 1

Vibe Alchemy

Boss CE-3 Stereo Analog Chorus Pedal

Clifton Wright

Reviews

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PROS

Best chorus pedal for a distinct, warm analog sound
Excellent for both subtle detuning/spatial effects and intense watery sounds
Stereo output feature creates an enveloping chorus sound
Durable, holds up well over time despite heavy use
Provides a unique voice and identity among chorus pedals
Compatible with a wide range of musical styles and instruments
Modifiable for improved tone and headroom
Can be found at a more affordable price than other famous Boss Choruses
Simple to use, great for beginners and professionals alike

CONS

Some find the tone too cold, metallic, and sterile compared to other models
Notable volume drop and tone suck when engaged
Bypass quality is criticized for degrading signal quality
May require modifications to achieve optimal performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss CE-3 Chorus.

Comparisons

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The CE-3 is described as more metallic and thin sounding compared to the CE-2 and analog CE-5. It also has a slight volume drop.
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The CE-3 is favored by some for its post-punk vibe due to its flatter EQ and colder sound, compared to the mid-hump warmth of the CE-2.
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The CE-3 is noted to have a brighter and different waveform when A/B tested against a Roland JC-40, which resembles a CE-1.
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Users note that the volume drop in the CE-3 is similar to the chorus effect in Roland Jazz Chorus amps, which uses the CE-1 circuit.
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Features and functionality

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The CE-3 can kill the dry signal, offering a vibrato effect when used in stereo mode with a mono output.
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The CE-5 offers EQ controls for more versatile tone shaping, with the analog version using a Panasonic BBD MN3007 chip.
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The second stereo mode allows for vibrato use by sending a pitch-modulated signal out one output and a clean signal out the other.
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Value and pricing

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$75 is considered high for the CE-3, with most units priced between $60 and $100 on eBay.
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CE-3 units can often be found for $50, offering a more budget-friendly option compared to the CE-2w, which is priced at $219.
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Mods and upgrades

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Simple mods can make the CE-3 sound like a CE-2; Pete’s Pedals offers this service for less than the cost of a CE-2w.
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Fromel Electronics offers a mod for the CE-3, enhancing its capabilities beyond the stock functionality.
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Use cases and applications

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The CE-3 is preferred for achieving a slight stereo spread or enhancing clean tones, while the CE-2 is ideal for 80s sounds or thickening overdriven tones.
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The CE-3 pairs well with a Big Muff, smoothing out the harshness, and is favored for "always on" vibrato settings during clean play.
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