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Average Price: $139
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$60
$201+
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Description
Rediscover the magic of the '80s with the Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus pedal. Manufactured in Japan, this vintage-inspired pedal brings back the analog warmth to your tone. It offers a broad spectrum of chorus and vibrato effects, from the rich, lush undulation created by blending the delayed signal with the dry input to the multiple voicing effect. With easy-to-use sweep speed and depth control knobs, the CS9 hands you the reins to dictate the quality of your sweeps, from the mesmerizing languid waves to the thrilling rapid vibrato.
Key Features:
- Manufactured in Japan, inspired by the vintage Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus pedal from the '80s
- Provides a wide range of chorus and vibrato effects
- Creates rich, lush undulation by blending delayed signal with dry input
- Easy-to-use sweep speed and depth control knobs for customized sweeps
- Ideal for creating a variety of tones, from languid waves to rapid vibrato
Product specs
| Brand | Ibanez |
| Model | CS9 Stereo Chorus |
| Finish | Purple |
| Year | 1980s |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Chorus and Vibrato |
FAQs
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What makes the Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus unique compared to other chorus pedals?
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The Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus is known for its lush, vintage chorus sound with a stereo output, allowing for expansive and immersive effects. Its classic 1980s design and Japanese craftsmanship contribute to its distinct tonal character and reliability.
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Can the Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus be used with both electric guitar and bass?
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Yes, the Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus can be used with both electric guitars and basses, providing rich, swirling chorus effects that enhance the instrument's tone without losing low-end clarity.
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What power supply does the Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus require?
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The Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus requires a 9V DC power supply or a 9V battery for operation, making it compatible with most standard pedalboard power setups.
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Does the Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus have stereo output capabilities?
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Yes, the Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus features stereo output, allowing users to create wide, spatial chorus effects by connecting to two amplifiers or channels.
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How does the Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus handle high-gain settings?
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The Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus maintains clarity and definition even at high-gain settings, making it suitable for use with overdriven or distorted tones without becoming muddy.
Videos
JHS Pedals
The Most Famous Chorus Pedals Ever
The Most Famous Chorus Pedals Ever
JHS Pedals
Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus: Gear Up
gearuptmntv
Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus Demo
LudwigEbner
Reviews
PROS
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Authentic 80s shimmer and warmth adds depth to guitar sound
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Versatile sounds across the entire parameter spectrum
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Durable, solid Ibanez construction ensures longevity
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Straightforward controls, easy to use for beginners and professionals alike
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Vintage aesthetic with pastel purple color inspires creativity
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Lush, not over-the-top effect, suitable for subtle enhancements
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Preferred by some over the Boss CE-2 for its presence and high-end sparkle
CONS
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Vintage units may have reliability issues, such as not turning on first try
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Slightly darker voiced than some competitors, which may not suit all tastes
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Rudimentary stereo capability compared to more modern options
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Some users miss additional features, like a delay time control
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus.
Features and functionality
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The CS9 Stereo Chorus has a simple two-knob design where width sets the depth and speed controls the rate of modulation.
Source -
The CS9 provides a stereo output where one channel delivers a dry signal and the other a delayed vibrato, creating a unique spatial sound when used in stereo setups.
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The stereo function in chorus pedals like the CS9 is often described as a bedroom luxury, providing a rich experience in controlled environments rather than live settings.
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The CS9 mini variant maintains a small footprint and performs well on bass without losing low end, making it versatile for multi-instrumentalists.
Source
User experience
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The pedal is noted for its lush, silvery sound that can effectively cut through effects like the Fuzz Factory, making it versatile in various setups.
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It’s noted that stereo chorus can sound peculiar in headphones due to hard panning, which may require additional mixing to achieve the desired sound balance.
Source
Comparisons
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Some users prefer the CS9's sound over the vintage Boss CE-2, highlighting its unique tonal qualities.
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Some users prefer the stereo image of the Ibanez CS9 over other options, noting its ability to work seamlessly with setups like the Strymon Iridium.
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The CS9's circuit shares similarities with the Boss CE-2, offering a more lush sound and better knob range, distinguishing it from the CH-1.
Source
Build quality
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The pedal's knobs may feel loose, and the foot switch might require familiarity before it functions smoothly, indicating an aged but characteristic build.
Source
Value and pricing
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A vintage unit can be acquired for around $75-$100, with potential for resale without significant loss, reflecting its stable market value.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The CS9 is particularly noted for achieving a "Come As You Are" sound, though it lacks depth in the EQ compared to some other chorus pedals.
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Stereo chorus pedals like the CS9 are ideal for home recording setups, offering a distinct stereo image that can enhance spatial effects when using two separate speakers.
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The CS9 is favored for its ability to produce lush chorus sounds suitable for both fingerpicking intros and heavier sections, aligning with styles like Ian Sweet or Turnstile's "Underwater Boi."
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It effectively maintains tonal integrity in heavy distortion setups, complementing multiple distortion pedals without muddiness.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 30 Ratings
574
Beautiful sounding chorus
very robust, nice colour. Very warm and cozy sounding chorus pedal. Not a lot of potentiometers but enough imo.
243
What’s that word everyone uses?
Lush. Yup, it’s that. A little darker voiced than the boss sound but it’s got all the vibe. Not cheesy or cheap sounding. More subtle than most chorus pedals but it definitely does the job. Solid Ibanez construction. The controls are straightforward and it is easy to use.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Dime the rate and it’s a awesome swirling vibrato. Primarily how I use it.
41029
a great one
another pedal I prefer to the CE2... sounds the same, has rudimentary stereo. I wish I had kept this pedal but I was really down on the bypass sound at the time and I had this idea that I needed a d-time control on a chorus back then. I dunno. The reissues of these sounds great too as does the mini version.
3982
I think it's the John Squire/Stone Roses chorus sound from the first album. My mate had one in the first band I was ever in and it sounded really nice.
41029
I think you're right... the rcuit is really similar to a CE2 though, I banez just kinda tweaked it sorta like they massaged the OD1 into the TS88. anyway, having owned a zillion analog choruses, this was a real keeper, although the the D-time control on the FL9 flanger can get out to 30 seconds so the FL9 is pretty much the same pedal with variable delay time and feedback... I had one of those quite recently and for some reason I took it in my head to sell that too, I must have been thinking I preferred my electric mistress. I dunno.
Artist usage
Add artist
"My argument for having this pedal in my top five might have the most holes in it, because I’ve had many of these, and several were duds. But the one that’s been on my board for over a decade is a champion of a chorus. I remember getting my hands on John Scofield’s Loud Jazz, being blown away by the music, and finding out he used a CS-9, so I had to get one. I lucked out and found this early-’80s version that is so smooth, transparent, and water-like that I haven’t been able to replace it.
I recently put a Jacques Stompboxes Meistersinger on the party board. It’s a great analog chorus, but I feel the CS-9 is just more versatile. It can do the slow, signature chorus sound, but I really dig chorusing effects when you crank the rate to 75 or 80 percent. They get choppy, hectic, and almost abrasive. I add the CS-9 to songs like “You Wouldn’t Believe” and “Revelation of the Year.”
In this photo (source), the Ibanez CS-9 chorus pedal can be seen.
At 6:50 in the video Ben shows his pedalboard with the Ibanez CS-9 Chorus which he uses while touring with Incubus .
In his mini board, next to his Boss Overdrive, the blue two-knob chorus can be seen (around 0:44 in the video) with the distinctive Ibanez footswitch easily distinguishable from a Boss one.
In an interview talking about his gear Scott Gorham answer:
"I don’t like to over-effect, but I do use some effects. What I’ve got now is an Engl E650 Ritchie Blackmore signature amp head that I run with two or four Marshall cabs. I also have a customized 100-watt Marshall JCM900SL-X amp that is used as an occasional backup, or a slave for my stereo mix. My pedalboard pretty much consists of T-Rex pedals, a Dunlop Crybaby wah, a Boss DD-3 delay, a TC Electronic Stereo Chorus Flanger, an Ibanez CS9 chorus, and a Robert Keeley two-knob compressor."
Ruben Block is shown using an Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus in a user-uploaded photo on Weebly.
In this video at 0:20 an Ibanez CS9 Chorus (reissue?) can be seen.
In the first scene you can see the purple Ibanez pedal.
In this video, Michael talks about how he uses the CS9 for one song.
Vincent Gallo uses the Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus, as documented on the website drowninginbrown.com under his studio gear.
At 4:40 in this video from guitar center going over the details of MUNA's song "Silk Chiffon", Naomi mentions that they have an Ibanez CS9 chorus pedal that they use frequently.
Album Usage
The Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus has been featured on the following albums:
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 Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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