Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $279

High-end/Boutique

$60

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the sonic landscape of lush, expansive soundscapes with the Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus. This pedal, inspired by the iconic circuitry of the vintage Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, brings a modern twist to classic sounds. Whether you're aiming to add a subtle shimmer or a deep, immersive wave to your music, the CS-550's intuitive controls for speed, depth, and delay time allow for precise, tailor-made effects. Perfect for the guitarist seeking to elevate their sound with a nod to the past while firmly planting their feet in the present.

Key Features:

  • Inspired by the vintage Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
  • Adjustable controls for speed, depth, and delay time
  • Ideal for creating a range of chorus effects, from subtle to immersive
  • Stereo outputs for expansive soundscaping
  • Robust build quality for reliability and longevity

Product specs

Brand Maxon
Model CS-550 Stereo Chorus
Finish Blue
Year 2000s
Made In Japan
Categories Chorus and Vibrato

FAQs

What type of power supply does the Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus require?

The Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus requires a 9-volt DC power supply. It is important to use the correct power adapter to ensure optimal performance and avoid damage.

Can the Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus be used with both electric guitar and bass?

Yes, the Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus is suitable for use with both electric guitar and bass, providing a rich, lush chorus effect that enhances the sound of either instrument.

How does the Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus differ from other chorus pedals?

The Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus is known for its warm, analog sound and stereo output, offering a wider and more immersive chorus effect compared to many mono chorus pedals.

Is the Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus true bypass?

Yes, the Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus features true bypass switching, ensuring your tone remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.

What are the main controls on the Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus?

The Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus includes controls for speed, depth, and delay time, allowing you to fine-tune the chorus effect to your preference.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus Pedal

Video thumbnail for Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus Pedal by ProGuitarShopDemos

Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus Pedal

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus guitar effects pedal demo by gearmanndude

Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus guitar effects pedal demo

gearmanndude

gearmanndude

Video thumbnail for Maxon Stereo Chorus - CS 550 Quick demo (No talking) by Michael W. Westbrook

Maxon Stereo Chorus - CS 550 Quick demo (No talking)

Michael W. Westbrook

Michael W. Westbrook

Video thumbnail for Guitar chorus MAXON CS-550 by JokeAndRazz

Guitar chorus MAXON CS-550

JokeAndRazz

JokeAndRazz

Video thumbnail for Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus by Pedal of the Day

Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus

Pedal of the Day

Pedal of the Day

Video thumbnail for An Un-hyped Classic - The Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus by Stompbox Breakdown

An Un-hyped Classic - The Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus

Stompbox Breakdown

Stompbox Breakdown

Reviews

PROS

  • Creates classic, high-quality chorus sound

  • Stereo output enhances sound dimension

  • Wide range of chorus sounds from subtle to warbley

  • Can mimic flanger sounds, adding versatility

  • Hidden perk of volume boost for solos

  • Works well with distorted rhythms for a bigger sound

CONS

  • Large footprint on pedalboard

  • D-Time knob can overpower if not carefully adjusted

  • Trim pot difficult to adjust

  • Stereo output always phase reversed, affecting subtlety

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus.

Features and functionality

  • The Maxon CS-550 features an analog circuit with a Panasonic MN3207 bucket brigade IC, offering adjustable Rate, Depth, Blend, and Delay Time for versatile chorus and flanger effects.

    Source
  • The mix knob on the CS-550 can be cranked to provide a volume boost, distinguishing it from other chorus pedals.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners praise the CS-550 for achieving sounds similar to the Replacements' "Within Your Reach" with its flanger capabilities, as well as delivering a solid Leslie speaker impression.

    Source
  • Owners note that the Maxon CS-550 lacks a vibrato sound, which may be a limitation for those seeking comprehensive modulation options.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • New units are priced at $279, but savvy buyers have found them for as low as $115 on Reverb, highlighting potential savings in the used market.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The CS-550 is noted for its ability to produce warm, analog tones suitable for 70s and 80s music styles, fitting well with artists like The Replacements and Big Star.

    Source
  • The CS-550 has a faux double track setting that users find convincing, enhancing its versatility in live and studio settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Maxon CS-550 is compared to the Maxon CS-9 Pro, indicating they share the same circuit but differ in housing size, offering options for pedalboard space considerations.

    Source
  • The Maxon CS-550 can clip when used with very hot signals, unlike the Boss CE-1, which some users appreciate for its unique sound character.

    Source
  • The Maxon CS-550 bridges tonal qualities between Boss and Ibanez choruses, offering a unique blend of both brands' signature sounds.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Despite some versions being labeled as 10v, the CS-550 operates effectively on a standard 9v power supply, easing integration into existing setups.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brad Whitford uses Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus

Brad Whitford

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via Legendary Tones

According to the 2002 tour gear from Aerosmith, Whitford used the Maxon CS-550 stereo chorus pedal, as can be seen in the video.

See how Fred Falke uses Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus

Fred Falke

Bassist, Keyboardist

Alan Braxe & Fred Falke

...
Verified via YouTube

In this studio tour, Fred shows the Maxon CS-550 at around 9:00.

See how Shigenobu Suzuki uses Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus

Shigenobu Suzuki

Guitarist

The Oral Cigarettes

...
Verified via Imgur

Shigenobu Suzuki is shown using the Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus in the Imgur album titled "Shigenobu Suzuki fear," highlighting his preference for this chorus effects pedal.

See how Chris Turpin uses Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus

Chris Turpin

Guitarist, Singer

Ida Mae

...
Verified via YouTube

At 18:38 in the video "MIRADOR Rig Rundown with Jake Kiszka & Chris Turpin" by Premier Guitar, a Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus pedal can be clearly seen on the floor as part of Chris Turpin’s pedal setup.

See how Tom Ibarra uses Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus

Tom Ibarra

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

9:18 Le pedalboard de Tom Ibarra

Album Usage

The Maxon CS-550 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 Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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robv

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Gear IQ 111

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