Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $420

High-end/Boutique

$60

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the royal power of sound with the Red Witch Empress Chorus, a versatile and expansive pedal that takes your music to a whole new dimension. Switch between intriguing vibrato and mesmerizing chorus modes with ease, while the unique voice knob allows for precise control over delay time, opening a world of various choral effects. With a bright/dark switch at your disposal, you have even more tonal options to experiment with. Whether you're spinning a web of sparkling shimmer, creating undulating waves of sound, or adding a surf-y tinge to your garage rock, this pedal is the perfect companion for any musician looking to expand their sonic palette.

Key Features:

  • Switchable vibrato and chorus modes for versatile sound effects
  • Unique voice knob for precise control over delay time
  • Bright/dark switch for a wider range of tonal options
  • Ideal for various genres, from post-rock to psychedelia
  • Creates a variety of sounds, from sparkling shimmer to undulating waves

Product specs

Brand Red Witch
Model Empress
Finish White
Year 2010s
Categories Chorus and Vibrato

FAQs

What makes the Red Witch Empress Chorus unique compared to other chorus pedals?

The Red Witch Empress Chorus stands out with its dual chorus and vibrato modes, offering a wide range of lush, modulated tones. Its analog circuitry provides a warm and organic sound, making it a favorite among guitarists seeking vintage-style modulation.

Can the Red Witch Empress Chorus be used with a bass guitar?

Yes, the Red Witch Empress Chorus works well with bass guitars, enhancing the instrument's natural tone with rich modulation without losing low-end clarity.

What power supply does the Red Witch Empress Chorus require?

The Red Witch Empress Chorus requires a standard 9V DC power supply, commonly used for many guitar pedals, ensuring easy integration into most pedalboards.

How does the vibrato mode on the Red Witch Empress Chorus differ from the chorus mode?

In vibrato mode, the Red Witch Empress Chorus modulates the pitch of the signal, creating a warbling effect, whereas, in chorus mode, it blends the original signal with a slightly delayed, pitch-modulated signal for a thicker sound.

Is the Red Witch Empress Chorus true bypass?

Yes, the Red Witch Empress Chorus features true bypass switching, ensuring that your guitar's tone remains unaffected when the pedal is not in use.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Red Witch Empress Chorus

Video thumbnail for Red Witch Empress Chorus by ProGuitarShopDemos

Red Witch Empress Chorus

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Red Witch Empress Chorus by Brett Kingman

Red Witch Empress Chorus

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Red Witch Empress Chorus Effects Pedal Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Red Witch Empress Chorus Effects Pedal Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Red Witch Empress Chorus Pedal | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Red Witch Empress Chorus Pedal | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Redwitch Empress Chorus vs Julia by shnobel

Redwitch Empress Chorus vs Julia

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for Redwitch Empress Chorus by shnobel

Redwitch Empress Chorus

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for Redwitch Empress Chorus vs MIJ Boss CE-2 by shnobel

Redwitch Empress Chorus vs MIJ Boss CE-2

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for Red Witch Empress Chorus Review - BestGuitarEffects.com by Best Guitar Effects

Red Witch Empress Chorus Review - BestGuitarEffects.com

Best Guitar Effects

Best Guitar Effects

Video thumbnail for Red Witch Empress Chorus - demo (Clean Stereo) by Guitar Pedal Demos

Red Witch Empress Chorus - demo (Clean Stereo)

Guitar Pedal Demos

Guitar Pedal Demos

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality, rivals the CE-1 with an internal preamp

  • Versatile chorus and vibrato sounds

  • Quick and easy to dial in perfect tones

  • ‘Voice’ knob offers a wide range of sound options

  • Works well with both bass and guitar

  • Quiet operation without unwanted noise

  • Attractive design, especially the early chrome version

CONS

  • Durability issues with multiple units breaking down

  • Poor customer support and repair service experiences

  • Volume drops significantly in vibrato mode

  • Surface-mounted parts make it difficult to repair

  • Some units develop static noise when adjusting controls

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Red Witch Empress Chorus.

Features and functionality

  • The Red Witch Empress Chorus is noted for its subtle modulation, which may not satisfy those seeking a pronounced chorus effect.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the vibrato switch on the Red Witch Empress, highlighting its versatility and fun factor for those new to vibrato effects.

    Source
  • The lag and mix knobs are crucial for achieving subtlety, allowing users to fine-tune the modulation depth and speed.

    Source

User experience

  • The pedal is reported to be noisy, but this characteristic can complement washy sound applications.

    Source
  • Owners find the Red Witch Empress Chorus to be underrated, indicating satisfaction and pride in discovering a lesser-known but high-quality pedal brand.

    Source
  • Users report difficulty hearing the bright switch's effect consistently, indicating it may be subtle or dependent on specific settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While the Red Witch offers versatility, users compare it unfavorably to the Boss CE-2W for achieving a deep, lush chorus.

    Source
  • The Red Witch Empress Chorus has been compared favorably to the Walrus Julia, with users noting the Empress offers lusher and warmer chorus sounds.

    Source
  • The Empress Chorus is compared to a borderline flanger, suggesting it may appeal to users looking for a unique chorus-flanger hybrid sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users have encountered functionality issues due to internal bias trim pot adjustments, highlighting the importance of proper setup.

    Source
  • The pedal's waveform is likened to a harsh sawtooth, requiring careful dial adjustments to avoid an overly pronounced LFO sweep.

    Source
  • Incorrect placement in the signal chain can lead to peak issues with certain preamps, suggesting experimentation with pedal order.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One owner acquired a non-functional unit for $40, later restoring it to full function, indicating potential for good deals on second-hand units.

    Source
  • Used units often sell for significantly less than new, providing an opportunity for budget-conscious buyers to acquire one affordably.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The warm, full analog sound is appreciated for applications where subtlety and tonal warmth are desired over intensity.

    Source
  • Running the pedal after other effects can enhance performance, achieving slow and subtle modulation without overwhelming other gear.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Red Witch Empress Chorus Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Red Witch Empress Chorus is a versatile pedal that excels in offering a wide range of chorus sounds. Its Voice control allows users to dial in everything from classic to modern tones, providing a personalized sonic experience. Its robust build and modern features like true bypass are commendable. However, the internal dip switch can introduce unwanted graininess with overdrive, and some might find the extensive control options overwhelming. Overall, the Empress is a standout for those seeking a flexible chorus pedal, but simpler preferences might look elsewhere.

positive

Red Witch Empress Chorus review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Red Witch Empress Chorus is a versatile pedal that impresses with its ability to deliver a wide range of chorus sounds in a single stompbox. Its standout feature is the adjustable delay time, allowing for numerous analogue chorus variations. The pedal excels in both vibrato and chorus modes, with the latter offering sparkling, spacious tones that are especially captivating in stereo setups. While it may lack some warmth compared to vintage models, its modern treble content and overall sound versatility make it a top choice for guitarists seeking a reliable chorus effect.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
oasisroses

just buy it you wont be dissapointed.

I acquired this on a whim as a lad I know needed a borrow and used this as collateral. mines the early chrome one (sexy as hell) which looks miles better than the newer white ones. the voice knobby is fantastic and helps make all sorts of tones. I do have one gripe though... when in vibrato mode it volume drops worse than a three dollar hooker.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses Red Witch Empress Chorus

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via Red Witch Pedals

Used by Mayer according to Red Witch website .

See how Steve Vai uses Red Witch Empress Chorus

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via Red Witch Pedals

He also uses Empress Chorus according to Red Witch website .

See how Sting uses Red Witch Empress Chorus

Sting

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Red Witch Pedals

Sting uses this chorus with his bass guitar .

See how Andy Summers uses Red Witch Empress Chorus

Andy Summers

Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Photo

Andy Summers uses a Red Witch Empress Chorus for the solo in "Can't stand losing you", according to this Guitar Player article.

See how Bootsy Collins uses Red Witch Empress Chorus

Bootsy Collins

Singer, Bassist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via Red Witch Pedals

Used by Bootsy according to the Red Witch website .

See how Bill Frisell uses Red Witch Empress Chorus

Bill Frisell

Guitarist

Naked City

...
Verified via Red Witch Pedals

Used by him according to Red Witch website .

See how Mike Stern uses Red Witch Empress Chorus

Mike Stern

Singer, Guitarist

Yellowjackets

...
Verified via YouTube

He plays with this effect on this video.

See how Michael Landau uses Red Witch Empress Chorus

Michael Landau

Guitarist

Joe Sample and the Soul Committee

...
Verified via Red Witch Pedals

He uses this chorus by Red Witch .

See how Billy Gould uses Red Witch Empress Chorus

Billy Gould

Bassist

Faith No More

...
Verified via Red Witch Pedals

Billy Gould uses the Red Witch Empress Chorus, as noted in the Artists Gallery on Red Witch Pedals' website.

See how Isaiah Sharkey uses Red Witch Empress Chorus

Isaiah Sharkey

Singer, Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via Red Witch Pedals

Isaiah Sharkey is listed on the Red Witch Pedals Artists Gallery as a user of the Red Witch Empress Chorus pedal.

See how Mike Love uses Red Witch Empress Chorus

Mike Love

...
Verified via YouTube

at 5:14 plus he explains some of the pedals in his rig

See how Jon Hudson uses Red Witch Empress Chorus

Jon Hudson

Guitarist

Faith No More

...
Verified via Red Witch Pedals

Jon Hudson is listed as a user of the Red Witch Empress Chorus on the Red Witch Pedals website.

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 Red Witch Empress Chorus, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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    austinmw

    Gear IQ 5227