Electro-Harmonix Clone Theory (Chorus/Vibrato)

My unit is one of the later models, having a FLANGE setting rather than an EDGE switch. It has three vertical knobs on the right, Chorus/Vibrato mix, Rate, and Depth. They all do just what they say. There is an effect out (CLONE OUT), direct out and an input. The Vibrato can only be activated when in the Chorus mode (switch left). One aluminum clicking footswitch (not true bypass, I believe). The trick is finding the sweet spots, like having the rate set to how you want it (this can be a pain, since it can go from heartbeat slow to a helpicopter chop!). Experimentation is always the best way. Also, this unit has such great depth that I recommend a setting between 25% and 50%. I currently have it at 30% to give it enough warmth, but as not to be overbearing.

As with all AC powered E-H products, this pedal is a little noisy due to it's 60hz hum from the AC cord. When using it directly in the pedal chain (and if it's switched on), the hiss is more noticeable than when I use it in my effects loop. I have a Mesa/Boogie Tremoverb half-stack with a Fender Jaguar w/ Seymour Duncan Jag Special pkps. I have heard that the small clone is quieter due to it's use of batteries (this unit can't take them. Anyone have any suggestions of how to convert it to DC?). The sound is not necessarily bassy, but has more of a high-end to it. The chorus tone is great, especially compared to many choruses today on the market. I have yet to compare it to a Small Clone, never seen one either! The vibrato is true Vibrato: varying the pitch of the signal with a given rate and depth. The Flange, however, needs work because it sounds like a Boss Flange on it's worst setting! Like a crappy sitar! It is not as rich as the chorus mode, but has an increased depth, totally thinning out the signal and is very swishy (not good). I believe I would rather have one with the Edge switch, but it's still cool to mess with. Running this through a distortion has it's advantages, too. It gives more definition and a little boost, but can sound too trebley. I use it on and off w/ various dist. to get different sonic textures.

I got my pedal around Christmas when searching for a Small Clone. I tried it out, and I knew it would do fine for me. I use the Chorus and Vibrato a lot. It is in fairly good condition, considering that it is over 25 years old! Few scratches, the switch works fine, the knobs all turn without any crackle! It is my only Chorus/Vibrato and will be for a long time.

I know that the Electro-Harmonix in New York in the 70's made their pedals with much more quality and far better components than today's Sovtek re-issues. My friend has a re-issure Big Muff (can we say POOR sound quality compared to a vintage Muff? Uh, yeah.). It constantly needs to be fixed because the capacitors have this problem where the leads separate from the plates! What a pain, due to crappy insides! I'm glad I just ordered a vintage Big Muff ver. III! Oh, I have never dealt with them directly, but the internet site holds some contact info.

I got this pedal to have that Cobain sound, and it does it pretty well. Since my Jaguar has single-coil pkps, it's hard to have the heaviness that he got, but I tried it with my shitty Ibanez and it sounds ok. Both the Chorus and Vibrato are very useful and have the greatest Depths and Rates I have ever heard! Try this with other FX, esp. dist. Increadible that they don't re-issue these things, but I guess if they did, they might make them with hopeless components! Don't pay over $175 unless you can afford it and it's Mint! If it were stolen/lost, broken, etc., I would wait and look for a Small Clone because I have heard so much about it. But, the vibrato is one this this unit is worth it for, whereas the Small Clone is just Chorus.

Using this thing is generally simple; 3 knobs and a switch, basically. Getting a "good" sound out of it borders between easy and downright impossible, depending on what your idea of a "good" sound is.

Well, this thing is a Chorus/Vibrato unit. The Vibrato is NOT Tremolo, it doesn't sound like the "vibrato" on your Fender amp, etc. It is a bizarre warbling tremble that sounds pretty wacky. It has 3 knobs, one which adjusts the amount of Chorus in ratio to the amount of Vibrato, and Rate and Depth knobs. Cranking the depth knob takes you into outer space. There is an "edge" switch which adds more treble, and with more treble comes MORE NOISE. I'm a feedback junkie, so I appreciate this a lot. Others may not.
It's sorta hard to get a crystal clear chorus sound out of this thing. If you find the PRECISE position, you can get the swirling Small Clone sound almost perfectly. But I prefer the stranger scope of this pedal's sounds. In fact, Nirvana fans, I can get the "Radio-Friendly Unit Shifter" Polychorus sound nearly perfect out of this thing. It takes any note of feedback and turns it into a swirling twister of chaos. But be warned, for you "cleaner" players, turning this thing on with distortion can be painful if you have the knobs cranked and the edge switch on. Don't buy this if you're just looking for a basic chorus, that's all I can say.

Well, "it's built like a tank" (I wonder how many times THAT's been said here), so I trust it, yeah. It's an AC unit, so there's no concern with battery failing. And I'd have no problem scaring the audience with this thing onstage.

Never really dealt with Sovtek/EH.

Well, like I said before, I'm a noisy guitarist, so I love this thing for the bizarre range of chaos it produces. Of course, if I tried (and I have), I can achieve nice, warm and fuzzy chorus tones, but why would I want to do that? (just kidding) I got mine relatively cheap, considering the ridiculous prices that vintage gear is going for now. I love it, I'll probably never part with it. Hmm...J. Mascis from Dinosaur Jr. uses one, and Kurt Cobain had one til it broke. For more on Kurt Cobain and his equipment, see: http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Towers/8712/kurtseq.html (shameless plug). Try using one of these with a phaser and delay of your choice, cranked thru a Big Muff. You won't regret it!

This unit gets excellent sound with nearly any usage, and can the three dials are sufficient to provide endless changes to the chorus, plus the EDGE-On switch provides double the options.

Chorus is the only setting I use with the box, but it is the great EH chorus that all other pedals strive to replicate.

This is not a re-issue pedal that I use, it is an original, and to date, the only thing that doesn't work is the edge-on switch, ( just because of a loose wire). I trust it completely, it has even survived a flood.

I have called upon the EH man for service to my "Electric Mistress" pedal, and though not official customer support, he has the parts and knowledge to fix all the pedals EH makes, and that is what matters .

I have been yelled at for never wanting to turn this pedal off. it is a godsend. I would buy it again (if I could afford a vintage one nowadays!) without a doubt.

My Clone has 3 knobs that need constant attention if you want a wide range of sonds.

It is noisier with the edge switch on, but overall it is quiet because it doesn't have a large boost. I usually use it with a Big Muff Pi.The Clone has a strong effect on the sound when adjusted properly. It has a greater effect if you run your signal through a distortion pedal first. I like the chorus better then the vibrato, but the vibratto has its place.

It has always worked for me, but I've only had it for about 2 months.

I've dealt with Sovtek indirectly and I wouod say that they didn't fix my Small Stone very well, but it is a reissue so the parts are definatly not as reliable as the older effects.

I wouold buy it again because of the great tone it gives my sound, but this is what I expected buying a vintage Electro-Harmonix effect. I love the rich sound it gives on Chorus. I have used a friends Boss Super Chorus and didn't find that it had the same feel as the Clone. I wish it had a built in fuzz, the edge switch is a little weak. It definatly helps me make music because of the airy sound it puts out. I will switch it on in the middle of a song and it will send you to a different place then the Muff. Here is an experiment to try if you have a Clone with 2 outputs and a Big Muff. Run the Clone Out to your amp. Run the direct out on the Clone to the input on the Muff. Run the output of the Muff to the input on the Clone. This will create a ring of sound that you can control by adjusting the knobs. Try it and blow your mind!!!

As simple as any other chorus pedal. Rate, Depth, Chorus/Vibrato knobs. Also has "Edge" switch which boosts treble and noise. Lter models have a switch the selects Flanger option. AC power only.

Pretty noisy, but most chorus and flangers from the seventies are. The edge switch boosts noise. The sounds range from average chorus sound to watery vibrato to deep wacky spacey swooshes. The blend knob is very effective. The Chorus/Vibrato knob sets the mid point of the sweep. At deeper settings it can sound almost like a chorus type sound you would get from a flanger.

Never let me down.I depend on it.

EH went bust in 84, some of the chips may be no longer available so repairs might be impossible even if Sovtek does repairs on the old pedals.

If you want a sort of Nirvana "Come As You Are" sound then this is highly recommended. Not as fast as the Small Clone Cobain used but is still pretty cool and spacious sounding.