Electro-Harmonix Clone Theory (Chorus/Vibrato)

Theoretically it is easy to use; unfortunately this pedal is totally useless due to the huge amount of hiss it generates. I have tried putting it through amp fx loops, gates, etc, to no use. I got rid of mine!
I am giving this '1' but it should be a big fat zero.

It has 2 chorus settings which probably would sound good if you could actually hear them without the unacceptable level of noise. As the previous reviewer states, I just cannot understand how these got out of the factory. Is it noisy? HA HA!! YES - IT'S SO STUPIDLY NOISY YOU CAN'T USE THE DAMN THING! Are the effects weak or do they sound great? YOU CAN'T HEAR THEM FOR THE HISS!! Sound quality? What sound quality? This has really put me off EH effects even more than their pathetic 'Worm' pedal.

No you can't depend on it...well that's a bit unfair, you can depend on it making a disgusting static hissy noise which will totally derail your playing and cause the rest of the band to ask you what the hell is going on.
Would I use it on a gig without a backup? I wouldn't use it at all, just forget it, the worst chorus pedal I ever heard in my life except maybe the EH 'Worm'. I can't even give this a score, once again it should be a zero or a minus number.

Obviously the people at EH are DEAF. They might be nice guys etc, but they must surely be totally deaf!! I can't believe this got through their quality control. Can't give any opinion as I won't ever buy EH fx again. A total joke.

I repeat; the worst chorus pedal I ever heard in my life. Please audition this before you waste money on one. I have been playing 34 yrs. If I still had a Clone Theory I might just pay someone to steal it. I just hated it immediately because of the hiss. It was an eBay bargain so I shelled out without hearing one first - big, big mistake. Anything I wish it had? How about NO NOISE? How can EH produce such 'B-S' when literally EVERY other chorus pedal on the market is totally useable and silent compared to this crock?

Iit is not hard to use. There isn't really much to it.

I've tried this with all my amps (old Boogie MarkI, new Mesa Roadster, small Epiphone Valve Jr., Marshall Valvestate) and a small arsenal of guitars.
There is no way to get rid of the hiss/swoosh/static noise.
It renders it completely unusable. In effects like Overdrive or Distortion a certain amount of pedal noise is unavoidable.
But in a Chorus/Vibrato pedal?
I've run it in front of the amp and it sucked. I ran it through the effects loop, thinking it might respond better, and it was even worse: no volume, more hiss.
Ridiculously bad.
These type of effects need to be transparent for them to even be considered. Grossly offensive.
I honestly don't know how this one made it out the door at E-H.

I'm pretty sure it would work everytime I used it. My other E-H effects are bomber.
But I'm also sure it would sound terrible every time I used it.

Don't know. But anyone who would create a pedal this bad...

I play all styles of music. But that's not the point.
I'm now using a regular old Boss Chorus pedal. And lo and behold, no hiss.
I also have a Rotovibe pedal, but you can't get it to stop oscillating even when it's off. Even though its sound is transparent the sweep isn't.
The old Boss is the way to go.

My Clone Theory is the reissue. This is pretty easy to use. There are three settings and two controls (rate and depth): Chorus 1 (a classic chorus sound) with pre-set depth; Chorus 2 with adjustable rate and depth for the "wet" sound, and Vibrato which mutes the "dry" sound entirely and allows adjustment of rate and depth for the wet sound.

Most of the reviews here are accurate. The thing is pretty noisy and boosts volume, but I have mitigated both issues (which of course are related because the added volume brings in da noise) by placing in the effects loop of my Marshall which happens to allow you to adjust the volume of the loop, so in my set-up this works great. If you don't have a volume control in your effects loop, you could solder one in line or even put a resistor on the output jack of the effect.
The other point reviewers have made is that extreme positions of the rate and depth controls are unusable....probably right. I tend to use only the Chorus 1 and once-in-a-while the Vibrato setting with lower rate positions and the effect is very natural and lush: loose-sounding unlike the Small Clone. I tend to use this with clean amp settings.

I bought this cheap and it's never let me down.

No idea

This is a one-trick pony but a nice pony: lovely and lush, very analog-sounding.

It's pretty straightforward. The manual explains everything you need to know on the operation of the unit. I think the pedal could have gone without the chorus 1 setting since it disables the depth knob. Both the rate knob and depth knob seem to be pretty touchy, thus making it a little difficult to dial in the exact tone you are looking for.

Sound quality is okay. You can get a nice chorus sound out of it if you can dial in correctly. The vibrato is the same way. Either effect becomes almost musically unusable after the depth knob is past about 12:00; however, just as most other EHX pedals, you can get some pretty crazy sounds by turning the depth and rate up.

The biggest complaint I have with the pedal is the hiss that is extraordinarily loud when the pedal is engaged. If it wasn't for the hiss I would give this pedal an 8. It gets a 7 because once you get the right tone dialed in, its really nice.

Its built like a rock. I've dropped it a couple times and it keeps on ticking (and hissing). I do gig with it, without a backup and I honestly don't think I'll ever need one.

Never had to.

Overall the pedal is decent. If you are looking for a cool pedal that can do chorus and vibrato, this is it. If you are looking for a nice chorus sound, there are pedals that do a better job of it. If this pedal was stolen or lost, I probably wouldn't buy another.

3 knobs nake it pretty simple to use, but the 2nd chorus mode and the vibrato can be a tad fiddly.

I'm using the box with a Genz Benz Black Pearl 30 and a Fender Super-Sonic combo (with a 2x12 cab). I used the unit inline with other pedals (not in either of the amps effects loops)

Broadly speaking, the sound is OK, but it is a very pronounced, assertive chorus sound (surely by design). As has been noted, it is quite different from the Small Clone. Far more shimmery, more "swimmy" and less tight. Parenthetically, I did not have access to the PolyChorus.

I read some earlier reviews here before picking up a reissue Clone Theory, and to be honest the noise this box generates is more significant than I expected. It is very noisy, so be forewarned.

Aside from the noise level, the 2 issues with the box are:

1. When you engage the effect, there is a significant boost in the overall signal level. In my rig, it is loud enough that it works like a pedal booster. It does this both in mono and stereo operation.

2. I know that this is by design, but the effect adds quite a lot of top to the tone. More in the presence range than treble, per say. Not screaming, but significant. Also, to my ears it makes the tone a tad harder (maybe in the 2-4kHz range)

Seems reasonably reliable, though I cannot comment on that from the experience of prolonged use.

I own and love other EH pedals, but honestly, I think the pedal is a mixed bag. The noise (and the other issues I mention above) are a real buzz kill.

One interesting thing to note is that pedal helped me realize that I want a chorus pedal with a mix knob. That would give me the ability to "tone down" the effect as desired.

Three knobs, one input and stereo outs. As long as you know the difference between Ch 1 and Ch 2 there's not much else to learn.

This is the new XO series model. As much as I love EHX pedals and bend to accomodate their footprints, the new size and AC taps are a welcome improvement.

Artists that I like that use chorus: Cocteau Twins, New Order, the Cure, Felt, the Church. The Theory can cover a lot of that kind of territory.

Chorus 1 has preset depth. Very shimmery chorus, and not overly deep, although it can get quite wobbly with the rate up. Generally the most usable mode for distortion/OD/fuzz.
Chorus 2 has adjustable depth and speed.
Both choruses seem to boost volume and add a bit of high end.
Vibrato is true pitch-shifting vibrato. It's simply 100% wet signal. Consequently, whatever you hear is a micro-second behind what you play and you loose a bit of volume. A nice trippy sound nevertheless.

There is a lot of delay involved in this chorus. It's a very slight room sound, probably only one or two repeats, and with an extremely short delay time, quicker than slap back. It adds a nice sense of space, but it's not as 'tight' as a Small Clone. My guess is that the wider notches this creates allows for the extreme wobble capability.
The rate will not go as fast as the Small Clone, but there's a fine bit of range overall.

This pedal adds a slab of white noise when engaged whether there's signal coming in or not. I e-mailed EHX and they claimed it was part of the design. (I though I had a bad unit) I don't notice it while I'm playing and the chorus sounds so fabulous that I've decided to accept the noise. Whether they would have lost something by cutting the noise, I don't know. 2 points off.

I haven't used the stereo capability so no comment there.

I've used it with a Dean Avalanche (fat strat copy) and Fender Limited Edition Tele (a sort of Les Paul/Tele hybrid--Korean made, humbuckers with coil tap) into an Epiphone Galaxie 25 (just had my tech install an Eminence speaker which made a significant difference) and a Vox AC30TB.

Other relevant gear notes: I also own a reissue EHX Small Clone, an Arion SCH-Z, and a Deluxe Memory Man (I mention this because it can do vibrato--the Theory is probably better sonically for that and is easier to set up), an Ibanez FL-9, and FL-99. The Theory is my favorite, but if you can't stand noise the Small Clone is the better choice.

I haven't had any problems with this or any other EHX unit. I'm pretty easy on my pedals though. The case seems very sturdy; an improvement over the previous EHX stuff.

I received a prompt reply to my e-mail. I've never dealt with EHX for repair or upgrade.

I ordered from Brad Fee at Tone Factor, a terrific person to purchase gear from. Highly recommended.

I dabble in a few different kinds of popular music, including blues, bluegrass, pop-rock, and soul. I actually dislike chorus for most of those types of music. It sounds a bit of place, especially when I'm trying to fit into an ensemble and trying not to stretch anything. Post-punk (as in the groups I mentioned, I'd also throw U2 in there, but they don't use straight chorus) is one of my favorite genres though, and this pedal is a nice fit for that style. It would also work for shoegazing and shoegazing-type bands (say, Ride or Starflyer 59).

I also own a reissue EHX Small Clone, an Arion SCH-Z, and a Deluxe Memory Man (I mention this because it can do vibrato--the Theory is probably better sonically for that and is easier to set up), an Ibanez FL-9, and FL-99. The Theory is my favorite, but if you can't stand noise the Small Clone is the better choice.

If it weren't for the noise, I'd give this thing a 10. I don't care too much, but I know some will.

The pedal has 3 knobs, chorus/vibrato mix, rate and depth. And one "edge switch" Very easy to produce desired effect if you have an hour.

There is a little noise from the unit, which is expected with a analog chorus/multiplier from the 1970's. This is the fourth chorus pedal I have used in my setup. I have gone from small clone(simple and sweet), to polychorus(insane sounds), Dod icebox(cheap and durable).
The chorusing reminds me of the small clone, but not as much speed! I like to have a quick waiver at times, and with a vibrato function I think EH should have sped up the rate knob. The edge switch I don't understand, I think it adds a nice gain so I leave it on. With the depth knob over 1/3, the chorusing becomes overwhelmed and too odd sounding for me.
The vibrato is less than great, I do like to mix them 1/2 way though, it gives a nice spooky quiver to a clean riff.
Overall, I really like the chiming sound of the chorus, top notch.
But none-the-less the CloneTheory is a good investment because of it's rarity.

I don't want to find out if the metal case is dentable, so I baby this one. It does look strong, quite a handsome pedal, and sexy.

Can't say.

Nice vintage chorus, excellent harmonics and sustained chime.
If I lost it, I would probably buy a TC electronic chorus
which doesn't take up so much room on my board.

This pedal is of course very easy to use. Just three knobs; one allows blending of the chorus/vibrato, the others are depth and rate (standard on any chorus pedal). A switch allows switching to flanging which isn't that useful.

When the chorus is on, there is audible noise added to the signal. I think most chorus pedals do this, since they are adding more delayed signal to the original so noise is multiplied. But the noise is minimal compared to the chorus on this thing. I own a Boss CE-2 and have tried the EH Small Clone, DOD 565 Performer (nice pedal but too many batteries) and some assorted other choruses. This is the best by far. It sounds amazing. It almost can make a guitar sound not like a guitar. With the vibrato it is possible to make the sound really waver in and out and it is phenomenal. I have bought about 12 pedals in the last two months and this is the only one I felt was worth reviewing. I would give it a 10 except for the tiny bit of noise.

Well-I just bought it and its been around since the 70s I think. And its still going strong. That sounds very reliable to me but I suppose I cant comment quite yet.

Never dealt with them. Hope they're nicer than Roland.

Getting into styles seems trivial but lets just say I play in a band where we want all of our sounds to be very processed sounding, nothing acoustic can sound like it is. The computer is the most important part of this but two things have helped my sound immensely: this pedal and a Roland GR-700 guitar synth. This pedal sounds amazing on just straight up guitar though and you should not pass up an opportunity to buy it. It truly does inspire you. If it was lost or stolen I would search one out for sure.

Like most 70's era stomps this unit is a no brainer, but due to it's surprising versitility it will take a while to discover all its capabilities.

This is the best sounding analog chorus I've ever heard. For those only familiure with digital, the sound here is more open with a wide soft texture - as opposed to the thick, bubbling sound of digital. This thing also produces a very realistic doubling effect, with just enough detuneing to simulate two guitarist with slightly different intonation. There is also a great frozen flange setting loaded with whistling harmonics. Some may have concern over the noise issue, but through a good series loop it is absolutely quite. As to any real criticism, the unit does suck a slight bit of low end (which can be compensated for), and there is no LED. Carefull with the Edge switch. It throws razer blades!

You can forget about having a backup for a Clone in good condition. I've only had mine since 1976!! but twenty-seven years of constant use should speak for itself (and my age).

I asked EH about bringing out a reissue and none is planned as the chip used in the Clone has been disontinued. Being that I've never had a problem I can't rightly comment on their service. I've heard that EH boxes are simple to repair, but if I found a good Clone I would'nt worry too much about it.

I've used the Clone Theory as a part of my setup continually for 27 years through a number of amps, from Marshall to Fender and others, with no problems, and it has excelled at every level. From prog rock in the 70's, pop rock in the eighties, blues in the 90's, to the fusion that I play today, the clone has work well in all the musical situations I've found myself in; especially where a good chorus sound or doubling effect, in particular, are needed. And if you are into experimental, this unit, like most EH boxes, might come in handy. Among the best analog choruses.

Really easy... just three simple knob to reach your sound... amazing the mixture between chorus and vibrato (really "vintage" :-)

One of the best chorus sounds i've ever heard... simply unbelievable...
The only regret is the noise made the unit... but in the 70's that was the best technology for a 230 m.ampere-18 volt pedal...

On arpeggios and "melodical" thing is always on... i've a Sambora mexican strat on a fender Hot Rod De Ville 4x10... simple perfect!!!

A perfect units... just a bit too much noise... but in the general sound of your band u won't anything!!! believe me!!! Just a great vintage chorus sound!!

Very easy to use. Three Knobs and one switch. Rate, Depth, And Chor-Vibrato. They are all pretty self-explanatory. The manual for it helps with some sample settings and explains how the knobs will effect the sound. With the Vib-flange switch on, it can take a wile to get a good setting because it kinda sucks, but It can be good for some sound.

This thing isn't noisy at all by itself. With distortion on it can make a little noise but it's not at all as bad as other people make it seem.
The sound on this thing are great. They sound so real and non-digital. With the vibrato on full, it doesn't even sound like I'm using a pedal: it just sounds as if I am doing it manually on the fret board. It's amazing.
You can get really good blues tones with it when the Chor-Vib knob is turned all the way clockwise, and the depth close to full on. If you Have it more turned to the vibrato side of the knob, it sound very live-nirvana-ish. You can do the heart-shaped box solo with this and distortion. If you flip the switch to the Vib-flange, and get some good feedback going, you can get the Radio-Friendly Unit-Shifter intro. I heard Kurt Cobain used one live for a while until it broke. Then he just got an EchoFlanger.

I think I could depend on it. I bought it from some guy that used it a few times back in 1982 then stuck it away. It is in mint condition! It even has the original box, warranty and instructions.
I think I could gig without a backup, but just in case, I bought two others ones as well(they are more scratched up, but they're backups, who cares?)
So far, none of the three have failed me yet and I don't think they will for a while.

I haven't had to deal with the company. I heard they suck though.

This thing is my new favorite pedal. You can make it go from lite chorusing to full blown show-stealing vibrato. It is capable of so many diffent sounds that I look forward to working with it every time I pick up a guitar and find new settings.
If it was stolen... well, I wouldn't let it get stolen. I would defend it with my life.
I've had many other chorus pedals before (Boss, Ibanez, DoD, even a small clone) and this one is by far the best. All the other pedals depth/rate knobs' range is in the first quarter turn of the theory's knobs. It takes chorusing to another level.
I wish it had a built in clock on the top of it so I know how much time I've spent playing it because I can get carried away. I've spent hours playing with it to find new settings and I stil am.
I've come up with so many new parts to songs using this thing. It's incredable

Very simple setup,its easy . 3 knobs, Rate-Depth-Chorus/Vibrato, and slider EDGE switch.

The noise, lack of rate, and no led status light are my only complaints.

It was noisy, then i ran it through a Zoom 505 (cause there is a Noise Supressor in it). It wasn't as noisy but some noise was still evident.

If you are a person that likes the rate to be capable of a fast speed then look elsewhere. The Rate knob isn't that critical when adjusting it.

No led status light (yeah who cares) but when your runing alot of effects, its nice to have them.

This unit does sound GOOD though. If you can get past the noise, lack of rate and no light. I would give it a 8 if it wasnt so noisy.

I suppose that i coulda of fiddled with the trim pots but i didnt even wanna bother.

Its old, i dont know how reliable it could be.

The Noise is the biggest complaint i have about this unit.

The main reason why i bought this was because of the Chorus Vibrato seperation and Depth dial. I wanted a Small Clone, but i dont like the switch on the Small CLone for depth, id rather have a dial. Im sure it could be moded but i dont wanna bother.

Id never buy another one.

Three knobs - Chorus/Vibrato blend, Depth and rate. Theres also a switch on the top edge for choosing between chor/vib and vib/flange. This is one of the later models - the older ones had an Edge switch.

I don't have the manual or the box but it doesn't matter - its easy with all EH pedals to sit down,plug in and start finding new sounds straight away. Good sounds come naturally with EH pedals and all it needs is 5 minutes to find your favourite and your set.

Amazing! This is such a cool pedal. You must however ensure your guitar is well sheilded though - I plugged in with a knackered Squire Tele and the background swirls and noise were unbearable. They drowned out the signal and I thought the unit was broken. I plugged in my Fenix Tele and the sound was perfect. There was no AC hiss and no more noise than any other chorus type effect I own - make sure your guitar is in good nick and you'll be fine. Ignore the AC hiss complaints elsewhere in these reviews - mine has no problem at all with noise.

The effects themselves range from subtle shivers,wobbles and swirls to full on out of tune pitch bending,under water gargles and sci-fi effects.

The analog tones are nice and grungy - you'll find yourself playing new stuff with this pedal - it makes you think differently depending on the settings.

Two of my favourite guitarists of alltime - J Mascis and Ace (formerly of Skunk Anansie) use the Clone Theory on record and I always loved the sound and it was a factor in me wanting to buy one. Not the only reason but I have to admit that these two guitarists turned me on to the Clone. I also listened to the sound bytes at Tonefrenzy.com and that did it for me.

I'm using the Clone with alot of other pedals - my board at present looks like this - Red DOD Compressor(not the Milkbox...it sucks), Doctor Q, BigMuff, MoogerFooger RingMod, Boss Digital Metalizer, DOD Buzzbox, Ibanez CS9 chorus, Boss DD3 delay. I'll be adding a ShinEi fuzz to the mix next week aswell as my homemade Octa-fuzz pedal.

Too soon to say really - I've never had an EH pedal cut out me yet though.

Obviousley discontinued pedal but EH customer support for new products is excellent.

I absoloutly love this thing. I wish my pedalboard could fit it on but I'd have to take off a couple of pedals to accomodate the Clone. That in all honesty is my only gripe. The size of the thing is what gives it its character anyway. I love this rusty old tin - it makes sounds that simply aren't afforded to you by todays modern pedals/racks/reissues.

I'm looking forward to using it in a couple of months when I begin recording - its bound to crop up in more than a couple of tunes. Not just on guitar too - this works a treat with keyboards. 10/10.

I have had this pedal for almost 4 years. I still find new sounds in it. Very easy to use except for plugging it into the wall(difficult at gigs).

Very noisy pedal but this isn't neccesarily a bad thing. If you like feedback and know how to control it the Clone Theory is your ticket to noise. There is a pretty dramatic volume boost when I step on it especially when using my Guyatone HD-2 with it. The sounds of the clone theory simply can not be duplicated with boss/dod chorus.

I have broken the unit and repaired myself a few times. The swith has gone on me twice. This thing is older than me so I can't really complain. Electro Harmonix stuff is easy to fix. I do gig with it 5 or 6 times a month and it has only failed me once.

I ordered a new swith twice and it wasn't a big deal.

I really like and need this pedal. The clone theory is crucial to my sound. If it were stolen I would be pissed but I might try the the small clone (original of course) because I am curious and it would take up less space.

3 knobs - Chorus/Vib mix, Depth, Rate. 2 swithes - Chor/Vib and Vib/Flange (very useful). Two outputs - effected and dry (also very usuful. Just mess and come up with cool sounds - especially during performance - get on your knees and twiddle!

im saying 10 coz despite the ac noise the rest of the noise it makes is wicked! Im using a Marshall Silver head, fender strats, a heughs and kettner valve 2 stage distortion unit and a cry baby - awesome - and i DIDNT get coz of Nirvana coz i didnt know he used a Small Clone - didnt know the S/Clone exixsted . . .

Mmmm . . . iv had this pedal in a box for about 5 years coz im sure when i tried last time it didnt work - i put a plug on it the other day (coz i had a dream about what sound i needed for a new song i was rehearsing) AND it worked . . . maybe the fuse had blown coz i believe the dry signal still goes thru both outputs . . . i would risk depending ont for the sound (and the danger!)

never tried to get support - good job it started working . . .

been playing about 10 years and i play everything from gypsy jazz to total rip yer *uts off noise (as well as singing!).
this pedal is totally unique - the sound and versatility. i dont know how it compares to the reissue BUT i wish i still had my 70's Big Muff . . . still iv got an EH Linear Power Booster II - 1 knob for extra gain and it doesnt color the sound at all just kick ass - i wish i still had my Screaming Tree and Little Big Muff (they got stolen . . . sigh!)

this is a fairly easy pedal to use. Mine has the flange /chorus switch at the top so, you can get some mild flange sounds too. It has three knobs, the chorus/vibrato ratio, rate and depth knobs thats it. Just play around with it till you find something you like, i know i did.

The sound quality of this unit is very good, it can get a bit noisy but i really didnt care, i run my effect through 18 other guitar effects so noise wasnt a problem. When i brought it, there were three little black felt tip marks on the knob positions, indicating someone had it set up for a good chorus sound, i tried a bit of messing, but this person had a magic chrous sound so set it up like that, it really great. I also have it set up for a out of tune vibrato sound as follows: vibrato full, rate at 12 o'clock and depth at 9 o'clock. Try it and see what you think. Also if you have the following effects all patched together you can get some awesome effects sound with the clone theory: an electric mistress, small stone, roger mayer voodoo vibe and a boss t-wah, then bang on some delay, i have a boss digital delay/pitch shifter and a old dod preformer delay, the maddest sound this side of sid barretts hi-fi

the reliablity of this is very good, it has broken down yet and if it did i could possiably fix it since i went to university to study electronics. its stands up better than any rocktek pile of pants anyday

if it broke i wouldnt even bother contacting eh cuz it about 25 years old, its like taking a tv back to dixons you brought back in 1972, do you think they would sort it out? If it does break, i will try and fix it or look for another or try a polychorus

i play mad over the top stuff, it not really music sometimes, i just love creating noises. A lot of people will go and try this for the Kurt cobain sound which in my opinion will be a great thing but i use it for soft touches, more, unusual elements of guitar playing. this is my opinion though, go try it your self, i love it but you might find a boss chorus or a dod chorus might suit you, and your wallet, i wouldnt just buy this if i had a cheap guitar and cheap amp and try and get the nirvana sound because he used one nce or twice, i would stick to cheaper stuff, but seeing as i have two great guitars and a great laney amp, i can splash out on such things as a clone theory, also i have been playing for 7 years now so i can play good but my own style. True i do wish i had all this stuff 7 years ago, but it has made me a better person for it. So remember kids, take your time and think carefully, it is sometimes good to take musical steps, exspecially if your buying guitar effects, a crap rocktek chorus pedal may sound crap to start of with, but if your just in your bed room playing, do you really need to splash out over $150 or #150 on a clone theory?, oh yeah great pedal guys.

This pedal is really simple to use. It has three knobs, chorus/vibrato, rate, and depth. You don't necessarily need a manual for this thing, you just screw around with it and you'll find what you need. It also has an "edge on" switch, which just boosts the volume a little.

I either use a beat up Squier Bullet with a humbucker in the bridge, or an old Univox Mosrite copy with a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge. I play into a Fender Pro-185(LOUD!!!) and run my guitar into a Boss DS-1 or my friend's Big Muff Reissue, and then into the Clone Theory. The chorus is very lush, and that's the main reason I got it. I never had much use for the vibrato, but if you were trying to simulate an old Atari-version of space invaders, it would be perfect! I only have two qualms about the Clone Theory, I wish the rate was a lot faster(more like a Small Clone) and since it's AC powered, it's kinda noisy.(This makes for some great feedback, and if you're into Nirvana, it's great for imitating Kurt's live In Utero stuff.) This is an incredible, all-purpose chorus pedal. You can get the sounds of really early REM, it does a great Red Hot Chilipeppers(ala "Under The Bridge), of course, Nirvana, Live(Turn My Head), and I've used it for some Smashing Pumpkins stuff, too. The bass player in our band loves it too, and he thinks it's an excellent chorus for bass.

When I first got it, it sometimes wouldn't turn on. It was just the connections to the switch, so re-soldered it and haven't had any problems since. It's built rather well, not quite as strong as a Boss pedal, but it's up there. I doubt I'd need a back-up, ever.

I've never dealt with them. I bought this pedal used. Besides, they haven't made this pedal since the late 70's-early 80's so they probably couldn't do much for me anyways.

They can be really overpriced(mine actually wasn't that much, I've seen them go for upwards of $200)but you get what you pay for. This was really my first decent pedal, and my first chorus pedal. I wouldn't say the last, but anything else I ever buy will be Electro-Harmonix. No one has been able to duplicate their sound. I've been playing for about 4 years now, and I'm a decent guitar player. My equipment isn't all high-tech, expensive, and digital, but I don't think that digital compares to analog, and I get the sound I want from the stuff I have, and this pedal adds to it. I like to paly all kinds of rock, from the Beatles,Zeppelin,the Doors,and Hendrix, to new stuff like REM, Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Weezer, Smashing Pumpkins, etc. It doesn't work for everything, but it comes in handy a lot. If it got stolen, I'd be incredibly pissed off adn hunt the prick down who stole it and get it back...or buy another one:)

I bought it used so no box or manual came with it. That doesn't matter anyway. Its really easy to get a good sound out of it. Only 3 knobs.....rate, depth, and chorus/vibrato ratio.

I have a BOSS DS-2 pedal and a really crappy amp. It is a bit noisy.....but thats mostly because of the crappy amp and the crappy cords I'm using. Well......the chorus is really strong.....much stronger than most other choruses I've heard. The mix with vibrato sounds great.....very rich and full sounding. You can make all kinds of cool guitar sounds/noises from it......thats what I bought it for. For all you Nirvana fans.....this sounds very much like the Polychorus Kurt used. Nirvana is my favorite band. Please send me flames by email if musicians who love to play guitar in a band and have alot of passion and talent offend you. Send me flames if you play guitar because you want to get rich and you think that you are cool. Ohh yeah......this pedal is really great

I've only had it for one day but it works fine and its over 20 years old I believe so I guess its pretty reliable

Yes I bought this pedal because I want to be just like Kurt Cobain.......not because it sounds awesome. I love the fact that this pedal sounds so incredible. If you are looking for an effect pedal to make wierd guitar sounds......and you love the guitar parts on Nirvana's In Utero album......then I recommend that you buy this pedal

Three knobs. Rate, Depth, and Chorus/Vibrato ratio. One Edge switch on top that does nothing with the effect but only adds a bit treble boost. Not that hard to figure out.

This is one of the most unique effect i have ever tried. If youre looking for just the basic chorus sounds, dont get this because this thing set on very low settings sounds like most chorus pedals on its maximum settings!! Its really weird..For a nice, warm chorus shimmer, i set the rate and depth around 20-40%. Set this thing higher and it would start to sound really neat. Awesome vibrato sounds. It takes a note and bends the pitch up an down..Its like hitting your whammy bar really fast and hard. Very neat. Combine it with distortion and its sounds even better. I even got this thing to sound like an uzi gun firing!! The only problem i have with it is that its noisy(only operates through AC). Other than that, this is one unique pedal.

Very Solid. This was made in the 70's and it still works.

Ive been playing for about 8 years now and have bought/sold a lot of pedals in the past. The clone theory would be something i would keep for a long time. I use this pedal a lot when i get tired of using the same basic effects...Combine it with other effects and it sounds great..I defenitely recommend this pedal to those who are looking for unique sounds...

Very Easy to use. Three knobs-Rate-Depth-and Ratio. If you crank th erate it get a really spacy sound. Has an Edge swith whitch doesnt do very very much that i can tell except add more noise.

I got this because i am a big NIRVANA fan. I know that Kurt used a Small Clone but the theory is just as good plus it has vibrato. My friend paid $300 for a Small Clone- i like the theory better and it is cheaper. it sounds good with distortion, flange... pretty much anything. Because it is old it is a little noisy but who cares just crank it and keep playing.

It Is very well built like the new (and old) Electric Mistriss very sturdy. I would gig without a backup.

went out of business in 85(?) Sovtek is reissuing some of thier pedals.

I think this pedal is bad ass. I also like the Uni-vibe which has the same functions. The uni-vibe is more "dry" sounding where as the Clone Theory is more "wet" sounding. The only reason this is an 8 and not a 10 is because it is noisy. But it is worht it.

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.