Fulltone CF-1 Choralflange

With so many configurable settings, the Choralflange is going to take a little time to grow familiar with. I wouldn't classify this as a usability issue though, since it's really just an embarassment of riches.

The one usability issue for me is that I have to adjust the volume knob whenever I adjust the mix knob, to keep the volume even. The difficulty is compounded because the volume knob is only about 2mm wide and has no dials/numbers.

With so many setttings, I wonder if there's ever been a chorus pedal which offered as many. Double your pleasure: this is also a flanger. Mix, depth, delay time, oscillation speed, wide/narrow (octave range), chorus/flanging: that's six tonal variations. Excepting the wide/narrow and chorus/flange toggles, the other settings cover a wide range of sounds, all of them wispy - even when they're oscillating.

My version, 2002 issue, is a weak on the low end. (I've had more luck in this regard with my Carl Martin Chorus x II.) I understand more recent issues have added headroom. If it sounds a little thin, it's always possibile to pull back on the mix and retain some of that original flavor.

I can't imagine why this wouldn't be dependable, outside of footswitches, which have a mind of their own. Mine's been ok for three years running.

Mike Fuller is a busy man, with a popular business and perhaps it's inevitable that he's curt. One of the nicer aspects of dealing with Mike is the five year warrantee, which is more than what most other people will offer.

I don't know of a stereo chorus pedal that has such tonal variation, with a lush chorus/flange from the discontinued Panasonic BBD bucket brigade chips. Perhaps something from Lovetone might have rivalled, but they've appreciated significantly. The list price for the Choralflange has actually depreciated in recent years. It's a bargain now.

I'd have to say that I've found this pedal to very easy to use. The manual has some good suggested starting points.

I'm using the Choral flange with a pair of Dr Z Maz 18 Jr's. I use Fulldrive 2, Supatrem, Clyde Wah, Frantone Brooklyn Overdrive and a Wasabi fwd/reverse delay. When I ues the Choral Flange it is usually in conjunction with the Trem for a Leslie sound. the output trim is a fantastic feature.

I love the sound of this pedal and I've been using it on tour (I play guitar w Steve Earle) for 4 years. The switch has broken 4 times. I have to get rid of it because I'm a professional and I can't use gear I can't count on. The switch that has been replaced is one of the "Upgraded ones". I keep my board in a flight case and it is handled with care. The switch is weak and can not be counted on.. (that is if you play over a hundred shows a year)

I paid retail for all of the Fullton products I own. When I contacted the company about the broken switch I was met with a ton of attitude... bad attitude. very offensive considering I am a paying professional customer. I really like the sound of this unit and all the other Fulltone stuff I own but I wish I had not contacted Fulltone. Kinda like how you don't want to meet Chuck Berry....

in the ratings thing for "1" it says.."not helpful at all, basically worthless"... I would add "Offensive"

Now the thing has broken down on me again... I'm in Europe on tour and I have to find a stereo out chorus pedal that sounds great....

Loved the pedal but if you can't count on it its no good for the road..

The CF-1 offers enough options to keep one busy enough exploring the many possible (and often subtle) variations: narrow to wide; chorus to flange; mix, depth, delay time, and speed. The knobs are big enough to accommodate large fingers, the toggle switches are small enough to avoid accidental changes, and the recessed area where these controls are located are not in danger of being changed by ones foot when engaging the unit. There's even an overall level boost/cut, which is also unobtrusively planted near the mix knob. The pedal is heavy enough to remain planted on the floor but not so heavy to weigh down one's gig bag. In all, it's perfectly designed.

The chorus is crystal analog clear. I have a hard time nailing down its sound descriptively. Sometimes the choralflange seems to accentuate the higher frequencies, and other times it is deep, guttural, and soulful. The mix knob offers a very wide range of wet/dry spread, so depending on its setting, the overall effect corresponds accordingly. Some settings add an unobtrusive, crystal sheen whereas others dominate the sound. I've had some very musical moments with the speed setting set higher than your typical swoosh tones--usually backing a blue groove while keeping the chords interesting.

After checking out many choruses--digital, the coveted Boss CE-2, the Maxon CS-9, and the DOD 690--I've settled on Fulltone's CF-1. Part of me says I want something more, but when I play through it, I'm not sure why I still have this notion. It never disappoints, and if I spend enough time adjusting the settings, I'm nearly always able to find the sound or a close enough sound to the one I'm hearing in my head. It's not "murky," nor is it brash or brittle. The leslie effect is hard to obtain quickly, but it's in there. Maybe in terms of sheer variety, not every sound is in this unit, but the ones that are sound professional. Having explored many chorus pedals, I'm confident that the CF-1 cannot be replaced--complimented, maybe--but not replaced.

It has not failed me yet. The power supply accepts the wallwart shipped with the unit or one of my Godlyke power-all jacks. I've owned this unit for three months.

Haven't needed any.

Mid-way through this endless quest for tone, I'm certain that the Fulltone CF-1 is a keeper. The flanger seems to work, but I'm not thrilled by it. I think I played the intro to Barracuda once with a chuckle, but after that, I keep it mostly set for chorusing.

Other units I consider would be worthy additions are the Foxrox flanger and Analogman's Clone chorus.

The CF-1 is transparent enough to work with other effecs: some with better results than others. I've paired it with phasers, wahs, and fuzzes with some success.

very easy, it ain't brain surgery. Find the Chorus tone you're looking for, then leave it alone. Repeat this procedure for the Flanger tones. Who actually needed the manual?

The chorus is exactly what I expect out of a chorus pedal. I know a lot of guitarists want the chorus to take over the tone, like a distortion pedal. I'm from the school of thought that says chorus should only enhance, not override the guitar's tone.
The flanger is an added bonus, but I didn't buy the pedal for this. It is a very mild flanger effect, which is fine. I don't want to pretend to sound like a jet engine anyway.

I had to take it back to the shop where i bought it to have the switch replaced. Mike Fuller replaced the switch with a heavy duty "upgrade', but that switch makes a loud 'click' noise when you step on it. Not a problem for live use, and only made a minor nuisance of itself in the studio during a live take. Seems dependable, though.

I know from e-mail responses that Mike is an overworked, blunt, customer service-challenged individual. He needs a hot blonde working the help desk, or a mandatory 2 week vacation, every three months. Not a big deal, just honor the warranty and take care of me if I have a problem with one of your expensive pedals, Mike. I don't need you to like me, just fix my stomp box if there's a problem!

It's a great chorus pedal for my ear, my needs, my tone. Been playing 25 years, play most styles but NOT metal, death metal, hate metal, shred, detuned nu-metal, punk, post punk, neo punk or country.

I give this a 7 because it's not a simple chorus/flange. It's just not rate and depth you have other fine tunings. You have to tinker a bit to get the sound that you want, the sound you want to cut through the mix of your recordings or band. However even before this you notice a difference, this unit is transparent. I liken it to a photoshop editor. It's powerful and you get out of it what you put into it.

Which segues right into the sound. Never is this unit noisy, it is clear and transparent. Other units on the market are like heavy cotton tights, the Choral Flange is silk stockings. I mainly compared this to my Roland Jazz Chorus since it was the best chorus I had, along with my ADA Flange. I like both of these units but the Jazz Chorus isn't as transparent or complex and the same goes for the ADA along with noise on the latter. I'm playing this through an Ampeg Jet. It's a nice little 15 watt amp and this chorus pedal sounds lovely through it, very dreamy. In the 70's a lot of acoustic guitars were saturated with modulation effects. If you desire a sound along the lines of the song "We just disagree" (Dave Mason I think), this will do it. I can see why it's also compared to Eric Johnson's sounds. Again not a cluttered sound it lets your guitars breath. I've used a Strat, ES-335, Les Paul, and Martin, as well as my voice. This is a fun unit takes you to a different zone.

Basedon what I've read about Fulltone, the company is run by a man who takes pride in his work. I've read many accounts of him fixing any problems. I've had this pedal for 6 month and no problem. I actually don't expect any based on his reputation and the build of the unit.

Yes well Mike was very helpful when I placed my order for 3 of his pedals. Considering how much demand their is for his units he was more than generous with his time. I would definately not hesitate if I had a question. I really believe he appreciates his customerbase. I believe that is the result of being a musician first business man second.

I've been playing for 17 years, I have my own style I guess. It allows me to cut through the mix. It's the 5 position switch Stratocaster of Pedals. It's as handy to a recording musician as a tape measure is to a carpenter. I installed a bug in the unit, if it were stolen I would simply track down the person bury them up to their neck in the sand by the sea shore at low tide. :)Value, you get what you paid for.

For me the thimg went really easy as I get my favourit chorus with everything on 12 O'Clock. However, there are many different sound available and to me the flanger is much more difficult to set for the sounds I like. The manual is O.K.

My Strat, Les Paul or Tele all sound good through it, no prob. The quality of the sound is actually clear and warm together. for this reason some people, especially those with a basic trebly tone may not like it. To me this is the most beautiful and versatile chorus pedal I have ever heard or played. It is definitely rich, full and detailed in the midrange, the bass are present but not exagerated and the highs are clear and shimmering. The perfect blend for me. It can be very subtle or in your face, as you like it. As for every fulltone product I have heard it sounds like a classic (or in this case many classics) but refined.

That is why I might sometimes look for a little more attitude, that is to say a less refined tone from an old, dark or grungy style pedal.

But dont be fooled this pedal can come close to the vintage trip, it is just that it is clearer and cleaner. and it can also do the deep 80's kind of sound.

The flanger is more difficult to set and until now I have not been fully satisfied with it. It is very sensitive to the guitar I use, it does like my strat but my Paul will get in trouble. It has a unique sound with an attitude that I suspect can be very interesting in some situation. I suspect it is a grower, and I might find its beauty later. However flange is not what I use most, when it come to modulation, I always prefered a good chorus or phaser. My rating is essentially for the chorus.

Many people find it silent but I can hear some hiss added when playing (the pedal is noise gated I guess). It can be annoying when I play some subtle parts without any other instrument involved. This is only an issue in the studio and in the aforementioned situation. Many other good chorus pedals will be noisier.

So far no problem, since almost two years. It does look solid.

I play many different styles and this pedal has become the main workhorse for chorusy sounds. If it were stolen I would buy it again in no time. I even consider getting a spare one later as it has really become part of my sound.

I still own the SCF ftom TC, the L6 MM4, I previously had a roland and tried different Boss as well. The CF-1 IS definitely the very best so far.

The only drawback are the slightly annoying hiss (it is noisier thant the perefectly silent SCF to my ears) and the tricky flanger.

For me the thimg went really easy as I get my favourit chorus with everything on 12 O'Clock. However, there are many different sound available and to me the flanger is much more difficult to set for the sounds I like. The manual is O.K.

My Strat, Les Paul or Tele all sound good through it, no prob. The quality of the sound is actually clear and warm together. for this reason some people, especially those with a basic trebly tone may not like it. To me this is the most beautiful and versatile chorus pedal I have ever heard or played. It is definitely rich, full and detailed in the midrange, the bass are present but not exagerated and the highs are clear and shimmering. The perfect blend for me. I might however need sometimes a little more attitude, less refined tine from an old style pedal.

But dont be fooled this pedal can come close to the vintage trip, it is just that it is clearer and cleaner. I)t can also do the deep 80's kind of sound but even better.

The flanger is more difficult to set and until now I have not been fully satisfied with it. It is very sensitive to the guitar I use with it, it does like my strat but my Paul will get in trouble. It has a unique sound with an attitude that I suspect can be ver4y interesting in some situation. I suspect it is a grower, and I might find its beauty later.

However flange is not what I use most, when it come to modulation, I always prefered a good chorus or phaser.

So far no problem, since almost two years. It does look solid.

Due to the complexity and sounds which are achieved by manipulating the control knobs I would give this a low rating because it can get frustrating for someone who wants to plug in and play. The true point of this however, is the pedal has the ability to generate a wide range of tones and these tones come at a cost. You need to spend a lot of time moving one setting at a time, in small increments, and listen to the changes. I have a small card taped to the underside of the pedal that displays settings I have found useful.

The unit reminds me of Toneking amplifiers as it sounds very high fidelity. I like the sound of the unit but sometimes I think to myself, "Is there anything else out there with a little more soul". I don't use the flanger side at all and find those sounds to be lacking as I get an audible chirp from it. I use the unit with a battery since I am not a big fan of wall warts and extra cords. The unit seems very quiet and compared to the reissue electro harmonix pedal it's virtually noiseless. I do think I will look into the Tube Rotosphere just for comparison sake, but I generally do not use chorus effects that much, so I am in no real rush. Overall, this pedal does a lot of things very, very well I am just not sure if it does one thing excellent. The chorus rates a 9, but the flanger would have to be a 6.

Seems reliable but I don't have a lot of hours on it.

Did have another product of his, and he did a great job with the service.

My overall rating would be a good product but I don't find myself saying, "I gotta bring the fulltone tonight" Most of the time I could take it or leave it. I usually play with just a good overdrive, analog delay and sometimes a wah, leaving all the other stuff in the closet. Maybe there is a chorus or leslie style pedal out there which will change my opinion, but the Fulltone hasn't been the one to do that for me. I do like the pedal and it does sound very good, but if I sold it I don't think I would be kicking myself six months later.

Like other Fulltone pedals I've owned and reviewed, there are a lot of knobs and swtiches present, so ease of use is sacrificed for versatility. Compared the my AnalogMan Clone Chorus, this thing is brain surgery. Still, there are a lot of great settings, so it's not hard to find usable tones, just hard to decide which ones to remember. Unlike those shown in other manufacturers' manuals, Fuller's suggested settings are excellent. Start there, and tweak as your ears see fit.

I used the CF-1 with a PRS Custom 22 (early 90s) running through a ton of boutique effects and then a Dr. Z MAZ-18. The unit is incredibly quiet, though I could hear background oscillation on higher Depth/Mix settings, especially in the Flanger mode.

This unit is extremely versatile--everything from Vintage CE-1 sounds and seasick warbling to the subtlest shimmer are available. Plus, you can choose the width of the effect's sweep (1 or 2 octaves), dial in as much or as little dry guitar signal as you want... really, you can customize the chorus to your heart's content.

Here's the problem. Maybe it's just my ears, or my particular rig, but no matter how I set up the CF-1, it always sounded bright and sort of "artificial." I have a pretty midrangey tone, and the PRS' bridge pickup is extremely dark-sounding, but whenever I switched on the CF-1 my tone had this bright, solid-state kind of sound that was completely different than my dry tone... Very strange. It wasn't drastic enough to be a defect, but I always noticed it. It was like there was this "layer" of effect over my guitar, instead of a natural "doubling" sound that I imagine chorus should sound like.

I bought an Analogman Clone Chorus just to see what the difference was between the two, and it is DRASTIC. The Clone preserves my original guitar sound... it truly sounds like a second "me" playing instead of an "effect." I would also characterize the CF-1 chorus as somewhat "80s sounding" a la the Police, while the Clone's sound is decidedly more vintage. This doesn't mean that one is better than the other, it just depends on your style and preference. For me, the Clone sounds better, and with only two knobs, I spend less time tweaking and more time playing. (I A/B'ed the two effects, and time after time, I found myself playing through the Clone, despite the CF-1's massive range of sounds.)

I can't imagine how you would damage this thing, short of explosives.

I'm not gonna rate this category. People have their opinions about Mike Fuller and i'll just avoid this debate altogether. I'm sure he wouldn't like me much, since I'm not handing out 10s like an Olympic judge with a bribe in his suit pocket.

So the CF-1 is a great pedal, certainly one of the best choruses on the market. But lately, I've been selling off a lot of my Fulltone gear, and the CF-1 has sailed on to a new home. As well-engineered as Mike's stuff is, I can't help feeling it's a little too "hi fi" sounding, and that he oftens sacrifices great tone for endless tweakability. I don't need a pedal with 10 knobs and switches on it. I just need something that sounds good every time I stomp on it. For me, the Clone is that pedal. For other people, perhaps the CF-1 will be the Holy Grail. I prefer the Clone because it's simple to operate, takes up less room on my pedalboard, and runs on a 9V battery (or Pedal Power-type supply). And the tone is pure 60s... earthy and rich and oceanic, with none of the icepick brightness of the CF-1.

If you use a ton of chorus, the CF-1 would be a good choice, due to its versatility. For my tastes, chorus is best used sparingly, and the Clone is the only way to go.

A lot of possible tones. Not hard to get decent sounds.

This unit is the last on my pedalboard. The flange is nice but on the subtle side (I don't use the flange much so I'll leave its review to the others). First off, you're not going to give you "roaring jet engine taking off over your head" type flanging from this pedal, but I don't mind that. The chorus can give you anything from a rich very warm thick chorus, to a very credible fast rotating Leslie (I sat one evening at a friend's house and compared it to a RotoSphere and a short Leslie cabinet). The thing I'm writing about right now is its ability to be so transparent and subtle that you don't really hear the chorusing, but can feel a slight shimmer at the edges. It's dead silent. Sounds good with the POD, a Fender Stage 112SE, a Boogie Mark 4, a Rolamd JC-120 (I know, I know), and with my acoustic rigs: Fender Acoustasonic jr; or a Rane Ap-13 into an SWR Blonde on Blonde powered cabinet.

While it works fine when placed before the distortion, to me it almost seems wasted in that position.

Had it for almost 3 years, no problems yet.

Mike's always been quick and to the point with his responses to me.

Play just about every style. If you need those etherial chords fading in with the volume knob or volume pedal. . .reverb. . .a touch of delay for a sense of space, I think this one is worth its weight in gold. Been playing over 27 years. Definitely would get another if lost or stolen. Very musical pedal.