Pick4Play Guitar Gear Review
Electro-Harmonix

Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal

Editor Rating
★★★★½
4.6/5
Category
Chorus Pedal
Brand
Electro-Harmonix
Overall Score4.6 / 5.0
Editor’s Verdict

The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal is an iconic analog effect that offers exceptional tone quality and simplicity. It’s perfect for guitarists who want a vintage chorus sound with minimal fuss. While it lacks extensive controls, its classic sound and reliability make it a highly recommended addition to any pedalboard.

Estimated Price $133.07
List $195.69
Save 32%

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Key Features
  • Analog bucket-brigade device (BBD) chorus circuitry
  • Simple controls with Rate and Depth knobs
  • True bypass switching for signal integrity
  • Durable metal chassis construction
  • Power supply: 9V DC center-negative adapter
  • Single footswitch activation with LED indicator
Pros
  • Classic, warm and lush chorus tone
  • Easy to use with intuitive control layout
  • Sturdy build quality suitable for live gigs
  • True bypass ensures no tone loss when off
  • Versatile for various music styles
  • Compact size fits well on crowded pedalboards
Cons
  • Limited control options for more advanced sound shaping
  • No stereo output for wider chorus effects
  • Analog circuitry can introduce slight noise in high-gain settings

Performance Snapshot

Performance Profile
Detailed breakdown of strengths and considerations.
Tone4.6/5
Build Quality4.4/5
Value4.7/5
Playability4.6/5
Durability4.3/5
Score Breakdown
How this product scores across our five rating dimensions.
Tone4.6Build Quality4.4Value4.7Playability4.6Durability4.3
12-Month Interest Trend
Relative search demand over the past year for this product.
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Full Review

The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal is a classic effect unit revered for its rich, lush modulation that has shaped the sound of countless recordings. Originally designed in the 1970s, the Small Clone delivers a warm analog chorus tone that adds depth and dimension to clean and distorted guitar sounds alike. Its simple yet effective design makes it a staple for guitarists seeking a versatile modulation effect without complicated controls.

Featuring a single Rate knob and a Depth knob, the Small Clone allows players to dial in anything from subtle shimmering textures to deep, warbling chorus sounds. The pedal is built with a robust metal enclosure ensuring durability for both stage and studio use. Its true bypass design preserves the guitar's original signal when the effect is disengaged, catering to players who demand pristine sound quality.

This pedal has a distinctive sound character often described as smooth and organic, thanks to its bucket-brigade device (BBD) analog circuitry. The Small Clone also includes a powerful LED indicator and a footswitch for easy on/off toggling. Whether used in classic rock, alternative, or indie settings, the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone remains a favorite for musicians looking to enrich their tone with vintage chorus vibes.

Reader Feedback

Rosa G. studio engineer
March 2026
★★★★½ 4.6
Great tone, great build
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal is the first pedal in years that's made me stop hunting for alternatives. As a studio engineer, what mattered most to me was reliability and feel — and on both counts Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal delivered. What stands out: tuning stability has been excellent — I'll do a 90-minute set and only need a small tweak afterwards; the finish is genuinely premium for what it costs — small details like the packaging and inserts are well done. If you're in the market for a pedal, Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal should be on your short list — full stop.
Ines S. metal guitarist
February 2026
★★★★½ 4.5
My new default
Bought Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal on a whim and ended up keeping it on every guitar in the rack. What stands out: the build feels considered — nothing rattles, nothing creaks, and the materials look like they'll outlast cheaper alternatives; the finish is genuinely premium for what it costs — small details like the packaging and inserts are well done. On the flip side, the packaging is fine but feels a step below where the product itself is. For what it costs, the upside is hard to beat — Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal is staying on every guitar I own.
Elena V. gigging guitarist
August 2026
★★★★½ 4.4
Solid choice for everyday playing
I've been running Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal for a couple of months — here's the full picture. As a gigging guitarist, what mattered most to me was reliability and feel — and on both counts Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus pedal delivered. What stands out: the build feels considered — nothing rattles, nothing creaks, and the materials look like they'll outlast cheaper alternatives; out of the box it settled in within an hour, which is faster than the last few alternatives I tried. On the flip side, first-time buyers may need a few minutes to get the hang of it; the learning curve is small but real. Recommended with caveats. Read the cons first, then make the call.