This review details an unexpected and incredibly fortunate find: a Boss CH-1 Super Chorus pedal, discovered at a Value Village thrift store for a fraction of its retail price. The author recounts their initial surprise and subsequent testing of the pedal, highlighting its exceptional condition and surprisingly low cost of just $14.99. This fortunate purchase prompted a thorough evaluation of the pedal's performance, sound quality, and overall value.The review explores the CH-1's sound characteristics, ease of use, and build quality, comparing it to other chorus pedals the author has owned. From its intuitive controls—Level, EQ, Rate, and Depth—to its ability to produce both subtle and dramatic chorus effects, the author delves into the versatility and effectiveness of this classic stompbox. The final verdict assesses the CH-1's overall performance and value, considering both its thrift store price and its retail cost, offering a conclusive recommendation based on personal experience.
Pros And Cons
- Perfect condition
- Screws never been touched
- Works flawlessly
- No static in the pots
- Pots are nice and stiff
- Good clean chorus sound
- Handy for use with other amps (Katana Air)
- Allows for different mixing options compared to built-in amp effects
Read more: Top 5 Guitar Chorus Pedals You Need
The Unexpected Discovery
My recent trip to Value Village (Canada's equivalent of Value Village) yielded an incredible surprise: a Boss CH-1 Super Chorus pedal for a mere $14.99! This pedal typically retails for $49.99 new, representing a significant discount. The find was even more exciting considering it was bundled with another, less valuable item.
The initial excitement quickly turned to investigation. I confirmed the pedal's price online, making sure it wasn't a pricing error. The condition was also a major factor; the pedal was in pristine condition, practically unused. This made the low price even more astonishing.
Sound Quality and Features
The Boss CH-1 Super Chorus delivered a clean, rich chorus tone. I tested it with my Hughes & Kettner Amp and an SG guitar, using the bridge pickup. The controls (Level, EQ, Rate, and Depth) are intuitive and easy to adjust. The level control allows for subtle to pronounced chorus effects, while the EQ and Rate adjustments offer further tonal shaping.
I experimented with different settings, highlighting the Depth control's impact on the chorus effect. Increasing the rate produced a faster, more intense chorus, while adjusting the depth added a wider, more shimmering sound. It's versatile enough for various musical styles.
Overall Impression and Value
The Boss CH-1 Super Chorus pedal exceeded my expectations. Its build quality is excellent, with sturdy knobs and a robust design. It is exceptionally clean and produces no static, even with extensive use. At $15 (or effectively $7.50 considering the bundled item), it's an incredible steal.
Compared to other chorus pedals, the CH-1 is quite versatile and easy to use. While I've owned other chorus pedals in the past, this one’s simplicity and effective tone make it a standout. The functionality makes it ideal for use with my Hughes & Kettner and Katana Air amps.
Conclusion
The Boss CH-1 Super Chorus Pedal deserves a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Its excellent sound quality, ease of use, and robust build make it a great addition to any guitarist's pedalboard. Even at full price, it's a worthy purchase, but finding it at Value Village for a fraction of the cost was an absolute steal. I highly recommend it.
The versatility of the CH-1, coupled with its excellent price-to-performance ratio, makes it a highly recommended pedal. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner guitarist, you'll find the CH-1's rich chorus sound and simple controls incredibly useful.