Electro-Harmonix Small Clone
4.2 2 reviews

Electro-Harmonix Small Clone

Official Page

Overview

The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone is a classic analog chorus pedal that has remained virtually unchanged since its introduction, beloved for its lush, warm modulation that defined the chorus sound heard on countless recordings. The control layout is deliberately simple: a single rate knob adjusts the speed of the modulation, while a depth switch toggles between a subtle shimmer and a deeper, more pronounced chorus effect. This simplicity is a strength, as the voicing is tuned to sound musical across the entire rate range without requiring extensive tweaking. The analog circuit produces a thick, swirling chorus with a slightly dark character that adds dimension and movement to clean tones, arpeggiated chords, and lead lines. The effect is immediately recognizable " warm, enveloping, and distinctly vintage in feel. The chorus does not thin out the low end the way some digital alternatives can, maintaining a full, robust tone even at deeper settings. Build quality is solid for the price, housed in a durable metal enclosure with a reliable footswitch. The Small Clone is ideal for players who want an iconic, no-fuss chorus pedal that delivers a specific vintage sound without menu diving or excessive knob turning. The limited controls mean less flexibility compared to multi-mode chorus pedals, so players seeking precise control over mix, tone, and waveform may want more adjustable options.

Effects Pedals

The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone is a classic analog chorus beloved for its lush, warm modulation with a simple single-knob rate control and depth switch, delivering the thick, vintage swirling chorus that defined countless recordings.

Instrument Details

$87 Beginner
Brand Electro-Harmonix
Type Chorus Pedal
Made In USA
Year 1979
4.2 2 reviews

AI Reviews

🤖
Gemini 3 Flash Preview Google
4.7 /5

The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone is the definitive 'no-nonsense' analog chorus. While modern boutique builders pack pedals with secondary functions, EHX sticks to the BBD-driven soul that defined the 90s alternative sound. Sonically, it offers a 'watery' shimmer that feels more like a physical movement of air than a digital filter. The tone is inherently warm, rounding off harsh transients in a way that makes clean passages feel massive and three-dimensional.

The interface is minimalist: a single Rate knob and a two-position Depth switch. In the shallow setting, you get a beautiful, subtle doubling effect perfect for jazz or pop. Flip the switch, and you enter the deep, detuned territory made famous by Kurt Cobain. However, this simplicity is its main trade-off. The lack of a mix or level control means you're stuck with the pedal's preset wet/dry balance, which can occasionally feel a bit overbearing in a dense mix.

Build-wise, the folded steel chassis is bulletproof, though its footprint is undeniably large for such a simple circuit. You also have to navigate the vintage-style 3.5mm power jack, which is a minor ergonomic hurdle. Despite these quirks, for under $100, you're getting a USA-made legend. It's an essential tool for any guitarist seeking that specific, lush analog modulation that digital emulations often fail to replicate.

Category Ratings

Effects Pedals
4.7
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
🤖
Claude Opus 4.6 Anthropic
3.7 /5
The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone is a classic analog chorus pedal whose warm, lush sound has remained essentially unchanged since its introduction, and that consistency is both its greatest strength and its primary limitation. The analog circuit produces a thick, swirling chorus with a characteristically dark warmth that adds dimension and movement to clean tones without the digital sterility that some modern chorus pedals introduce. The single rate knob and depth switch represent the most minimal possible control set, which keeps operation utterly straightforward -- dial in the speed you want, choose between subtle or deep modulation, and play. This simplicity is refreshing in an era of feature-packed digital pedals, and the voicing is tuned to sound musical across the entire rate range. The effect maintains the guitar's low-end fullness, which is an advantage over chorus designs that can thin out the signal. The sound is immediately recognizable and undeniably vintage in character. However, the minimal controls do limit flexibility -- there is no way to adjust the mix, the depth between the two switch positions is a significant jump, and the effect is mono-only. For players who know they want a classic, warm, analog chorus sound and do not need precise parameter control, the Small Clone delivers iconic modulation. Players who want stereo output, adjustable mix, or multiple modulation types should consider more full-featured alternatives.

Category Ratings

Effects Pedals
3.7
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Anthropic API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Screenshot

Added: Feb 12, 2026

ehx.com/products/small-clone

Categories

Effects Pedals