Electro Harmonix Small Clone USA, Chorus

The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone is a genuine modulation classic, delivering the rich, spacious analogue chorus heard across alternative rock, grunge, post-punk, indie and countless studio recordings.

Its beautifully simple control layout combines a continuously variable Rate knob with a two-position Depth switch. This allows the Small Clone to move from clear, dimensional doubling and gentle movement to deep, pulsating warbles and fast rotary-inspired chorus sounds.

The analogue circuit subtly changes the pitch of the input signal before mixing it with the original dry sound. The resulting doubling effect adds width, movement and character without requiring menus, presets or complicated controls.

Popularised by Kurt Cobain and recognised for its distinctive full-bodied modulation, the Small Clone remains an excellent choice for guitarists, bassists and keyboard players seeking authentic Electro-Harmonix chorus in the traditional full-sized enclosure.

Quick Product Summary

The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone USA is a full-sized analogue chorus pedal with a straightforward Rate control and two-position Depth switch.

Slow Rate settings produce spacious, shimmering movement, while faster settings create warm pulsation and rotary-style modulation. The Depth switch changes the amount of pitch variation applied to the processed signal, providing a choice between restrained chorus and a much deeper, more dramatic effect.

True-bypass switching, mono connectivity and battery or external power operation make it easy to integrate into traditional and modern pedalboards.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Electro-Harmonix
Model	Small Clone
Product Type	Analog chorus pedal
Circuit	Analogue
Audio Format	Mono
Main Control	Rate
Additional Control	Two-position Depth switch
Bypass	True bypass
Power	9V battery or compatible external adapter
Current Draw	12mA
Dimensions	5.25 × 3.38 × 2.75 inches
Original Design Introduced	1979
Current Reissue Introduced	2000
Main Appeal	Rich, dimensional analogue chorus with simple controls
Best For	Grunge, alternative, indie, rock, post-punk, pop and ambient music
Suitable Instruments	Guitar, bass, keyboards and compatible electronic instruments
Condition	Brand New

Why Choose the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone?

Iconic Analogue Chorus Sound

The Small Clone produces the wide, fluid modulation that helped make it one of the most recognisable chorus pedals ever created.

Rather than offering dozens of digital algorithms, the Small Clone concentrates on one distinctive analogue voice. Its chorus can sound clear and dimensional at restrained settings or deep and deliberately unstable when the Depth switch is increased.

It is particularly effective for:

• Clean electric guitar

• Arpeggiated chords

• Alternative-rock rhythm parts

• Grunge textures

• Post-punk guitar

• Sustained lead lines

• Bass guitar

• Keyboard and synthesiser sounds

• Ambient effects chains

Popularised by Kurt Cobain

The Small Clone became closely associated with Kurt Cobain, whose use of the pedal helped introduce its spacious analogue chorus sound to generations of alternative and grunge guitarists.

Its ability to transform a direct clean guitar into a wide, moving texture makes it particularly effective when switching between heavily distorted sections and spacious clean passages.

The pedal is not limited to recreating one artist’s sound. Its simple controls allow it to work across a wide range of musical styles and instruments.

Full and Dimensional Doubling

The Small Clone creates chorus by slightly changing the pitch of the processed signal and mixing it with the original unaffected sound.

This produces a doubling effect that can make one instrument feel broader and more dimensional.

Used subtly, it can add:

• Width to rhythm guitar

• Movement to sustained chords

• Depth to arpeggios

• Additional character to lead lines

• Space around bass notes

• Animation to keyboard pads

At stronger settings, the pitch movement becomes a central part of the sound rather than a subtle enhancement.

Straightforward Rate Control

The Rate knob adjusts how quickly the chorus moves between rising and falling pitch.

Lower settings create slow, gradual modulation. These sounds are well suited to spacious clean guitar, ambient chords and subtle studio layering.

Increasing the Rate produces faster and more obvious movement. Higher settings can create:

• Pulsating chorus

• Rotary-inspired modulation

• Animated rhythm sounds

• Psychedelic textures

• Fast pitch movement

• Experimental warble

The continuous control makes it easy to fine-tune the speed for the tempo and feel of the music.

Two-Position Depth Switch

The Depth switch adjusts the amount of pitch variation applied to the processed signal.

Lower Depth Setting

The lower setting produces a clearer and more restrained chorus effect.

It is ideal for:

• Subtle clean-guitar width

• Chord definition

• Rhythm playing

• Bass guitar

• Recording layers

• Always-on modulation

Higher Depth Setting

The higher setting creates a deeper and more pronounced chorus.

Pitch movement becomes more obvious, producing the warm, pulsating warble strongly associated with the Small Clone.

This position works especially well for:

• Alternative-rock clean sounds

• Grunge-style modulation

• Slow, seasick chorus

• Fast rotary-inspired effects

• Ambient soundscapes

• Experimental textures

Excellent Contrast with Distortion

The Small Clone is particularly effective when used to create contrast between clean and distorted parts.

A heavily driven guitar can sound direct, dense and aggressive. Switching to a clean signal with Small Clone chorus immediately creates a wider and more open texture.

This makes it useful for arrangements featuring:

• Quiet and loud dynamics

• Clean verses and distorted choruses

• Atmospheric introductions

• Modulated breakdowns

• Layered alternative-rock guitars

• Contrasting rhythm and lead sounds

Works Before or After Gain Pedals

The Small Clone can be positioned before or after overdrive, distortion and fuzz, with each placement producing a different result.

Placed before gain, the chorus is compressed and saturated by the distortion circuit. This produces a more integrated and blended modulation.

Placed after gain, the complete distorted sound is modulated, creating a broader and more obvious chorus effect.

True-Bypass Switching

The Small Clone uses true-bypass switching.

When the pedal is disengaged, the active chorus circuit is removed from the signal path. This allows the unaffected instrument signal to pass directly through the pedal.

The red status LED clearly shows when the chorus is active.

Traditional Full-Sized Enclosure

The Small Clone uses the recognisable full-sized Electro-Harmonix enclosure rather than the narrower Nano format.

Its larger chassis provides:

• Traditional Electro-Harmonix styling

• Spacious control placement

• Easy footswitch access

• Clear visual identification on stage

• The classic Small Clone appearance

Players prioritising the smallest possible pedalboard footprint may prefer a Nano or Neo model, while the full-sized Small Clone offers the traditional format associated with the original design.

Low Power Consumption

The Small Clone draws approximately 12mA, placing little demand on a compatible pedalboard power supply.

It can also operate from the included 9V battery, making it suitable for simple setups without a dedicated external supply.

Why Choose an Analogue Chorus Pedal?

A chorus pedal creates a sense of width by combining the original instrument signal with a slightly pitch-modulated version of itself.

The tiny differences between the two signals recreate some of the natural variation that occurs when multiple musicians perform the same part together.

Analogue chorus can be used to:

• Widen clean rhythm guitar

• Add shimmer to arpeggios

• Create movement behind sustained chords

• Thicken lead guitar

• Animate bass lines

• Add character to electric piano

• Transform synthesiser pads

• Produce post-punk and alternative textures

• Create rotary-inspired sounds

• Add contrast between song sections

• Build ambient effects chains

The Small Clone provides this effect through a highly direct interface, allowing the player to concentrate on speed and intensity rather than detailed programming.

Who Is the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone For?

Alternative and Grunge Guitarists

The deep, spacious modulation is ideal for clean sections, layered rhythm parts and dramatic contrast against distorted guitar.

Indie and Post-Punk Players

Slow and medium Rate settings add width and movement to arpeggios, chord patterns and melodic guitar lines.

Rock Guitarists

The Small Clone can thicken clean sounds, animate sustained leads and add modulation to driven rhythm guitar.

Ambient Musicians

Deep chorus combines effectively with delay, reverb, volume swells and pitch effects to create evolving soundscapes.

Pop Guitarists

Restrained Depth settings add polish and width without making the effect excessively obvious.

Bassists

The Small Clone can add movement to sustained notes, melodic bass parts and alternative-rock textures.

The lower Depth setting is a useful starting point when greater low-frequency clarity is required.

Keyboard and Synthesiser Players

Compatible mono keyboard and synthesiser signals can be processed to create wider pads, animated leads and vintage-inspired modulation.

Recording Musicians

Its distinctive analogue character provides an alternative to software chorus and can add width or movement while tracking and re-amping.

Players Who Prefer Simple Controls

The Rate knob and Depth switch make the Small Clone easy to operate without menu navigation, preset management or secondary functions.

What’s Included?

• Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Analog Chorus pedal

• 9V battery

External power adapter not included.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every effects pedal supplied by Fair Deal Music is checked by our experienced team before dispatch.

Our assessment includes:

• Enclosure and finish inspection

• Input socket test

• Output socket test

• Full Rate-control range assessment

• Both Depth settings checked

• Slow and fast modulation test

• Footswitch operation

• Status LED inspection

• True-bypass assessment

• Battery operation

• External power input check

• Final presentation and packing inspection

Technical Specifications

General

Specification	Details
Effect Type	Chorus
Circuit Type	Analogue
Audio Format	Mono
Bypass Type	True bypass
Main Control	Rate
Additional Control	Two-position Depth switch
Original Small Clone Introduced	1979
Current Reissue Introduced	2000
Dimensions	5.25 × 3.38 × 2.75 inches
UPC	683274010137

Controls

Control	Function
Rate	Adjusts the speed of the chorus modulation
Depth Switch	Changes the amount of pitch variation applied to the processed signal
Footswitch	Engages or disengages the chorus effect
Status LED	Illuminates when the chorus is active

Connections

Connection	Details
Input	¼-inch mono audio input
Output	¼-inch mono audio output
Power Input	2.1mm centre-negative DC connection

Power Requirements

The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone can operate from a 9V battery or a compatible regulated external adapter.

Specification	Details
Operating Voltage	9V DC
Current Draw	Approximately 12mA
Polarity	Centre-negative
Connector	2.1mm barrel plug
Battery Type	9V
Battery Included	Yes
Minimum External Supply Capacity	25mA
Recommended Adapter	Electro-Harmonix 9.6V DC 200mA
Maximum External Voltage	10V DC
External Adapter Included	No

When operating from a battery, inserting a cable into the Input socket activates the pedal’s power. Disconnect the input cable when the Small Clone is not being used to preserve battery life.

Always use a regulated adapter with the correct voltage and centre-negative polarity.

Where Should the Small Clone Be Placed?

There is no single correct pedal order, but the following placements provide useful starting points.

After Overdrive, Distortion or Fuzz

This conventional position applies chorus to the complete driven sound.

It produces a clear and pronounced modulation that works well for alternative rock, grunge and lead guitar.

Before Overdrive or Distortion

Placing the Small Clone before gain allows the distortion circuit to process the modulated signal.

The chorus becomes more compressed and integrated into the driven tone.

Before Delay and Reverb

This is a strong general-purpose arrangement.

Delay repeats the modulated sound, while reverb places the complete signal inside a larger virtual space.

After Delay

Positioning the Small Clone after delay applies chorus to both the original note and its repeats.

This can create more animated and experimental textures.

In an Amplifier Effects Loop

Placing the Small Clone in a compatible effects loop keeps the chorus after the amplifier’s preamp distortion.

This can produce a clearer modulation effect when using gain generated by the amplifier.

Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Compared with Other Chorus Pedals

Small Clone vs Nano Clone

The Nano Clone uses a compact one-knob design with Rate control only.

The full-sized Small Clone adds a two-position Depth switch, providing greater control over the intensity of the modulation.

Choose the Nano Clone for maximum simplicity and pedalboard efficiency. Choose the Small Clone for the traditional enclosure and selectable chorus depth.

Small Clone vs Neo Clone

The Neo Clone recreates the classic Small Clone character in a smaller enclosure and also provides Rate and Depth controls.

The full-sized Small Clone offers the traditional format and visual presentation associated with the classic pedal.

Choose the Neo Clone when pedalboard space is limited. Choose the Small Clone for the established full-sized design.

Small Clone vs Bass Clone

The Bass Clone is based closely on the Small Clone sound but adds controls designed specifically for bass guitar.

These include Bass and Treble adjustment alongside a Crossover switch that reduces modulation in the lower frequencies.

Choose the Small Clone for the classic guitar-oriented design. Choose the Bass Clone when detailed control over low-frequency definition is required.

Small Clone vs Nano Clone

The Small Clone offers greater tonal flexibility through its Depth switch and uses the larger traditional enclosure.

The Nano Clone focuses on an affordable, space-saving single-control format.

Small Clone vs a Digital Chorus Pedal

A digital chorus may provide stereo operation, presets, several modulation types and detailed parameter editing.

The Small Clone focuses on one established analogue chorus sound with immediate physical controls.

Choose the Small Clone for distinctive analogue character and simplicity. Choose a digital modulation processor when preset storage and multiple chorus algorithms are required.

Small Clone vs a Flanger

A flanger normally creates a sharper, more metallic sweep with pronounced comb-filter movement.

The Small Clone produces a smoother doubling effect with pitch-based movement and a broader, more spacious character.

Small Clone vs a Phaser

A phaser creates moving peaks and notches across the frequency spectrum, resulting in a swirling filter-like effect.

The Small Clone creates width by blending the original signal with a pitch-modulated version.

Choose chorus for shimmer and doubling. Choose phaser for a sweeping and filtered modulation effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone analogue?

Yes. It uses an analogue chorus circuit.

Is this the full-sized Small Clone?

Yes. This is the traditional full-sized Small Clone rather than the Nano Clone or Neo Clone.

What does the Rate control do?

The Rate knob adjusts the speed of the chorus modulation.

Lower settings produce slower and more spacious movement, while higher settings create faster, more pulsating effects.

What does the Depth switch do?

The Depth switch changes the amount of pitch variation applied to the modulated signal.

One setting produces a clearer and more restrained chorus, while the other provides deeper and more dramatic modulation.

Is this the chorus associated with Kurt Cobain?

Yes. The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone was popularised by Kurt Cobain and became strongly associated with his spacious clean-guitar sounds.

Can the Small Clone produce subtle chorus?

Yes. Select the lower Depth setting and use a slow or medium Rate for a restrained widening effect.

Can it produce extreme modulation?

Yes. The higher Depth setting combined with faster Rate positions creates deep, pulsating and deliberately unstable chorus.

Is the Small Clone stereo?

No. It has one mono input and one mono output.

Can it be used with bass guitar?

Yes. The Small Clone can create wide and animated bass sounds.

Players requiring more control over low-frequency clarity may prefer the dedicated Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone.

Can it be used with keyboards?

Yes. Compatible mono keyboard and synthesiser signals can be processed through the pedal.

Does it use true bypass?

Yes. The active chorus circuit is removed from the signal path when the pedal is disengaged.

Can it operate from a battery?

Yes. A 9V battery is included.

Is a mains adapter included?

No. A compatible regulated 9V centre-negative adapter is available separately.

How much current does it require?

The Small Clone draws approximately 12mA at 9V DC.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone remains a genuine analogue chorus icon.

Its combination of rich doubling, fluid pitch movement and a simple Rate-and-Depth layout makes it capable of everything from subtle clean-guitar width to the deep, pulsating warble associated with classic alternative and grunge recordings.

The full-sized enclosure gives the pedal its traditional appearance, while true bypass and standard external-power compatibility make it easy to incorporate into a modern setup. For players seeking a distinctive chorus with genuine musical heritage and no unnecessary complications, the Small Clone is an outstanding choice.

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• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

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