The Boss CE-3 Chorus is a used vintage chorus pedal designed for players who want classic analogue-style modulation, stereo output options and the reliable compact Boss pedal format. Produced between 1982 and 1992, the CE-3 sits in an important part of Boss chorus history, offering Rate, Depth and Stereo Mode controls for anything from subtle movement to wider, more spacious chorus textures.

It is a strong choice for guitarists, bassists, synth users and studio players looking for a characterful used chorus pedal with vintage Boss appeal.

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At A Glance

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Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

Some light wear and signs of use. Missing 2 backplate screws and LED light not functioning.

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What’s Included?

✔ Boss CE-3 Chorus Pedal

✔ Fully Tested by Fair Deal Music

✘ No Original Box

✘ No Power Supply

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Condition Notes

• Very good overall condition
• Light cosmetic signs of previous use
• Footswitches operating correctly
• Controls functioning smoothly
• Input and output jacks fully operational

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Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

Before leaving Fair Deal Music, this used Boss CE-3 should be checked for dependable operation, including:

• Input checked
• Output A checked
• Output B checked
• Footswitch tested
• Rate control tested
• Depth control tested
• Stereo Mode switch tested
• Bypass operation checked
• Power operation checked
• General signal performance assessed

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Service / Setup Work

This used Boss CE-3 will be tested to make sure the effect engages correctly, the controls respond as expected and the pedal passes signal properly through the input and outputs.

For best results, vintage pedals should be used with a suitable power supply and clean patch cables. The CE-3 was originally designed for a 9V battery or Boss ACA-series adaptor, so power supply compatibility is important when adding it to a modern pedalboard.

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Why Choose The Boss CE-3 Chorus?

Vintage Boss Chorus Character

The Boss CE-3 gives players access to the classic Boss chorus sound in a compact pedal format. It is capable of adding movement, width and shimmer to clean guitar parts, driven textures, bass lines and studio sounds.

Compared with more modern digital chorus pedals, the CE-3 appeals to players who want something with vintage character and a straightforward control layout.

Stereo Output Options

One of the key strengths of the CE-3 is its stereo output system, with Output A and Output B allowing wider chorus sounds when used with two amplifiers or a stereo recording setup. Boss documentation describes the CE-3 as a stereo-out chorus pedal designed to create very rich chorus sounds, with different stereo modes available from the Stereo Mode switch.

This makes it especially useful for players who run stereo delays, reverbs or dual-amp setups.

Simple, Musical Controls

The CE-3 keeps things easy with Rate, Depth and Stereo Mode controls. Rate adjusts the speed of the modulation, Depth controls the intensity, and Stereo Mode changes the stereo behaviour of the outputs.

This makes it quick to dial in anything from a gentle thickening effect to a more obvious 1980s-style chorus sound.

Classic Boss Compact Pedal Build

Boss compact pedals are known for their practical stage-ready design. The familiar footswitch format, compact enclosure and simple control layout make the CE-3 easy to use in live, studio and home setups.

Great For Clean And Driven Sounds

The CE-3 works particularly well on clean electric guitar, adding width and polish to arpeggios, chords and melodic lines. It can also be used after overdrive for thicker lead tones or subtle movement on rhythm parts.

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Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

The Boss CE-3 is the strongest choice here if you want vintage Boss appeal, stereo operation and a more collectible used pedal.

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Who Is It For?

Beginner Players

A good choice for beginners who want to explore chorus without a complicated control set. The Rate and Depth layout is easy to understand, while the stereo option gives room to experiment later.

Intermediate Players

Ideal for players building a more characterful pedalboard. The CE-3 can add movement to clean tones, widen rhythm parts and create classic modulation textures.

Professional Players

Useful for studio work, stereo rigs, vintage pedal collections and players who prefer older Boss modulation units over modern alternatives.

Suitable Genres And Uses

• Indie
• Pop
• Shoegaze
• Post-punk
• New wave
• Funk
• Worship
• Ambient
• Studio layering
• Clean rhythm guitar
• Stereo guitar rigs
• Bass chorus textures
• Synth and keyboard processing

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Why Choose A Chorus Pedal?

A chorus pedal works by slightly modulating and delaying your signal, creating the impression of multiple instruments playing together. The result can be subtle and spacious, or lush and obviously modulated depending on how the pedal is set.

Chorus is especially effective for clean guitar, adding width and movement without necessarily changing the core tone of the instrument. It can also make overdriven sounds feel thicker, help bass parts stand out in a mix, and add a polished character to studio recordings.

Looking for advice on choosing the right chorus pedal? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

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Story & Context

The Boss CE-3 followed the highly regarded CE-1 and CE-2 chorus units, offering players a compact chorus pedal with stereo output functionality. Boss lists the CE-3 Chorus as being produced from 1982 to 1992, placing it firmly in the era when chorus became a defining sound across pop, rock, new wave, funk and studio guitar tones.

Today, the CE-3 remains attractive to players looking for vintage Boss modulation, especially those who want something less common than the later CH-1 Super Chorus or the more widely discussed CE-2.

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Technical Specifications

Technical specifications are based on Roland/Boss CE-3 documentation.

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Power Requirements

The Boss CE-3 can be powered by a 9V battery or a Boss ACA-series adaptor. It draws 13mA at 9V.

Important note: the CE-3 is a vintage Boss pedal originally specified for the ACA-series adaptor. When using modern pedalboard power supplies, please ensure the power output is suitable for this pedal before connecting it.

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Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Boss CE-3 Chorus is a great choice for players who want vintage Boss modulation with practical stereo output options. It offers a simple control layout, classic chorus movement and the collectible appeal of an older Boss compact pedal. Fair Deal Music recommends it for guitarists, bassists and recording players looking for a used chorus pedal with more character than a standard modern unit.

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Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available, subject to status
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Boss CE-3 suitable for guitar?

Yes. The CE-3 is a guitar chorus pedal and works well for clean rhythm sounds, arpeggios, lead textures and classic modulation tones.

Can the Boss CE-3 be used with bass?

Yes. Bass players can use the CE-3 for chorus textures, especially for melodic lines, fretless-style sounds and wider clean tones. As with any chorus pedal, settings should be adjusted carefully to keep the low end clear.

Is the Boss CE-3 good for stereo setups?

Yes. The CE-3 includes Output A and Output B, allowing stereo operation with two amps or stereo recording equipment.

What styles does the Boss CE-3 suit?

It works well for indie, new wave, pop, funk, shoegaze, post-punk, ambient, worship and studio guitar sounds.

How does the CE-3 compare with a Boss CH-1?

The CH-1 is a more modern Boss chorus with an EQ control, while the CE-3 offers older Boss chorus character and stereo mode switching. The CE-3 is usually the more appealing choice for players specifically looking for vintage Boss modulation.

Can I use the Boss CE-3 in a modern pedalboard?

Yes, but power supply compatibility matters because the CE-3 was originally specified for the Boss ACA-series adaptor. Use a suitable power solution to avoid underpowering or damaging the pedal.

Where should a chorus pedal go in the signal chain?

Most players place chorus after overdrive and before delay or reverb. However, experimenting with placement can produce different textures, especially for ambient and shoegaze sounds.

Is the Boss CE-3 good for recording?

Yes. The stereo outputs and vintage chorus character make it useful for recording clean guitar layers, wide rhythm parts and textured modulation sounds.