Electro-Harmonix Small Clone

The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone is one of the most recognisable chorus pedals ever built — a simple, analog bucket-brigade circuit with two controls that has appeared on countless records since its original release in the late 1970s. Most famously associated with Kurt Cobain's clean tones on tracks like "Come As You Are" and "Smells Like Teen Spirit," the pedal has earned a reputation that goes well beyond its modest price and minimal feature set.

The circuit is genuinely analog — built around a bucket-brigade delay (BBD) chip that produces the characteristic pitch modulation by varying a short delay time. The interface is deliberately spartan: a single Rate knob sets the speed of the modulation LFO, and a two-position Depth switch toggles between subtle and pronounced pitch variation. There is no Mix or Level control — the wet/dry blend and overall level are fixed by the circuit. This simplicity is part of the appeal; you set the speed, choose the depth, and the pedal does one thing well.

The sound itself sits in a specific zone that distinguishes it from more modern, hi-fi chorus designs. The BBD architecture introduces a slight darkening of the top end and a subtle warmth that many players describe as more musical than digital chorus, particularly on clean guitar. At slow rates with the depth switch off, the Small Clone produces a barely-perceptible doubling and movement that thickens clean tones without drawing attention to itself. With the depth switch engaged, the modulation becomes more pronounced — distinctly chorus-like, with a swimming, watery quality that sits beautifully under arpeggiated chords or single-note lines. At fast rates the effect approaches vibrato, creating a wobbling, seasick character that has been used on everything from grunge cleans to dub-influenced reggae.

The current reissue (2000-onwards) replicates the original circuit closely, with true bypass switching, a die-cast metal chassis, and a single 9V power input. It runs on either a 9V battery or a standard centre-negative 9V adapter and draws around 12mA — easy to pair with most pedalboard supplies. The footprint is mid-sized at 5.25" × 3.38" × 2.75", larger than nano-format pedals but small enough to fit comfortably on a standard board.

Who Is This For? The Small Clone is the go-to chorus pedal for guitarists who want the warmth and movement of analog BBD chorus without the cost of a vintage unit. It suits players in alternative, indie, grunge, post-rock, and shoegaze styles particularly well, where the pedal's slightly lo-fi character adds depth to clean and lightly-driven tones. Bass players also use it for thick, lush bass chorus tones — the pedal handles low-frequency content well. The simple two-control interface makes it easy to dial in good sounds quickly, and the consistently strong used market means clean examples are easy to find at reasonable prices.