Electro-Harmonix Small Clone: Kurt Cobain’s Chorus of Choice
The Electro-Harmonix Small Clone is one of the most iconic chorus pedals ever made, beloved by Kurt Cobain and thousands of guitarists seeking lush, modulated tone. At around $100, it delivers warm, vintage-style chorus that sounds more like a classic Fender amp effect than a modern digital processor. The Small Clone thickens single notes, adds depth to strums, and creates the shimmering, spacious tone that defined 1990s alternative rock. If you want legendary chorus character without breaking the bank, this is it.
Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Analog Chorus |
| Controls | Volume, Regeneration, Rate |
| Bypass | True bypass |
| Power | 2x 9V batteries or PSU |
| Footswitch | Single |
| Enclosure | Small aluminum |
| Weight | ~0.6 lb |
Tone and Sound Character
The Small Clone’s chorus character is warm, thick, and perfectly suited to both clean and driven tones. Unlike modern digital chorus pedals that can sound glassy or artificial, the Small Clone uses analog circuitry to create a genuine modulation effect that feels organic and natural. The effect isn’t subtle—engaged Small Clone is unmistakably chorus—but it’s refined enough to work in blues, rock, and indie contexts where a more understated effect might disappear.
The Regeneration control determines the effect’s intensity and character. Low settings provide gentle, subtle thickness perfect for adding body to clean tones. Higher settings create swirling, dimensional tone that becomes almost synth-like at extreme settings. The Rate control adjusts the speed of the modulation, ranging from slow and swell-like to faster, almost Leslie-speaker vibes. This combination of controls gives you everything from nearly-invisible thickness to obvious, spacious wash.
What makes the Small Clone special is its musicality—it enhances your tone rather than obscuring it. Clean notes bloom with presence, chords gain shimmer and width, and even distorted tones benefit from the added dimension. This is why it became the chorus of choice for alternative rock players: it adds character without sacrificing definition.
Features and Versatility
The Small Clone’s three-control layout offers surprising range. Volume keeps your output consistent, while Regeneration and Rate give you complete control over the chorus character. The pedal’s compact footprint makes it a must-have for space-conscious pedalboards, and the analog sound quality justifies the space it occupies.
The Small Clone works beautifully as a texture layer in virtually any genre—from subtle enhancement on bedroom recordings to obvious effect in alternative and indie rock. Pair it with reverb for ethereal ambient tones, or use it to add shimmer to a driven lead. The solid construction and proven reliability mean thousands of Small Clones are still gigging after decades of use.
Who Should Buy the Small Clone
If you want authentic vintage chorus tone in a compact pedal, the Small Clone is essential. It’s perfect for classic rock, alternative, indie, and anyone seeking the warm, lush chorus that defined 1990s guitar tone. Players building minimalist rigs or tight pedalboards will appreciate the size and character. If you want to capture Kurt Cobain’s iconic texture or simply add gorgeous modulation to your tone, the Small Clone is a no-brainer investment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Small Clone the same pedal Kurt Cobain used?
Yes, Kurt Cobain famously used a Small Clone during Nirvana’s early years. The pedal is unchanged from that era, making it the exact same effect that shaped some of the most iconic guitar tones in rock history.
Can I use the Small Clone with distortion or fuzz?
Absolutely. The Small Clone works beautifully after distortion and fuzz pedals, adding dimension and space to heavy tones. Many players love chorus on distorted chords for added thickness and movement.
How much power does the Small Clone require?
The Small Clone needs either two 9V batteries or a PSU with at least 45mA of power. Most modern pedalboard power supplies can handle it easily, but battery operation is also reliable.