What is the primary function of the Fender Hammertone Chorus?

The primary function is to add modulation to a guitar signal, creating a shimmering, 'doubled' sound that adds depth and movement to chords and melodies.

How many chorus modes does the pedal feature?

The pedal features three unique chorus types, which can be selected using a dedicated three-position toggle switch on the face of the unit.

What does the Tone switch do?

The Tone switch allows the player to adjust the prominence of the effect in the mix, preventing the modulation from becoming too muddy or overwhelming the natural guitar tone.

Who designed the Hammertone Chorus?

The pedal was designed in-house by Fender's own team of experts to ensure it meets the brand's standards for tone and reliability.

What are the three main control knobs?

The three main knobs are Rate, which controls speed; Depth, which controls intensity; and Level, which controls the output volume of the effect.

Is this pedal suitable for vintage chorus sounds?

Yes, the pedal is specifically designed to capture lush, swirling vintage chorus sounds through its switchable modes and depth controls.

What is the typical price for this pedal in the UK?

The typical price for the Fender Hammertone Chorus pedal is approximately £95.

Where are the input and output jacks located?

The jacks are top-mounted, which is a design choice intended to save space and allow pedals to be placed closer together on a pedalboard.

Can I use this pedal for subtle shimmer?

Yes, by adjusting the Depth and using the Tone switch, you can achieve a transparent, glistening shimmer rather than a heavy modulation.

Is the enclosure made of plastic or metal?

The Hammertone series features a rugged metal enclosure designed to withstand the rigours of live performance and frequent use.

How does the Hammertone Chorus differ from a flanger?

While both are modulation effects, the chorus focuses on pitch-based doubling and shimmer, whereas the Hammertone Flanger creates a more dramatic jet-plane 'whoosh' sound.

Is this pedal compatible with other effects like delay or distortion?

Yes, it is designed to work within a signal chain alongside common pedals like the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay or the EHX Big Muff to create complex tonal textures.

Gear article

Fender Hammertone Chorus

The Fender Hammertone Chorus is a guitar effects pedal designed to provide lush modulation and shimmering movement to electric guitar signals. Developed in-house by Fender's engineering team, it features three distinct chorus modes and a compact, rugged enclosure suitable for professional pedalboards.

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Overview and Design

The Fender Hammertone Chorus is part of a dedicated line of entry-to-mid-level effects pedals designed to provide professional-grade sounds in a streamlined format. The pedal is housed in a robust metal chassis with a 'hammertone' finish, featuring top-mounted input and output jacks to save space on crowded pedalboards. The controls are intuitive, consisting of large knobs for easy adjustment and dedicated toggle switches for tonal shaping.

Key Features and Controls

The pedal offers a versatile set of controls to manipulate the modulation effect:

Rate: Adjusts the speed of the chorus modulation.
Depth: Determines the intensity and sweep of the pitch fluctuation.
Level: Controls the overall volume of the effect in the signal path.
Type Switch: A three-position toggle that allows users to select between three unique chorus algorithms, ranging from subtle shimmer to deep, swirling vintage textures.
Tone Switch: A dedicated toggle that adjusts the EQ of the effect, ensuring the modulation sits correctly in the mix without overshadowing the dry guitar signal.

Sonic Character

The Hammertone Chorus is described as providing a glistening shimmer and unlimited depth. It is designed to add movement to chords and lead lines, emulating the lush, swirling modulation found in classic vintage chorus units. The three selectable modes allow the user to transition from transparent, modern chorusing to thick, watery sounds associated with 1980s guitar tones.

Market Comparison

Within the Fender ecosystem, this pedal sits alongside the Hammertone Flanger as a primary modulation option. In the wider market, it competes with units like the Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus and the Boss CE series. While more affordable than some boutique options, the Hammertone Chorus distinguishes itself through its in-house Fender design and the inclusion of three distinct modes and a dedicated tone switch, which are not always present on standard chorus pedals at this price point.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Fender Hammertone Chorus?: The primary function is to add modulation to a guitar signal, creating a shimmering, 'doubled' sound that adds depth and movement to chords and melodies.
How many chorus modes does the pedal feature?: The pedal features three unique chorus types, which can be selected using a dedicated three-position toggle switch on the face of the unit.
What does the Tone switch do?: The Tone switch allows the player to adjust the prominence of the effect in the mix, preventing the modulation from becoming too muddy or overwhelming the natural guitar tone.
Who designed the Hammertone Chorus?: The pedal was designed in-house by Fender's own team of experts to ensure it meets the brand's standards for tone and reliability.
What are the three main control knobs?: The three main knobs are Rate, which controls speed; Depth, which controls intensity; and Level, which controls the output volume of the effect.
Is this pedal suitable for vintage chorus sounds?: Yes, the pedal is specifically designed to capture lush, swirling vintage chorus sounds through its switchable modes and depth controls.
What is the typical price for this pedal in the UK?: The typical price for the Fender Hammertone Chorus pedal is approximately £95.
Where are the input and output jacks located?: The jacks are top-mounted, which is a design choice intended to save space and allow pedals to be placed closer together on a pedalboard.
Can I use this pedal for subtle shimmer?: Yes, by adjusting the Depth and using the Tone switch, you can achieve a transparent, glistening shimmer rather than a heavy modulation.
Is the enclosure made of plastic or metal?: The Hammertone series features a rugged metal enclosure designed to withstand the rigours of live performance and frequent use.
How does the Hammertone Chorus differ from a flanger?: While both are modulation effects, the chorus focuses on pitch-based doubling and shimmer, whereas the Hammertone Flanger creates a more dramatic jet-plane 'whoosh' sound.
Is this pedal compatible with other effects like delay or distortion?: Yes, it is designed to work within a signal chain alongside common pedals like the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay or the EHX Big Muff to create complex tonal textures.