Gear article

Hartwood Collinsville Chorus Pedal

The Hartwood Collinsville Chorus Pedal is a guitar effect unit designed to provide rich modulation and atmospheric textures to a signal chain. Occupying a budget-friendly price point, it offers classic chorus functionality through a simple three-dial interface suitable for both beginners and experienced guitarists.

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Overview

The Hartwood Collinsville Chorus is a compact modulation pedal designed for guitarists seeking to add movement and width to their sound. Part of the Hartwood range of musical equipment, this pedal focuses on ease of use and tonal versatility. It is intended to function as a reliable utility on a pedalboard, facilitating everything from subtle shimmer to deep, swirling textures.

Functionality and Key Features

The pedal features a straightforward three-knob layout that allows for precise control over the modulation effect:

  • Volume: Adjusts the overall output level of the pedal to ensure the effect matches the bypassed signal or provides a slight boost.
  • Depth: Controls the intensity of the pitch modulation, determining how 'thick' or pronounced the chorus effect becomes.
  • Speed: Governs the rate of the low-frequency oscillator (LFO), ranging from slow, watery sweeps to fast, rotary-style pulsations.

The inclusion of a dedicated volume control is a notable feature, as it allows users to compensate for the perceived volume drop sometimes associated with modulation effects.

Sonic Character

The Collinsville Chorus is characterised by its ability to generate atmospheric textures. At lower settings, it adds a gentle richness and width to clean tones, reminiscent of classic 1980s pop and rock sounds. When the depth and speed are increased, the pedal produces more experimental, lush modulation that can be used to create ambient soundscapes or psychedelic leads.

Target User and Suitability

Because of its accessible price point and simple interface, the Hartwood Collinsville is an ideal choice for beginner guitarists who are just starting to explore sonic horizons beyond basic distortion or overdrive. However, its robust construction and specific control set also make it a viable tool for experienced players who require a dependable, no-frills chorus for their expanded tonal palette.

Market Comparison

In the budget modulation market, the Collinsville competes with units such as the Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus. While entry-level in price, it is designed to sit alongside industry-standard utility pedals like the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor or the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay. Compared to more complex units like the Fender Hammertone Flanger or the Digitech Whammy Ricochet, the Collinsville offers a more focused and traditional approach to pitch-shifting modulation.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Hartwood Collinsville Chorus Pedal do?
The pedal adds rich modulation and atmospheric textures to a guitar's sound by duplicating the signal and slightly shifting the pitch and timing. This creates a thickening effect known as chorus.
What controls are available on the Collinsville Chorus?
The pedal features three main control knobs: Volume, Depth, and Speed. These allow the user to adjust the output level, the intensity of the modulation, and the rate of the effect respectively.
How much does the Hartwood Collinsville Chorus typically cost?
The pedal is generally available at a price point of approximately £30.00. This makes it a highly accessible option for guitarists on a budget.
Is this pedal suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be beginner-friendly. The simple three-knob interface makes it easy for new players to explore new sonic horizons without complex menu diving.
Can experienced guitarists use this pedal?
Absolutely. Hartwood describes it as a perfect addition for experienced players looking to expand their tonal palette with a reliable modulation tool.
Does the pedal have a volume control?
Yes, the Collinsville Chorus includes a dedicated volume knob. This is useful for tailoring the effect's output level to match your clean signal or other pedals on your board.
What kind of sounds can I get from this pedal?
It can produce a range of sounds from subtle, rich shimmer to deep, atmospheric textures. It is versatile enough for various genres that require modulation.
Is the Hartwood Collinsville Chorus a digital or analog style effect?
While the internal architecture isn't specified, it is designed to provide classic, rich modulation textures common in traditional chorus pedal designs.
How does this pedal compare to the Behringer UC200?
Both occupy a similar budget-friendly category. The Hartwood Collinsville offers a specific aesthetic and control layout designed for atmospheric textures and ease of use on a pedalboard.
Can I use this pedal for ambient music?
Yes, the pedal is designed to add atmospheric textures. By adjusting the depth and speed controls, you can create the lush, wide sounds necessary for ambient playing.
Where should I place this pedal in my signal chain?
Typically, chorus pedals like the Collinsville are placed after gain pedals (like a Big Muff) and before time-based effects like the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay.
Does it require a specific power supply?
While not explicitly detailed in the manufacturer description, like most standard guitar pedals, it would typically require a standard 9V DC power input common to pedalboards.