Feature – 1980 MXR Micro Chorus

Model Description:

Made in Rochester, New York, U.S.A., the MXR Innovations Micro Chorus MX-148 (to give its full name) is a bare bones classic mono chorus pedal. It really couldn’t be simpler, comprising just a ‘Rate’ knob to control the speed of the chorus and the on/off footswitch. There is no way to control the depth (strength) of the chorus. For more features, there was the mains‑powered ‘big box’ Stereo Chorus MX‑134 (see separate feature). The original Micro Chorus was made in two forms, the first from 1980‑1982 and the second from 1983‑1984, both bearing only the familiar ‘block’ logo (there were no ‘script’ versions). The first version had no status LED or DC input, making it about as straightforward a stomp box as you can get. The second version came with a status LED and DC input for user convenience. After MXR Innovations ceased production in 1984, Dunlop Manufacturing acquired and rejuvenated the brand in 1987, re‑releasing the Micro Chorus, which was essentially the same pedal with the more user‑friendly features and manufactured in the Far East. Chorus pedals were all the rage in the 1980s and became over‑used, resulting in a rapid decline in popularity by the end of the decade. However, chorus effects have, once again, seen an increase in demand and the original vintage pedals are becoming much sought after once again. The vintage market prices of the early ‘Made in USA’ MXR Micro Chorus, like many others, are increasing in value, although they are still just about affordable for what they are. Grab one while you can, folks.

Pedal Description:

Sometimes, a bog basic pedal is all you need – less is more, right? MXR made small pedals a ‘big thing’ in the 1980s (although they are now considered large!). This robust little bright yellow MXR Micro Chorus is a fine example of its type. The pot code dates it to 1980. This neat pedal is surprisingly heavy for its compact size and provides a reasonably useful range of chorus rates with no extremes, so there are no bad sounds to be found here. The lack of a DC input means that you have to unscrew the base and provide power through a standard 9V battery, a touch inconvenient these days. Also, there is no LED to show when the effect is switched on – you have to use those old fashion audio receptors on the side of your head to tell! The technical bit… the effect uses a much‑loved Reticon SAD512D ‘bucket brigade device’ (BBD) integrated circuit (IC) to work its sonic magic. This all‑original example from 1980 is in very good condition for its age with only a few minor superficial paint scratches and chips – you’d expect a stomp box that spends most of its life on the floor being trod on to show some signs of foot wear. It also works perfectly, the pot isn’t scratchy and there is hardly any analogue circuit noise when engaged. While there is not a lot to it, this dinky little box is pretty effective at what it does. The MXR Micro Chorus is good for adding that extra bit of shimmer or warble, great for chord or arpeggio playing. Perhaps it was an over‑used effect back in the 1980s but a genuine vintage pedal like this can provide a nice amount of authentic analogue sparkle to your guitar sound today, especially if used sparingly and subtly.

Features: