The Electro-Harmonix Nano Clone is a compact analog chorus pedal, released in 2006 as an economy version of the company's classic Small Clone circuit. Electro-Harmonix describes it as presenting "a lush, true analog chorus at a very affordable price," with a list price of $56.30 USD as of 26 October 20261. It is a single-knob pedal: one Rate control sets the speed of the chorus, a footswitch toggles between effect and bypass, and a true bypass switching scheme keeps the pedal out of the signal path when off1.
Controls and connections
The Nano Clone keeps things deliberately simple. There is no depth switch, so it can never quite get that classic wobble, just the core chorus effect with a Rate knob that controls the speed of the chorus effect21.
| Control / feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Rate knob | Controls the speed of the chorus effect1 |
| Footswitch | Toggles between effect and bypass modes1 |
| LED | Lights when the Nano Clone effect is active1 |
| Input jack | 1/4-inch audio input1 |
| Amp jack | 1/4-inch audio output1 |
The circuit is analog throughout, and the pedal sits in a die-cast chassis that Electro-Harmonix describes as tough and compact1.
Power
The Nano Clone runs on a 9V battery, which is included in the box. An optional 9.6VDC 200mA power adapter is available but not included, and the pedal draws 12mA1. At that draw it is light on a power supply, but the included battery means it works out of the box without one.
Where it came from: the Small Clone connection
Electro-Harmonix is explicit about the lineage: "The heritage of classic Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus comes full circle in an economy version"1. The Small Clone is itself an analog chorus, revived in 2000, but its original production ran until Electro-Harmonix closed down in 1983, according to Aion FX, a builder of kits based on classic circuits34. The Nano Clone distills that circuit into the smaller Nano enclosure and a lower price.
What reviewers said
The Nano Clone's single-knob layout drew comment from the press. Reviewing the related Neo Clone for MusicRadar, Simon Bradley wrote: "Unlike the Nano Clone, which due to its lack of a depth switch can never quite get that classic wobble, this Neo version"2. In other words, the added depth switch on the Neo was positioned as the answer to the main limitation of the Nano's fixed-depth design.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
EHX
Reverb
Questions
Is the Electro-Harmonix Nano Clone true bypass?
Yes. Electro-Harmonix lists the Nano Clone as true bypass, so when the effect is off, the pedal's footswitch takes the circuit out of the signal path entirely. The footswitch toggles between effect and bypass modes, and the LED lights when the chorus is active.
Does the Nano Clone come with a battery?
Yes. Electro-Harmonix includes a 9V battery with the Nano Clone. An optional 9.6VDC 200mA power adapter is available but is not included. The pedal draws 12mA.
Is the Nano Clone based on the Small Clone?
Yes. Electro-Harmonix describes the Nano Clone as the heritage of the classic Small Clone chorus coming full circle in an economy version. The Small Clone is an analog chorus whose original production ended when Electro-Harmonix closed down in 1983, and the line was revived in 2000.
Does the Nano Clone have a depth control?
No. The Nano Clone has a single Rate knob that controls the speed of the chorus effect, and no depth switch. Reviewing the related Neo Clone for MusicRadar, Simon Bradley noted that the Nano Clone, lacking a depth switch, 'can never quite get that classic wobble.'
What size is the Nano Clone?
Electro-Harmonix gives the Nano Clone's dimensions as 4.5 x 2.75 x 2.1 inches, in a die-cast chassis the maker describes as tough and compact.
Is the Nano Clone analog?
Yes. Electro-Harmonix lists the Nano Clone as an analog chorus, and describes it as presenting a lush, true analog chorus at a very affordable price.
Sources (4)
- Nano Clone, Electro-Harmonix (www.ehx.com)
- Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone review, MusicRadar, 2011-03-30
- Small Clone, Electro-Harmonix (www.ehx.com)
- Lithium Analog Chorus / EHX Small Clone, Aion FX, 2022-09-24
