The Fulltone CF-1 Choralflange is an analog pedal that combines two modulation effects in one box: chorus and flanging. Vintage Guitar magazine reviewed it in its December 2001 issue, describing it as an analog chorus and flanger pedal and noting that its effects are smooth and silky, as you'd expect from analog circuitry1. It can be used in mono or stereo, runs on a battery or an adapter, and carries a five year warranty1.
This page covers the CF-1 Choralflange as reviewed in 2001, at its list price of $3491. The pedal is housed in a metal case constructed of brushed aluminum and green enamel-coated hammered aluminum1.
Controls and switching
The CF-1's controls cover both of its effect modes and the level balance between them1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mode switch | Selects between chorus and flange modes |
| Range switch | Selects narrow (one octave) or wide (two octaves) range of effect |
| Depth knob | Adjusts the saturation of the effect |
| Volume Adj knob | Mini knob that helps balance the signal's volume level when the effect is engaged |
Two small switches handle the mode and range selections, so a player can set chorus or flanging and then choose how wide the modulation reaches1. The instruction manual provides a selection of sample settings to give the user a good starting point1.
The footswitch is surrounded by a thick rubber ring that cushions the impact1.
Bypass and stereo operation
Bypass behavior is set internally rather than from the front panel. Vintage Guitar describes selectable true bypass or buffered out operation, adjusted with a tiny DIP switch inside the box, easily accessible by removing the backplate. The review adds that these settings must not be altered while the unit is plugged in1.
For stereo use, the pedal offers a single input and two output jacks; plugging the appropriate cables into all three puts the effect across two amps or channels1.
Sound, as reviewed
Vintage Guitar's reviewer found the effects themselves smooth and silky, as you'd expect from analog circuitry, but noted the pedal does not produce the tinny, unwanted sound in the higher ranges of modulation that similar effects tend to throw in1.
"Housed in a metal case constructed of brushed aluminum and green enamel-coated hammered aluminum"
Where it sits among Fulltone's modulation pedals
The Choralflange was Fulltone's chorus and flanger combination. The company's modulation line also includes vibe pedals such as the Fulltone Mini DejaVibe, the Fulltone MDV2 Mini Deja Vibe 2 and the Fulltone Deja Vibe CS-MDV mkII, which cover Uni-Vibe style vibrato and chorus rather than flanging. For a wider look at the effect types the CF-1 covers, see Chorus Pedals and Flanger Pedals1.
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Questions
Is the Fulltone CF-1 Choralflange true bypass?
Yes, but it is selectable. A small DIP switch inside the box, reachable by removing the backplate, sets the pedal to true bypass or buffered output. Vintage Guitar notes that true bypass applies to mono operation only, while buffered mode works in mono or stereo and is recommended with very long cables. The switch settings should not be altered while the unit is plugged in.
Does the Fulltone CF-1 Choralflange work in stereo?
It does. The pedal has a single input jack and two output jacks, and Vintage Guitar's review states the unit can be used in mono and stereo setups. For stereo, you plug the appropriate cables into the single input and both outputs.
Does the Fulltone CF-1 take a 9-volt battery?
Yes. Vintage Guitar's December 2001 review says the CF-1 operates on a 9-volt battery or an AC adapter, so it can run on either.
Has the Fulltone Choralflange been discontinued?
Yes. A Pedal of the Day review dated July 27, 2015 reports that Fulltone had discontinued the Choralflange as of that writing, so the pedal is no longer in current production.
What does the range switch do on the CF-1?
The range switch selects a narrow range of effect covering one octave or a wide range covering two octaves. It works alongside the mode switch, which chooses between chorus and flange modes.
How long is the warranty on the Fulltone CF-1?
Vintage Guitar's review lists a five year warranty for the CF-1, which was made by Fulltone Musical Products Inc, then based in Los Angeles, California.
Sources (1)
- Fulltone CF-1 Choralflange, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2003-02-27
