Without a doubt, the Chorus effect created some of the most distinctive guitar sounds of the '80s. A good chorus pedal can turn a basic clean sound into beautiful, lush, and ethereal soundscapes. On a dirty signal, chorus adds layers of shimmering complexity that shift guitar in a different place in the mix. When artists explored the possibilities in the '80s, the available equipment were mostly noisy analog, signal-reducing pedals, even though they created those unforgettable tones.
The Foxgear Ballade is a modern-day attempt to recreate those iconic sounds, but in a quiet, workable, pedalboard-friendly package. It holds true to the sounds made famous by ground-breaking units like the Boss CE-1 and CE-2. The circuit is totally analog, but it is designed to be super quiet, to not reduce signal in any frequency, and to have a better response in the Low frequency range (making it exceptional for bass or synth, as well).
As with all other Foxgear pedals, the Ballade has Standard Audio-grade components in the audio path (no SMD), and it is equipped with Foxgear's propriety anti-pop relay assisted true bypass circuitry. It's also a top-loader that fits nicely on the pedalboard, and it's hard not to love how the entire unit lights up when plugged in.
This gently-used Foxgear Ballade shows some minor cosmetic scuffs and signs of use, but it functions 100% as it should. The adhesive rubber feet have been removed from the bottom, and the serial number is worn off, too.