Fender Bubbler Chorus Review – Vintage Tech with Innovative Features

Though Fender only returned to the pedal market last year, the company’s new releases have quickly risen to the top of a crowded field. Their Bubbler Chorus is a fully analog stompbox that marries vintage tones with some innovative features. This popular pedal already has the potential to be one of the best chorus pedals available.

Features

Some of history’s most famous chorus models have been among the simplest – the Boss CE-2, for example, offers controls for just rate and depth. Not the Bubbler. This pedal offers a pair of different rate and depth controls, allowing players to simultaneously set two different speeds and switch between them on the fly using the second footswitch.

While that feature will be most appreciated by gigging pros, bedroom players also have plenty to love here. Users can toggle between two entirely different chorus sounds – the sine wave offers a bouncier, wobblier effect, while the lower triangle wave setting is smoother and rounder.

This pedal also features Fender’s distinctive sensitivity control, designed to drive the pedal in response to dynamic variations in playing. Players can set the Bubbler to naturally speed up as they dig in harder for an extra swell effect.

On the mechanical side, the bucket brigade analog construction takes after the very first vintage chorus models for optimal tones. This unit also offers stereo outputs, a magnetic battery access cover, and a beautiful turquoise brushed metal finish.

Controls

Though there’s a plethora of knobs and switches on the face of the Bubbler, the controls are actually easy to get the hang of for any player. The dual rate and depth switches form the top row of controls.

Also, the slower side offers a nice, wavy chorus with smooth speeds and plenty of depth, while the second engine can drive the chorus faster than many other pedals on the market.

The center switch toggles between the sine wave and triangle wave settings and can be activated regardless of which side (fast or slow) the player is using. The level knob adjusts the prominence of the chorus, functioning almost like a dry blend switch. Turning it down will restrict the amount of chorused signal added into the final mix while cranking it reduces how much dry sound is blended in with the chorus for a stronger, more up-front effect.

Finally, the sensitivity control speeds up the chorus (like a Leslie speaker) when players dig in harder. At the low sensitivity settings, the effect stays off, while at the highest setting, the chorus will speed up even for soft touches. Players can dial the knob to a sweet spot based on their playing style to maximize the utility.

Performance

Though the features are the initial reason this pedal stands out, the Bubbler Chorus also offers classic chorus sounds with a modern flavor. Unlike some vintage units, which accentuate top-end sparkle and can loosen or cut bass frequencies, the Bubbler maintains a flat frequency response across the entire range – great for players looking for a more balanced, even sound.

That modern touch also means that turning the chorus on won’t wreak havoc on your volume or EQ during live gigs. The left (slower) channel is stronger at atmospheric or backing sounds, especially for ambient or relaxed styles. It offers unmistakable chorus but can also add a more unobtrusive punch of depth and space if desired.

While the faster side offers bubbly, energetic modulation, with the rate control dialed up, some players may find it becomes overly wobbly and produces a dreaded seasick effect. That’s especially noticeable on the sine wave setting. It's great for injecting some pep at slower rates and adding dynamic wobble, but players may want to use the smoother triangle setting when pushing the Bubbler to high speeds.

Conclusion

The Bubbler Chorus marries the best of classic analog chorus technology with balanced modern sound and versatility. The unique features and versatile, even tones make this a great choice in the chorus market, especially for gigging players best suited to take advantage of the added functionality. Players looking for a more in-depth, adjustable chorus should give the Bubbler a look.