First we have the Nano Clone. A compact chorus pedal for less the money than its bigger brother, the classic Small Clone. The Nano series pedals compact size is a nice feature. We all know how big some of those old Electro Harmonix pedals can be. So, that`s nice!
Features:
-True Bypass
-Rate knob
-Tough and compact die-cast chassis
-Powered by 9 volt battery or Boss style negative center power supply
-Red status LED
Sound:
So, how does this tiny wonder sound like? It sounds good! Super easy to dial in classic chorus sounds with the single rate knob. Nirvanas "come as you are" sounds just right.. BUT! Yes, this seemed almost to good to be true. This pedal is noisy as all hell! When on the white noise/hiss is just too much! When bypassed this pedal also suffers from "clock noise". A ticking noise that increases in speed as you turn the rate knob. Ah, man!
I opened up the pedal hoping I could fix the problems with a mod or two. No sir! The nanos are smd components all the way. Only a few caps are regular size. Bogus!! The main problem for all the noise issues are most likly the cheaper low voltage MN3207 chip. Original Small Clones uses the MN3007 witch is a much better chip with better specs. Changing the chip means changing some of the tiny smd components etc..that`s something I`m not gonna attemt. Oh, well...
Like:
-compact size
-easy to dial in good sounds
Don`t like:
-Noisy!
-Bleeding "clock noise" when bypassed
Yay/Okay/Nay:
-EHX really shouldn`t be selling this pedal, it is WAY to noisy! It`s a Nay!
The Nano Small Stone. Same compact size as the nano clone. Rugged and clean looking.
Features:
-True bypass-Variable rate controll allows slow and smooth to rapid edge frequenzy sweeps
-Color switch adds Q and thins the moving comb filters
-Tough and compact die-cast chassis
-Powered by 9 volt battery or Boss style negative center power supply
-Red status LED
Sound:
Again, esay to dial in nice sounds from just a hint of effect to over the top thick phasing sweeps. The color switch is a nice feature. One side is thicker than the other making it nice for single coils. The other side is more clear with a more pronounced shifting effect. Better suited for darker sounding guitars. Really nice sounds... BUT! Not again... Oh, boy! There is a slight "click" noise at the end of the each sweep. If you listen for it you can clearly hear it. With the color switch in the "fuller" mode it`s not that bad. And..with the pedal in bypass mode, there is the same "clock noise" as the Nano Clone. It increases in speed as you turn the rate dial.
The nano small clone also uses smd components. :(
Like:
-Compact size
-Easy to use
-Good sounds
-Color switch is nice for "tuning" it to work with your guitar
Don`t like:
-slight"click" noise at end of each sweep
-Bleeding clock noise when bypassed
Yay/Okay/Nay:
-This pedal ain`t half bad. Sounds good. But the noise issues are anoying. Barely gets an...Okay.
To sum it all up:
I would not buy these pedals without trying them out first. They have issues for sure. The bleeding "clock" noise when bypassed really ain`t fun.
