Boss CE-2B Bass Chorus pedal schematic

This old Boss CE-2B Bass chorus generates a very clean and transparent sound. It has almost
the same circuit as the CE-2, with only a few differences. The most significant difference is the
additional knob (E. LEVEL) to control the blend of the direct and processed signal.

Fig. 1: Boss CE-2B Bass Chorus guitar pedal schematic diagram

Fig. 2: CE-2B Bass Chorus board - component side

Symbol
VR4
C14
C26
C27
R53
R42
D6
D7
Q1-Q3
LED

33nF
470pF
470pF
100
1k
RD5.1EB (5.1V Zener)
RD11EB (11V Zener)
2SC732TM-GR
SLP-135B

Specifications:

Differences between CE-2 and CE-2B:

CE-2
250KC (E.LEVEL pot.)
12nF
220pF
220pF
390
100
RD5.6EB3 (5.6V Zener)
S5500G (400V/1A diode)
2SC2240GR
LN-28RP

CE-2B

3 control knobs: Rate, Depth and E.Level

Connectors: Input, Output, AC Adaptor
Signal/Noise Ratio: more than 90dB (IHF-A)
Residual noise: less than -100dBm (IHF-A)
Input impedance: 470 kOhm
Output load impedance: more than 10 kOhm
Maximum input level: 0dBm (100Hz)
Recommended AC adaptor: ACA Series
Current draw: 10mA (DC 9V)
Weight: 400g
Dimensions(mm): 70(W) x 55(H) x 125(D)
Dimensions(inches): 2-3/4(W) x 2-1/4(H) x 5(D)

ICs, transistors and diodes used in the Boss CE-2B bass chorus:
IC1: NJM4558DD (dual operational amplifier)
IC2: TL022CP (dual operational amplifier)
IC3: MN3007 (1024 stage BBD)
IC4: MN3101 (BBD driver)
Q1-Q3: 2SC2240GR (NPN silicon transistors)
Q4-Q8: 2SC945P (NPN silicon transistors)
Q9: 2SK30A-Y (Silicon N-channel junction field effect transistor)
D1, D2, D4, D5 and D8: 1S2473 (switching diodes)
D6: RD5.6EB3 (5.6V Zener diode)
D7: S5500G (400V/1A rectifier diode)
LED diode: LN-28RP
CE-2/CE-2B differences
The CE-2B circuit is almost identical to the CE-2 with only a few differences. The most obvious
change is the additional 250k E.Level potentiometer inserted in series with R22 (47k). Also, a
component of the high-pass filter, the C14 capacitor, located just before the mix control, is
changed from 0.033uF to 0.012uF. A CE-2B with the E.Level knob turned fully clockwise will
sound almost like the CE-2, but with the chorus effect applied to slightly higher frequencies.
Transforming a CE-2B into a CE-2 is simple. First, change C14 (0.033uF) to 0.012uF. The level
knob acts as a short if set to the max., so the removal is not necessary, just remember to always
keep it turned fully clockwise.
If you want to completely eliminate the function of the level knob, short all its 3 pins together.
Alternatively, you can remove the wires that go to it and solder the 47k (yellow, violet, orange,
gold) resistor directly in the board.
There are other component changes you could make, but they will not affect the quality of the
sound. See the table on the right for all the differences between the two models.

Adjustment procedure for the CE-2B:

Turn the Rate knob fully counterclockwise (min.), the E.Level to middle position and
the Depth knob fully clockwise (max.). Feed a 200Hz, +3dBm sine signal into the input jack.

Connect an oscilloscope to the emitter of Q3 and turn VR3 to provide centered operating point as
shown in the diagram on the left.