Summer School Electronics Debuts A New Modulation Pedal: Meet The Middle School Chorus

A simple but lush sounding modulation pedal with dual vibrato and chorus modes.

Summer School Continues To Expand Past Gain Pedals

While Summer School Electronics has already been one of my all time favorite pedal companies for awhile, their recent jaunt into non-gain pedals has really renewed my excitement about the brand. Earlier this year they released the Spring Break Reverb, which I was, and still am, quite fond of. Now they’re back with their Middle School Chorus, bringing their first modulation pedal into the family.

The Middle School Chorus is fairly easy to wrap your head around, with only rate and depth controls. However, the second footswitch on the right side allows you to toggle between chorus and vibrato effects, with each having their own rate control knob. The controls are minimalist, but make it really easy to switch between unique sounds on the fly while playing live or recording.

Pedal Demo

I’ve got my Fender Player II Modified Telecaster running into the Middle School Chorus, which I paired alongside a Black Mass Electronics 1312 for some gain, and a Donner White Tape Echo for delay. The amp is the UAFX Dream ’65, with a Canvas Stereo DI box on the back end before hitting the UA interface.

My Thoughts

Despite humble controls, this is one of the most fun chorus pedals that has come across my desk. Usually the newer chorus pedal releases sport all sorts of voices, controls, and options. But the Middle School Chorus doesn’t really have any of that. It’s dialed in, creating lush movement and sparkling swirls, giving you a real plug-and-play opportunity. I’m particularly fond of the decision to make the chorus and vibrato modes footswitchable, as this will likely be outcompeting the chorus pedal on my current live board. Having those two options now available without having to bend down to turn knobs or toggles is a huge win.

What the Middle School Chorus lacks in fancy features, it makes up for by simply sounding really freaking good. There’s no more elegant way to say it! It’s like a chorus/vibrato pedal tailored made for punk and alt rock fans, as it’s really clear, allowing it pair beautifully with your gain pedals while letting chords and arpeggios pop through the mix. It’s not an overwhelming, washy chorus, instead offering more of a mild sound. The vibrato mode is really lovely, and if you tweak it to just add a little movement, you have an almost “always-on” effect that just brings a snappy brightness and depth to your guitar tracks. This is where the Middle School Chorus really shines. Rather than being a one trick pony for that one song in your setlist, it’s a pedal that you should used throughout a gig. I’m really impressed and appreciate the way Summer School is expanding their lineup past the Gus Drive or Science Fair.