Mythos, a company renowned for its boutique dirt pedals, has ventured into the realm of modulation effects with The Fates, a pedal inspired by the iconic Boss CE-2. But Mythos didn’t just replicate the classic – they enhanced it with thoughtful modifications and superior components, resulting in a pedal that both honors its inspiration and stands on its own merit.
Design and Usability: The Fates is a beautifully simple pedal to use, boasting a two-knob interface for rate and depth, along with a toggle switch for selecting either chorus or vibrato effects. This straightforward design makes it incredibly user-friendly, allowing even beginners to dial in their desired sound quickly. Its intuitive controls enable guitarists to effortlessly channel tones reminiscent of the legendary “Purple Rain.”
Sound Quality: When tested with a Vintera II Jazzmaster and a PRS Sonzera 20, The Fates shone brilliantly. On the chorus side, it produces lush, swirling sounds that would delight fans of David Gilmour’s style. The pedal excels in retaining the dynamic response similar to the Boss CE-2, particularly when the rate knob is set at noon and the depth is slightly increased. It interacts beautifully with dirt pedals, such as the 1981 Inventions LVL, creating a smooth yet pronounced effect without the harshness often introduced by drive pedals.
The vibrato section, typically less accessible in CE-2 style pedals, is surprisingly nuanced in The Fates. It’s more refined and subtle, reminiscent of the settings on a deluxe 80s Memory Man, complementing rather than overwhelming the guitar’s signal. This makes The Fates one of the cleanest sounding chorus pedals available in the market.
Value: The Fates stands out as an important pedal in Mythos’ lineup, showcasing their capability to excel beyond dirt pedals. It’s not just a CE-2 clone but a reimagined version with intelligent tweaks and quality-of-life improvements. These upgrades not only respect the legacy of the original pedal but also enhance its performance, making The Fates a valuable addition for both enthusiasts of the classic chorus sound and those seeking a versatile, modern pedal.
Alternatives: For those considering other options, the Boss CE-2W and Walrus Audio Julia V2 are worthy contenders. For a higher-end alternative, the Universal Audio Astra Modulation Machine is also an option.
In conclusion, Mythos’ The Fates is more than a tribute to the legendary Boss CE-2; it’s a redefined classic. Its straightforward design, exceptional sound quality, and thoughtful modifications make it a standout pedal, suitable for both vintage tone purists and contemporary players. For guitarists seeking that nostalgic chorus with a modern edge, The Fates by Mythos is undoubtedly worth considering. Its blend of simplicity, sonic versatility, and quality craftsmanship positions it as a top choice in the chorus pedal market.