Getting a basic refrain sound will be an costly, space-sucking proposition. One answer is the Nobels CHO-Mini.

Utilizing controls for Charge, Width, and Combine, the CHO-Mini affords sounds in three modes selectable by way of top-mounted mini-toggle, every indicated by a special shade of sunshine above the footswitch. Refrain 1 precisely re-creates the bucket brigade tones from the ’70s. Setting all controls at excessive midday produces the precise sound of the intro to The Pretenders “Brass in Pocket.” Refrain 2 affords the next refrain price with brighter highs and more-distinct notes, whereas lower-level Flanging mode (under 12 o’clock) is Refrain on steroids. Above that, severe warbling units in with attention-demanding chaos if Charge and Width are maxxed out. On every setting, dialing the combo right down to 10 o’clock or under produces a quick echo after staccato or palm-muted notes. Partaking faucet tempo is a straightforward matter of holding down the footswitch for a few seconds.

In a steel enclosure with selections of stereo or mono operation, buffered or true-bypass, the CHO-Mini delivers flexibility belying its dimension, and delivers it in a approach that hardly dents the pockets. If used with different Minis from the Nobles line, an entire pedalboard may slot in a gig bag’s entrance pocket. – Bob Dragich

This text initially appeared in VG’s September 2025 challenge. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.