The Shop’s Take (TL;DR)
Here is a vintage Japanese-made Aria CH-5 Chorus from the mid-1980s in Very Good condition, complete with its original box. Part of Aria’s earlier metal-enclosure pedal series, the CH-5 has a darker, thicker chorus character than many of the brighter, more shimmering modulation pedals associated with the era. With Rate, Depth, and Intensity controls, stereo outputs, and a useful vibrato trick through the second output, it is a surprisingly flexible vintage chorus with a character all its own.

Full Description
The Aria CH-5 is a vintage stereo chorus pedal from the mid-1980s, built in Japan during Aria’s earlier metal-enclosure era.
Its sound leans darker and more understated than many of the brighter chorus effects typically associated with the 1980s. Rather than washing over the direct signal, the CH-5 tends to add thickness, movement, and dimension while allowing the fundamental tone of the guitar to remain intact.
That makes it particularly useful with overdrive and distortion, where an overly bright or watery chorus can sometimes make the guitar sound thinner or overly processed. The CH-5 adds movement without completely taking over the sound.

The control layout is simple and effective:

• Rate controls the speed of the modulation
• Depth controls the width of the modulation
• Intensity adjusts the character and amount of the chorus effect

The Rate and Depth controls cover a useful range without quickly becoming exaggerated, while the Intensity control allows the effect to move from subtle thickening into much more pronounced modulation.
The pedal also features a second output for stereo operation. Used with two amplifiers or signal paths, it can produce a wider stereo chorus effect.
There is also a useful alternate mode: inserting a dummy patch cable into the second output while using the main output removes the dry component from that path, producing a true vibrato-style effect. It gives the CH-5 another voice beyond conventional chorus and makes the pedal considerably more versatile than its simple layout might suggest.
At some settings, the darker modulation and stronger vibrato character can evoke some of the texture associated with classic early analog chorus designs, while still retaining the CH-5’s own distinct personality.

This example remains fully functional and sounds excellent.
Cosmetically, it shows scratches and finish wear from age and use, particularly along the sides of the enclosure, but remains in very solid overall condition for a vintage pedal.
There is no Velcro on the bottom.
The original box is included.

Condition
Very Good vintage condition.
The enclosure shows scratches, edge wear, and other cosmetic marks consistent with age and normal use, particularly on the sides.
The pedal is fully functional and operates as intended.
No Velcro has been applied to the bottom.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they show the actual pedal being offered and are an important part of the condition description.

Details

• Model: Aria CH-5 Chorus
• Made in Japan
• Era: Mid-1980s
• Metal enclosure
• Controls: Rate, Depth, Intensity
• Dual outputs for stereo operation
• Vibrato capability using the second output
• No Velcro

Included

• Aria CH-5 Chorus pedal
• Original box

No power supply or other accessories are included unless specifically pictured or stated above.

📦 Ships for free via USPS within the continental US only (and possibly Hawaii)

🌎 Please message me directly for international shipping

🏘 Local pickup in Los Gatos, CA is also welcome

     ** As this item is considered VINTAGE/USED, it is in the condition described and sold 'As-Described' with no returns. Images are of the actual item(s) and may contain AI generated backgrounds and are for illustrative purposes only **