RatingsPros:Lengthwise orientation takes up space. Cons: Lengthwise orientation takes up space. Street: $149 MXR Clone Looper jimdunlop.com
| Tones:  Ease of Use: Build/Design: Value: |
I love the idea of a one-button looper when keeping things really simple. But venturing beyond a single loop on these units usually requires memorizing and tracking a multi-tap sequence when you’d rather be vibing on jams. MXR’s Clone Looper still requires the occasional double tap or hold to make the most of its capabilities. But by allocating record/overdub and playback tasks to separate switches, it simplifies most looping tasks considerably and lets your mind wander back to more musical spaces.
Simple looping isn’t the only sweet feature on the Clone. Press-and-hold switching via the volume knob engages bizarre half- and double-speed playback as well as an awesome reverse function that can achieve uncannily accurate reverse-tape-like effects and create super-surreal backward/forward weaves. An expression pedal (not included) can be used to control loop volume, an effect that can be used for tasty fades or weirder volume manipulation fare. A $40 MXR tap tempo switch (also not included) can be used to activate the push-and-hold functions.
While the lengthwise rectangular orientation will prove space intensive for some, the spacious layout makes interfacing and interacting with the control set much clearer and more intuitive. Perhaps the best measure of the Clone’s utility, though, is how much fun it is and how little you think about the controls at all. It’s a functionally transparent, creatively inspiring, and thoughtfully conceived tool.
Test Gear: Fender Vintera ’50s Telecaster Modified, Fender VibroChamp
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