In 1972 former Ace Tone founder Ikutaro Kakehashi established his new company Roland Corporation. Rolands first stroke in the steadily growing effects market was a long obverdue competitor to the Echoplex, which was launched by the name of Space Echo with several models. The Roland brand was used for a line of effects during 1974 and 1976 until the decision was taken to market guitar effects pedals by a new name and identity and keep the brand name Roland exclusively for keyboard instruments. This is where Boss evolved from - a divison of the Roland Cororation. Thus the Chorus CE-1 - still with all the aspects of a Roland pedal - became the first Boss effects pedal.