MXR EVH Phase 90

Easy as ever to use. Plug in, turn the knob, play. When you get a sound you like, stop turning the knob. Push the Script switch, and turn the knob, play, stop turning...

Like a classic Phase 90, there's not much to work with. But what you get is great sound with a simple interface.

And for once, MXR sends you something for a manual besides the one for a Cry Baby!

There seems to be some argument as to the bypass, so I went straight to MXR. This is their answer verbatim:

The EVH90 uses a hardwire bypass that has a very high impedance input buffer (1Meg), to be electronically transparent and to ease signal loading. There will be a slight change in tone, but not a drastic change.
Hope this helped...

Abraham Hammad, Tech Support
Dunlop Manufacturing USA
P.O. Box 846 Benicia, CA 94510
(707) 745-2722 (707) 745-2658 Fax

So, no, it's not true bypass, but it's close enough. I don't detect any tone loss myself, but I also have a VHT Valvulator in my board that buffers everything.

I use my EVH Phase 90 early in my signal chain, between a hi-fi preamp and an MXR Super Comp. The EVH's sound is big and bold in Block mode, rich and creamy in Script mode. I was using a Maxon PT999 for the classic tone, but this pedal sounds better to me. I wanted to avoid this pedal and its hype, but the sound is just too good. Believe the hype - this pedal lives up to it.

This pedal is great for playing 70' Rush, Thin Lizzy, Nazareth, as well as good ol' Van Halen in Script mode. I play the Eagles "Hotel California" in Block mode with a Danelectro 12 string, and I get all the swirl I need.

Very quiet - no phaser swooshing when you're not playing.

Seems to be built well, no complaints in its construction. Paint job is beautiful!

I've had my Super Comp for over two years, no problems. I can't imagine that this one is going to be any problems.

Thanks to Mr. Hammad at Dunlop for his quick response. Each time I have consulted Dunlop in the past, they have been helpful.

Anyone playing Van Halen music on a Kramer Pacer will want one of these, but the truth is that the EVH Phase 90 offers THE phaser sound everybody wants. You don't have to mutilate a Phase 90 to get the R28 mod, and you can have either Block or Script as needed. It's good, if not flexible.

Where are any of you getting the idea that this pedal is true bypass??? It's not.

Chris

One knob. Simple. Comes with a manual explaining what is going on with the pedal sound, but use your ears to get the tone you want. BTW, the EVH Phase 90 comes with a three-color fully printed box that matches the pedal as well - this is a limited edition pedal according to the advertising.

I use this pedal with a Les Paul Classic, Tom Anderson Drop Top, and Fender Tele (Lil' 59 in the bridge) through a 6L6 custom amp and an 18-watt Marshall clone. The EVH P90 is extremely quiet through my rigs, plus it is true bypass so no signal degradation.

This version seems "thicker" sounding than the reissues I've tried, the Phase 100 RI I had, the other Phaser that was as thick was the Orange Ross Phaser I owned about a year ago.

The sound is unmistakable and an industry standard for a reason. The Script/Block button does some subtle tone changes which adds to this pedal's flexibility when needed. The Script side is a bit more mellow sounding, and the Block side is more dramatic, but not crazy out of control. The clarity of this particular phase 90 is definitely worth checking it out for; and it's analog warmth and character shine through. It does add a nice dimension level to your base sound.

It combines great with drives, wah, etc. very well. I use a Tonebone Hot British, Pedalworx McFuzz, Pedalworx Tour Pro Toggle, and a Barber LTD - they all sound great with this pedal.

It's the phase sound we all recognize and admire EVH for. The fact that it doesn't distort very easily on its own is a huge plus as I want my cleans nice and sparkly sometimes as well. No high end shrillness in this box either; very nicely voiced.

Is there something "better"...only in the ears of the individual player; for me; this has been the phase sound I've been wanting, but never wanted to admit a one knob phaser would do it for me - well, it does.

Seems to be built the same as most Dunlop/MXR pedals - like a small metal tank. The 9V battery attachment inside is more heavy duty somehow; at least from what I remember. The switch is solid, the knob turns smoothly, and the script/block switch seems flawless right now. I'm pretty confident that this will be a reliable pedal for me - I don't abuse stuff anyway, but their ads do challenge you to "abuse it".

Never have had to deal directly with the manufacturer.

When the announcement that this pedal was coming appeared, I vowed I'd own one strictly in homage to one of all time favorite guitar players. The bonus is that it sounds so good and is so clear sounding. MXR working with EVH did this one up right! The blue LED is the brightest I've ever encountered, definitely helps provide light to a dark stage or pedalboard. The graphics printed on the pedal are superb and the baked on paint job feels like it will be extremely durable over time as well.

This pedal was worth the money for my setup. I had the chance to pickup a Line6 MM4 used, and had checked one out before, but thought all the sounds were thin compared to my individual stompboxes. After playing through this pedal; I'm satisfied with my decision to stick to individual pedal sounds with regards to my modulation effects. It is boutique quality add a reasonable price. It looks great and sounds even better. This should be deemed one of the "feel good" pedals of the year as stated by a previous reviewer. To give that "tip of the hat" to Mr. Van Halen, this is the pedal to have for sure; can't afford the guitars he's striping himself for Charvel.

Very content with this one for sure!

VERY EASY TO USE IT HAS ONE KNOB FOR GODSAKE

THE NEW EVH PHASE 90 PEDAL IS COOL I HAVE HAD IT FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. I PLAYED IT WITH BOTH 5150'S OF MINE AND ALSO WITH A KILLER GROOVE TUBE TRIO PREAMP THAT I OWN THROUGH 2 4 X 12 MARSHALL STRAIGHT CABS JCM 900 SERIES. I WASN'T GOING TO KICK INTO THE HYPE. BUT WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT IT IS A LIMITED EDITION AND SAYS ALSO ON THE BOX WHEN I BOUGHT IT I HAD TO BUY IT. I AM GLAD I DID BECAUSE THE SCRIPT MODE IS KILLER. EDDIES STANDARD SETTING IS SCRIPT MODE AND KNOB AT 9 O'CLOCK. THE EDDIE SOUND IS DEAD ON.YOU WILL SEE SETTING IN THE MANUAL. I RUN MINE INLINE LIKE ALL MY PEDALS. AND I PUT IN THE BOSS NS- 2 LOOP TO KILL SOME WHITE NOISE.EVEN THOUGH I DON'T PUT EFFECTS IN A EFFECTS LOOP I TRIED IT OUT THROUGH MY PEAVEY 5150 LOOP AND IT SOUNDED LIKE CRAP. BUT INLINE AWESOME!!!!!!!THANKS JUST IN CASE YOUR THINKING OF BUYING

ALL MXR STUFF ARE GREAT!!BUT THEY WENT THE EXTRA MILE WITH THE EVH PHASE 90. MADE WAY BETTER AND VERY THICK PAINT COAT

EXCELLENT AS ALWAYS YOU CAN CALL,OR E-MAIL IS A 24 HOUR WAIT

KILLER FOR EDDIE SOUND AND GREAT FOR CLEAN WHEN YOU ARE PLAYING FUNKY.
IF YOU WANT A PHASE 90 GET THIS ONE IT HAS 2 MODES

This pedal is the bomb, easy to use, Sounds awesome!

I have three guitars,A Wolfgang Stop-tail, Ibanez Jem, and a Pawar Turn Of The Century. All three guitars work great with this pedal. I also have three amps, A Marshall JMP 1 - Marshall 91000 2X50 power amp through Vai/Carvin Legacy 4X12. A Crate VFX 5112, and a 1952 Fender Deluxe.
The pedal works great with all three amps. The true bypass is a must for me or I wouldn't even be using it. Very Quite as well.

It is the best Phaser I have ever heard. I could never nail Ed's phaser sound, not any more :-)

Seems rock solid, but I just got it so....

Seems rock solid, but I just got it so....

I play instrumental Rock, Such as Vai, Satch. I'm 36 and I have been playing guitar most my life. I have two Cd's out, see the following link for info (WWW.Frozenthought.com) and I was personally selected by Steve Vai as the winner of the Ibanez/Steve Vai/Tonos guitar challenge.

This pedal is very inspiring to me. I would consider it a must have for any guitarist.

Very Easy to use. I set the phase nob at 12 O'clock high and pushed the script button in. (Vintage or Modern) You can get the classic Phase 90 Eddie "Aint Talkin" sound or go a little more modern effect ala Eddie 2004.

WHen I pulled this little guy out of the box I wondered if it sounded good as it looks. Cause when I pulled it out of the plastic I wanted to eat it! Get in my Belly! I ran it alone to my Laney VH100R halfstack and set up my tone as usual. Noddled for about 5 minutes and then kicked this baby on mid riff AND WAS BLOWN AWAY!
I have payed out the ass for Pedals before and have regreted it later after playing with it for an hour. Especially the Boutiqe pedals!
This has been my best investment yet. I pre-ordered it before it came out. (Something I never do) Whew, I am glad i did it.
It would not be an investment to me if it didnt have the added feature cause then it would be just another Phase90.
I got no popping sounds when kicking it in. I STOMP HARD ON MY STUFF!
There also was NO signal loss. I am a TRUE BY-pass kind of guy and I do not think this is True by-pass or it would advertise it. Once I thought about it I wondered if it was or not. I could not tell. I have been looking it up and see no description of it anywhere. I do not think it is. Right now I dont care cause it works and works well.

Built like a friggin tank! Honestly I do not think that Dunlop makes junk! I have other Dunlop's like the 535q, MXR Zakk Wylde Distortion.
10 here if its invincible!

I have Never had to deal with support! That should tell you something! I have had it for 2 weeks!

I play everything from Country to rock (cover band). I write mainstream youth orientated rock! I have been playing 20 years. I am 34 now. If it were Stolen I would cry and buy a new one. THen maybe do 2 months for beating the crap out of the guy who took it. Definate EYE and EAR candy! As always make sure you spend time tweaking and put it in the right order of effects! I see some people here that are not experienced in the Tweak Dept. Please test your gear and read the manuals before posting here! YOU OWE IT TO THE REST OF US, WHO USE THIS SITE TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY GEAR, TO PUT A WELL TESTED, ACCURATE REVIEW OF THE PRODUCT! YOU OWE IT TO THE MAKER TOO!

Its a Phaser.....enough said. The knob is smooth and easy to turn and the Script button is easy to use as well. The stomp switch is durable as well as the casing. The EVH graphics are very cool as is the blue light on top.

Well, I have to say it does what it says to a tee. It does the EVH thing and the script button is usable. It has a little treble boost to it and a warm side to it as well. Again, it does what it says. It is like having a reissue and a script phaser in one box.

It feels durable like all of the MXR stuff, the EVH graphics are cool and it does what it says sit does. It is worth the $$ regardless of the EVH hype or not !!!

Put a friggin battery in there for the consumer !!!

Durable, cool looking & sounds like 2 phasers in one. Covers the classic & contemporary phase sounds like a pro. One beef I have is for something that expensive, put a god damn' battery in there for the consumer for pete's sake. That's the least you can do MXR/DUNLOP. Otherwise, it is great !!

This pedal is extremely easy to use - just plug in and play. This is one of the few models that Dunlop/MXR produces that actually has a printed manual and the manual is great! In addition to a couple of sample settings, it includes a template to write down your own "custom setting" (whoo-hoo). The manual also includes the specs for the pedal for the total gear nut. BTW, the EVH Phase 90 comes with a three-color fully printed box that is very cool. Most Dunlop pedals ship with a generic cardboard box with a sticker identifying the pedal.

I'm using this pedal in my guitar/bass pedal board, so it gets double duty. The EVH P90 is extremely quiet compared to the new Phase 90 (yes, I have both and AB'd them) and the Phase 100. It is has a true bypass switch, so when it's not on it will not degrade the signal coming from your guitar.

I use the pedal with various Gibson/Fender guitar (Les Pauls, SG's, Strats) and a variety of amps (THD, Fender, Marshall, Vox). I tried it with my Lakland and SWR too. It sounds AWESOME with everything! Don't let the other review sell this pedal short. YES, it nails the early EVH effect used on "Atomic Punks", "Eruption", etc. Once you kick it in w/ a humbucker guitar and an overdriven amp, you'll completely understand why EVH used this pedal when playing leads. In script-mode it's a subtle effect that adds an incredible amount of dimension to the guitar sound. It doesn't really boost the signal per se, it just makes the guitar tone more "exciting" to the ear. It's not an in-your-face effect like a chorus or flanger and it will not soften up the mids like a chorus will (you can get more midrange "bite" and "honk" in block-mode if need be). Further, this pedal also nails the Sting "phased" bass sound from the Regatta de Blanc era (check out the Police Live disc). Again, adding dimension to the overall sound.

We've all heard how EVH used this pedal, but it also nails the Walsh/Felder guitar tone from "Hotel California". This is THE sound of the harmonized electric guitar parts and lead guitars from that song. NOTE: Walsh has said in some interviews that he used a chorus and delay on his guitar for that song. Personally, I think those effects were lightly added in the studio/mix to spread the guitars into stereo/add depth and that he did play through a Phase 90 when the parts were recorded.

This thing sounds so good, it's really REALLY hard to turn it off once you've heard it on!

Seems to be built the same as most Dunlop/MXR pedals. However, they put in a much, much more rugged 9V battery attachment inside the casing and the screws seemed to go in and out better compared to other Dunlop/MXR pedals that I own. So, I think either their QC (Quality Control) is better on this pedal or they beefed it up a bit since the ad for the pedal says "abuse it" :-)

I think I'm going to have to get a backup since the box states that this is a "limited edition" pedal. The place I got mine from only got one in (yikes!), so I'm wondering how many of these they're actually going to make. Stock up now!

Haven't had to call 'em, so can't comment

Overall, I can't say it enough - THEY NAILED IT WITH THIS ONE. Everything about this pedal is first class from the packaging, to the pedal construction, to the blue LED that will literally blind you if you look at too long! The graphics printed on the pedal are superb. It's not the usual easy-chip Dunlop paint job. Even the lettering for the script switch, sweep knob, in/out jacks is raised. The attention to detail is very evident. I think this has a lot to do with Eddie, so THANK YOU Eddie if you are reading this!

This pedal is worth every penny. It is boutique quality add a reasonable price. It looks great and sounds even better. It does a lot more than just help you recreate EVH's early guitar tone and it is not a one trick pony - so don't let the one knob/switch fool you. You can funk it up, old school rock it up or grind it up with this pedal and it will blow you away.

This is the "feel good" pedal of the year! It is a "must have" pedal and should be in everyone's pedal board. Now, if we could just get Eddie to convince Charvel to make some of those EVH Art guitars with a Fender tremolo instead of a Floyd and we could all sound like Eddie...right...

One speed knob and an on/off switch! How much easier can you get. well, I should mention that this model also has a small button called "script" that when engeged changes the sound of the unit to be similar to the old 1970s vintage "grail" script logo phase 90s. When the switch is left in the up position the unit is supposed to behave like the reissue "block logo" MXR Phase 90.

I have the reissue version and compared them side by side running straight into my 5150 head and Marshall cab. I play in a Van Halen tribute band( www.unchainednj.com) so I have been using the Phase 90 for years and know what it is supposed to sound like. This new version is cool, looks awesome with the cheesy but "gotta love it" striped paint job, and the two settings enable you to swtich from the sound of the block letter pedal to the script. Now, I have played a a script logo phase 90 but it was at least 15-20 years ago soIm going on memory, but to my ears when you press the switch for the script mode in it bumps the mids up a little bit as well as thins the sound out just a hair, gives it sort of a "twang". this is cool because it accents your vibrato and makes certain notes jump out in an "almost feeding back" sort of way. To get the EVH sound, simply turn the speed knob all the way or almost all the way to the left. Thats it, instant Eruption, Atomic Punk, etc. This pedal loves hi gain amps and really makes your leads sparkle and bark at the same time. Most of the people who buy this pedal will be "Ed-heads" so I think you all know what Im saying...It does the job very well. So, why did I take off a point for sound? well, there is one drawback which is that the pedal sucks off just a TINY bit of tone when its hooked up straight through the amp. Now, I realize you can argue it could be my cables, or a dozen other things but I dont think so since i compared it to my old reissue which didnt have the same effect through the same set up. No biggie though, most people wont even notice it but I have super sensitive ears

MXR pedals could withstand a nuclear war. Brick shithouse all the way. I plan on having this as long/longer as my reissue phase 90 which I bought in 1994 and has withstood serious abuse, spilled beer, broken knob, missing backplate, etc, and it still sounds great. the only reason I bought this is because Im a proud Eddie freak and have to have anything with stripes on it

no experience

I will give it 10 overall because for wht its designed to do it does better than any other phaser, and that I to capture the old EVH tone. sure you can crack the speed knob up and get a leslie type sound but as I said before, 99% of the people who fork over this much money for a stomp box with stripes on it already own something else with stripes on it too.....not that there's anything wrong with that