MXR Phase 90

Terrifically easy to use. One knob that affects the speed, but I think it also affects the depth as to always give a pleasing tone. I guess rather than to say it affects "speed" alone, I would say it should be called the "character" knob.

I play bass in an "alternative-metal" band. I'm using a Warwick Thumb 5 Neck - Through with an Ampeg SVT-III Pro head into a Genz - Benz 4x10 cab. One of my guitarists left and I needed to help thicken up the sound, since I wasn't using pedals before. My effects consist of Ibanez PD7-->Boss Bass Synth--->MXR Phase 90--->Boss DD3 Delay. The sound from this box is very good. I use a lot of boost from the preamp on the bass itself, so the high end is a bit overbearing at times. So I play pretty light, and focus on making the lows stand out.

Very dependable. Gigging without a backup is not a concern for me. Although, if you use batteries in it be cautios. It's not like a Boss pedal where it's easy to get the the battery area. That's right, it's screwdriver time...

Never dealt with them

The phase sounds are just what I was looking for. I like not having to tweak knobs to get the right tone. It's already there. Just match up the rate of the sweep with the song, or just make it close or whatever.

Yes, it's easy to use.

Okay, I'm using an American Tele into a Twin Reverb. I use this pedal with a Boss DD-5 and an Ernie Ball Volume. Well, this pedal sounds exactly as I thought it would...it's a very lo-fi phaser, but that's the basis of its appeal. When switched on, this pedal boosts the volume and has a tendency to distort your signal, and I think that's wonderful. It's not high tech, but at least there's no background noise when it's switched off. I think that the effect is kind of subtle when its set to slower speeds...it's kind of mellow when it's set that low. When you put the knob at 11 o'clock, you start to get that uni-vibe sound. At 3 o'clock, you get the underwater sound. These are all sounds that you've heard before, but people are always finding new ways to use this thing.

I have a Dunlop reissue, and I've had no problems at all.

You can use this pedal with pretty much any style of music imaginable. I play alternative/indie rock, jazz, and funk, among others, and this pedal is on constantly. It's simply an integral part of any guitarists rig. I do wish that the phase 90 had a depth control, because I would like to have the option to switch from smooth and mellow phasing to ridiculously intense swooshing (is that a word?). Overall, the phase 90 adds some very nice sounds to my setup, and sometimes it adds some unexpected ones (like distortion). You gotta love this quirky bastard!

This nice orange stomp box just has an on/off switch and a control knob for "speed". So, switch it on and turn the speed control up or down. For me the 10 o'clock position gave the best sound, a warm, slow deep phasing effect. If you want to, it can get very extreme, but with the deep control beyond the 3 o'clock position I got sea sick.

The sound quality is very good. I used it with my Carvin MTS3210 combo and a Charvel 475 Lefty. The effect sound is warm and is very clearly present, even with high gain settings on my amp. The only other phaser I used and can compare the Phase 90 with, is the one in my Boss GX700 effects processor. The Boss is no match for this stomp box. I tried to get some early Van Halen sounds with it and I must see I wasn't disappointed.

This thing is very reliable, it simply always works. And though it's small, the Phase 90 is built like a tank. No problem to use this one gig after gig.

I haven't had any problems with my MXR, so I can't tell wether they deliver good customer support or not.

Like some 99% of all guitar players my main styles are rock, blues and pop. Think Van Halen, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Moore and a little Satriani. I've been playing for 12 years now. Besides the Phase 90 I use a Boss DD5 delay, a Boss CE5 chorus, a Boss BF2 flanger, a Morley Pro Series II wah, a Boss BD2 overdrive and a Boss GE7 equalizer. My guitar is a lefthanded Charvel 475, my amp a Carvin MTS3210 combo. The MXR is part of a setup with I can use to create every sound I want to, though it's not necessary to get "my sound" (for that, I rely on my hands, guitar and amp mostly). But if it got stolen, I think I'd buy another one.

There's just one knob for speed so it's pretty easy to find the sound you want. Didn't get a manual, but i can't imagine what it would have to say.

I play a fender standard strat with various lace sensors, and i use lots of different effects at different times. My amp right now is an old Peavey 15 watt, so the sound isn't going to be pristine no matter what I play. Still this pedal is pretty cool. You can get anything from slow, swirling phase to rapid machine gun phase and everything in between. I especially like using this on the clean channel. It really sounds warm, my first thought was "fake plastic trees' by radiohead. Especially when you use distortion there's a noticeable volume boost. This is cool for solos and stuff, but overall it's just annoying, and the one thing i really don't like about this pedal. I'm not an expert on true bypass, but i can definately hear a difference in tone when using it. just get a sonic maximizer or a boss enhancer off ebay. though it does boost your signal, the sound you get with distortion is pretty good as well. i'll usually run a big muff or a creamy dreamer through it, and it sounds cool. the tone coming out of it is very dirty sounding in my opinion, but that's just part of its character

these mxr boxes are tough. i wouldn't worry

never dealt with em

I like Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Sonic Youth, Weezer, At the Drive In, Cocteau Twins. This pedal can do great things with the clean signal, especially when combined with a chorus and/or delay. As far as the electric sound, I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a dirtier type phase. if you want machina era pumpkins sound get the small stone instead. It sounds much cleaner and more polished than the phase 90. if you want the sonic youth sound get the phase 90. I know thurston uses one cause i saw it when they played in atlanta, and it makes sense. the sound from the pedal (when distorted) is very scratchy (that's the only word i cand think of to describe it) and it matches their sound to a T. if it were stolen or lost, i'd probably buy a phase 100 just cause those give you a few more options with your sound. for the price i paid i'm happy with it

It has one knob. If you have a problem with this then you need stronger medication.

At last, something to rival the Small Stone. That great 4-stage phase sound is just great for rhythm guitar and electric piano. I've used it on my Rhodes and Wurlitzer pianos, and on my strat too. It doesn't have the background noise thet a smallstone does and sounds every bit as warm and deep. It does seem to threaten to overdrive a bit when the sweep goes right down, there's a definite hint of distortion even with a clean strat. This happens through both a clean tube amp and solid state PA system. It's not really a problem, it just part of the character of the thing.

It's built like a brick shithouse. Dunno wether I'd gig it without an AC adapter though, I don't really trust batteries.

I live in the UK. If it breaks it'd be cheaper to buy a new one than arse about sending it back to the states for repair I should think. I ordered the thing on the net from the US anyway and it saved me about #30 on the UK price I would have paid here.

It's a great little pedal, easily used and quite versatile. It's great for that '70s warbling noise that's popular again. A good substitute for people who can't afford a univibe. It would be more versatile if it had a depth knob but I get by just fine with it as it is. Anyone who wants to use effects just HAS to have a phase 90 anyway, don't they?

It just cant be simpler! No rocket science needed here.

I currently use a mesa boogie solo 50 head, and musicman axis guitar.
I plug this straight in and thats it! Just leave it around 10 o clock.
Unlike modern pedals, these things have a real depth and warmth, excellent performer live and in the studio.

Since I spilled beer on it, the switch is a little sticky(hey it's rock 'n roll) but besides my human error this thing is bombproof!!
Who carries back-up pedals anyway?

Hopefully no need.

When I got this thing about a year ago, I used it sparingly, and now I cant stop stamping on the thing, I use it way too much!!
A little noisy when recording, but it's one small concession. This little box rocks. A real talent booster.

simplest pedal to use. Step on it and turn the one and only knob to get what sound you want.

I am using a Ampeg Big Stud BASS and Cort Five String Fretless Bass into a Gallien Krueger 800 into a Bag End 4x10 and it sounds excellent. It does give off some background noise but all modulation effects give that sweep. Its nothing to noticable and if anything gives a pretty cool spacey background effect. This is the best phaser ive heard and handles most notes on bass just fine. Its great down to a low E but loses the phase sound below that, but I still think this has to be the best phaser out there for bass. I use a lot of effects on bass and though i dont like to mix it with many of my other effects (most are modulations or overdrives) i think it would work well with the right effects (light chorus).

I have never had a problem with it. Seems like a small metal brick and dont think i could possible break it. I would give without it.

I play in a rock/metal/funk band and i think it works great with the other weird effects i use on bass. I would buy another if it was stolen. This is the best phaser ive heard for bass and also for guitar and would recommend it for anyone.

Very easy. Just plug in and tweak the speed knob.

Amazing!!! I've finally nailed that 70s jazz fusion sound popularized by the studio guys like Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton, Steve Khan. At the 11 0 clock setting, it gives you that lush sound found in most of the late 70s jazz fusion albums.

Had it for only a month now. Seems sturdy.

Thanks to the rave reviews here, I've decided to give it a try.

Unlike most of the guys who seem to like this for its rock applications (and I definitely agree with most of them), I loved it for its jazz potential.

I've long been a fan of Grant Geissman, and loved his solo in Chuck Mangione's late 70s album, 'Feels So Good.' Well, the phase 90, with the speed set to 10:30-11 o clock nails that Geissman sound!!! As I said, it's a very deep, lush, swirly effect that makes it perfect also for funk. At times, it could even simulate a wah-wah effect.

Speed set to 3 o clock gives you that univibe effect, which so far I haven't really exploited yet. Tried the Van Halen thingie too on the Eruption solo, and this does it pretty well.

I can't say this is better than the other brands, since I haven't really heard all of 'em. But for its 'vintage' vibe, I just felt that it's a welcome addition to my bag of tricks. This one and the MXR Dynacomp make a good addition to anyone's arsenal.

Excellent pedal, very easy to use, one knob for speed.

I use this with a fender deluxe strat > mxr phase 90 > fulltone fulldrive > crybaby wah > into a fender hot rod deville 4 10". There is no noise at all besides the actual effect. I read about a distortion at certain frequencies and I have found out it works best before a dist./ overdrive pedal. You can get the sounds from Dark Side of the Moon from Pink Floyd, Silverchair's "Abuse Me", SRV's "Cold Shot", and more. It sounds good with my fulldrive and sounds cool with a wah on.

It is built like a tank. I would gig without a backup. Works best in my opinion with a ac adapter.

never dealt with them

I play blues, classic rock, alternative, funk, and pretty much anything with a guitar. This pedal is really benificial. I wouldn't have to buy it again.

One knob for speed. It can't get easier. Replacing the battery however is kind of a pain.

I bought my Phase 90 used in 1985. It is the best pedal deal I have ever made. The sound is perfect. If you want to replicate the rhythm guitar on Rolling Stone's 'Shattered', the Phase 90 and a little distortion is all you need.

Never had a problem.

Never needed customer support.

If you want THE phase pedal, do not look any further.