Help me choose 1st Phase pedal!

[Mad John]

Back in the 20th century in the early 1980's, I was in the band Zythum and we did all original compositions. I started out with a few pedals like wah and distortion, but soon after forming the band, I rapidly acquired some exotic pedals (at the time anyway) and used them to great effect in our long "ART ROCK" music. I had a CE1, but I strangely preferred my bass player's DOD 460 mini chorus for it's deep unique sound. Had a CE3, Ampeg Flanger, BOSS Flanger, etc...but I never owned a phase pedal!

How are the MXR's these days? I see three models. The hand wired Phase 90 seems like the way to go of the three.

Electro Harmonix freaks me out a little, for I hear so many different things about there newer line, particularly the Nano products as not being as good as the larger contemporaries. I was considering the SMALL STONE (Classic chassis) , as they are so inexpensive and so many musicians seem to love them!

Retro Sonic Phaser? I heard a demo on youtube from Andy and it seemed ok..dunno!

I am thinking Small Stone (classic) or MXR hand wired script.

What do you think I should do, cause I am ready to pull the trigger on my first PHASE of MADCAP 2010 PEDAL CRAZE!!!

Cheers,

 

[sanhozay]

Here's a great one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/WHIRLWIND-ORANG...emQQptZGuitar_Accessories?hash=item414becf372

 

[Mad John]

Is that a new or old pedal?

 

[sanhozay]

These are new pedals, rececently released. Premier Guitar did a piece in their effects issue. They sell at Sweetwater for $150. It's a good pedal, pretty much under the radar, just like the old ones were for a long time!

 

[Mad John]

WOW..that phaser sounds great, i just heard a demo on youtube! Thank you for the heads up!

 

[FAC]

Electro Harmonix freaks me out a little, for I hear so many different things about there newer line, particularly the Nano products as not being as good as the larger contemporaries. I was considering the SMALL STONE (Classic chassis) , as they are so inexpensive and so many musicians seem to love them!

I like the nano small stone...I would not discount one until you've tried one. I had a full size one back in the day, but it stopped working in the early 80's and I lost track of it (who knows, it might be in my parent's basement in a moldy box...). I purchased a nano about three years ago and really like it...it sounds great, is a nice size, and to be frank, feels more sturdy than the full size one I had. I did not do a side by side comparison, but I do not believe that the nanos and the full size small stones are night and day apart (maybe some of the other nanos are from their counterparts, but don't write off the small stone because of them). No doubt someone will disagree, but are we are talking 50% different, 10% different or 0.005% different, ha ha ha...regardless, it is still a nice phaser, no matter what price (which happens to be pretty cheap).

Also, I recall a slight volume drop with my old full size one...my nano does not do that.

 

[killtheidols]

the mxr's are sweet... the script logo seems to be more vintage an more natural... the ph3 from boss is a great tool but not as "real" or natural as the mxr to my ears...
ive heard the mod tone are pretty good... havent tried them.. and i just got my mxr yesterday and its just awesome... try the evh one

 

[innocent_bystander]

HBE Psilocybe

 

[Mad John]

Well call me thrifty, but I just pulled the trigger on a Whirlwind Rochester Series Orange Box!

FAC, I am going to try out a Small Stone and buy it on the spot, if it sounds good...thanks!!

Still interested in the Script too!

 

[8strings0hair]

How about the brand new Keeley Phaser? Did you guys see that? Ooo... it looks (and sounds) so sweet!
For a smaller footprint (and price tag) I'd look into the simplicity of a Mojo Hand Nebula.

 

[lspaulsp]

My Tone Factor Nebula replaced my early 70's script Phase 90. It is sweet!
I would at least check it out. ONE KNOB!

 

[Mike Hunt]

If price isn't an issue the Retro Sonic Phaser is the way to go. $180 is expensive, at least to me

 

[lifeinsong]

If you want the ultimate phaser check out the Tortuga Standard Phaser, it sounds amazing and it has 2 channels of phasing.

 

[sanhozay]

Well call me thrifty, but I just pulled the trigger on a Whirlwind Rochester Series Orange Box!

FAC, I am going to try out a Small Stone and buy it on the spot, if it sounds good...thanks!!

Still interested in the Script too!

Cool! The box it comes in is pretty neat to. Anyway, it's a good enough piece to be on Joe Bonamassa's board!

 

[barkndog]

The Mojo Hand/Tone Factor Nebula and Retrosonic are both excellent units. To my ears, nothings beats the warmth of the earlier Small Stones though . I picked up a version 2 this year and love it.

 

[Mad John]

Cool! The box it comes in is pretty neat to. Anyway, it's a good enough piece to be on Joe Bonamassa's board!

LOL... This is going to be a fun experience, I have a feeling!

Thanks guys for all your input, I very much appreciate it!

 

[playthecray]

I love the simplicity of the 74' Vintage MXR Phase 90 (CSP-026). I had the pedal modded by Analogman with true bypass and a green LED. It also serves as a really nice alternative vibe pedal. I am able to get Trower tones easily.

 

[Steven]

Retrosonic - great tweakabillity and great vintage sounds.