#1
MXR Phase 90
4-stage analog phaser · 4 phase-shift stages, single Rate knob, LED indicator, 9V, Script and Block circuit variants$60–$90 usedBest for: The definitive phaser pedal, Eddie Van Halen tone, simple and classic, all-around analog phaser
The MXR Phase 90 is the phaser pedal — Eddie Van Halen used it for 'Eruption' and countless Van Halen recordings. One Rate knob controls the entire effect, making it the simplest and most immediately musical phaser available. The 4-stage all-analog phase shifting circuit produces the classic whoosh that defined 1970s rock guitar. All subsequent phasers are compared against the Phase 90. Used at $60–$90.
What to check used: The Phase 90 has one control — Rate. This is a feature for players who want immediate results, but a limitation for players who want to dial in specific phase character. The current production Block version has a slightly different character than the vintage Script version (softer, more subtle). For the original Phase 90 character, a Script-logo version or the MXR Script Phase 90 reissue is more authentic.
#2
Electro-Harmonix Small Stone
4-stage analog phaser · Rate knob, Color switch (adds feedback/resonance), analog BBD circuit, true bypass$70–$100 usedBest for: Alternative to Phase 90, EHX phaser character, Color switch for added resonance
The EHX Small Stone is the other classic analog phaser — used by David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Carlos Santana, and Billy Corgan. The Color switch adds a second position that increases resonance and feedback, producing a more dramatic, swirling phase shift. The Small Stone character is slightly warmer and less aggressive than the Phase 90. Used at $70–$100.
What to check used: The Small Stone's Color switch positions produce meaningfully different sounds — spend time with both positions. In some configurations, the Color-on setting can produce a slightly more prominent volume drop in the sweep. The current nano version is physically smaller than the classic but circuit-equivalent.
#3
Boss PH-3
Digital multi-mode phaser · 4/8/10/12-stage selectable, Rise/Fall/Step modes, Rate/Depth/Resonance controls, stereo output$80–$120 usedBest for: Versatile phaser with multiple stages and modes, stereo output, programmable Rise/Fall
The Boss PH-3 provides access to 4, 8, 10, and 12-stage phaser in one unit — different stage counts produce noticeably different phase sounds from subtle to extreme. The Rise and Fall modes produce single-direction phase sweeps (just rising or just falling phase, rather than cycling). Step mode produces discrete stepped phase changes rather than smooth sweeps. Used at $80–$120, the PH-3 is the most versatile single phaser pedal available at this price.
What to check used: The PH-3 is digital, which makes it more versatile and controllable but less 'warm' in character than analog phasers (Phase 90, Small Stone). The stereo output requires two amp inputs to hear the stereo spread.
#4
TC Electronic Helix Phaser
Digital phaser with TonePrint · Multiple phaser modes, TonePrint artist presets, Speed/Depth/Feedback controls, stereo I/O$70–$100 usedBest for: TonePrint artist phaser presets, versatile phaser modes, value-for-money digital phaser
The TC Electronic Helix Phaser includes TonePrint technology — downloadable artist preset configurations from professional guitarists. Multiple phaser modes provide flexibility between 4-stage analog-style and more extreme digital phasing. Used at $70–$100, it's the most feature-rich phaser in its price range.
What to check used: TonePrint loading requires a smartphone and app. Like all TC Electronic TonePrint units, the full range of the pedal's capability is only accessible with TonePrint loaded — the stock controls operate a default mode. The TonePrint library requires internet access.
#5
Earthquaker Devices Grand Orbiter
Analog-voiced phaser/vibrato · Analog-voiced circuit, Rate/Depth/Sweep/Resonance/Mode (phaser/vibrato) controls, stereo output$150–$200 usedBest for: Boutique analog phaser with vibrato mode, comprehensive controls, stereo, professional quality
The EQD Grand Orbiter is a boutique analog-voiced phaser with controls that go beyond simple Rate — Sweep control sets the center frequency of the phase shift, Resonance adds feedback intensity, and a Mode switch selects between Phaser and Vibrato modes. This level of control produces usable tones from gentle shimmer to extreme psychedelic phase shifting to full vibrato. Used at $150–$200.
What to check used: The Grand Orbiter's additional controls require more learning time than the Phase 90 — players who want a grab-and-go single-knob phaser should start with the Phase 90. The Grand Orbiter is for players who have used a basic phaser and want more control.
#6
Strymon Mobius
Premium modulation processor (12 modulation types) · 12 modulation algorithms (chorus, phaser, tremolo, vibrato, flanger, rotary, etc.), MIDI, tap tempo$280–$370 usedBest for: All modulation effects in one premium unit, recording-grade phaser and chorus and tremolo, MIDI
The Strymon Mobius is not just a phaser — it's a comprehensive modulation unit that includes 12 algorithms: Chorus, Flanger, Rotary, Vibe, Phaser, Vibrato, Tremolo, Pattern Tremolo, Autoswell, Ensemble, and Quadrature (vintage 4-phase). If you want premium quality phaser AND premium chorus AND premium tremolo without three separate boutique pedals, the Mobius is the single-unit solution. Used at $280–$370.
What to check used: The Mobius costs significantly more than a standard phaser pedal — the investment is justified only if you use multiple modulation types. For a player who exclusively uses phaser, the Phase 90 at $60 provides adequate quality. The Mobius's advantage is comprehensive modulation coverage at recording-studio quality.
#7
MXR EVH Phase 90
4-stage analog phaser (Eddie Van Halen signature) · Script mode switch (vintage script circuit), Block mode (modern circuit), EVH graphics$90–$130 usedBest for: Eddie Van Halen signature, Script and Block mode on one pedal, authentic vintage Phase 90 circuit
The MXR EVH Phase 90 is Eddie Van Halen's signature Phase 90 with one important addition: a Script mode switch that activates the original vintage Script Phase 90 circuit (the exact circuit on Eddie's original pedal). Toggling between Script and Block modes allows comparing the vintage and modern Phase 90 circuits directly. For Van Halen fans or players who want the most authentic Phase 90 experience, the EVH version provides both circuits. Used at $90–$130.
What to check used: The EVH graphics are polarizing — the black/yellow stripes are appropriate for Van Halen fans and slightly loud for players who prefer subtle aesthetics. The circuit quality is identical to the Script Phase 90 in Script mode. Verify the Script/Block toggle switch operates correctly on used units.
![TC Electronic Honey Pot Fuzz Pedal [USED]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Frvb-img.reverb.com%2Fi%2Fs--Ox1DN4jj--%2Fquality%3Dmedium-low%2Cheight%3D400%2Cwidth%3D400%2Cfit%3Dcover%2Cgravity%3Dbottom%2F109c4b37-d685-423d-943a-fc99f2299956.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
