Phase 90's.. any real difference ?

[splitendz]

Looking to buy a phase 90. I've noticed the old (script written mxr phase 45) go for more. Are the older ones better ? If so, how ? How about the newer EVH Phase 90 or Phase 110? What's the real difference in these units ?

 

[Gooseman]

The cheapest one adds some distortion to your phase sound. Some people like it, some hate it and try to mod it. Dave Grohl uses the cheap one and seems to really like it. His other guitarist, Chris Shiflett, uses the EVH.

I have a modded Phase 90, cheap one, that I actually love. I am going to pick up Phase 45 soon. That is a great pedal, not as dramatic, almost a univibe sound. Analogman can make any MXR pedal true bypass FWIW.

 

[ACShreds]

I have a script phase 90 reissue with the LED. Its a bit more mellow sounding than the regular version and doesnt add the little boost in volume that the regular version does.

 

[vchizzle]

I have a cheap one that I'm trying to "phase out" of my pedal board. Problem is I've been using it so long I'm used to the boost and feel like I need to boost all my phaser presets on my Axe to make it feel/sound normal. It used to piss me off that it boosted and dirtied up my tone, now I'm trying to replicate it So I'd go with one that doesn't boost/dirty your sound.

 

[JakeAC5253]

viewtopic.php?p=905325#p905325

 

[RockStarNick]

^^^ Read that thread!

I recently did the "R28" mod (resistor snip) on my Standard MXR Phase 90. It does INDEED make a difference, and cut out a good portion of that boost and mid range distortion.

People call it the script mod. Doesn't sound "quite" like a real script Phase 90, but more like halfway in-between the aggressiveness of the current Block Phase90 and the mellow Script Phase90.

 

[splitendz]

Good replies.. thanks. Anyone tried the 110, or some of the later EVH models? Do they need the mod ?

 

[Gooseman]

Good replies.. thanks. Anyone tried the 110, or some of the later EVH models? Do they need the mod ?

No, they shouldn't need the mod at all. The EVH is more or so a script model phase with the "Unchained" tone button. I did the R28 mod to my Phase 90. It is a weird mod. Yes, it gets rid of the distortion, but the pedal can sometimes leak its signal even when the pedal is bypassed. It is very subtle though, and difficult to notice. The mod requires opening the pedal up and snipping a resistor. It is a very strange mod to do. I used toenail clippers on each leg, while trying to be very careful that I kept myself grounded and not touching any other part on the CB.

If I were you, I'd get the Red Witch Phaser and be done with it. I believe they retail for $199. Not too much more than the EVH, and it is true bypass. And a lot more versatile.

 

[splitendz]

Good replies.. thanks. Anyone tried the 110, or some of the later EVH models? Do they need the mod ?

No, they shouldn't need the mod at all. The EVH is more or so a script model phase with the "Unchained" tone button. I did the R28 mod to my Phase 90. It is a weird mod. Yes, it gets rid of the distortion, but the pedal can sometimes leak its signal even when the pedal is bypassed. It is very subtle though, and difficult to notice. The mod requires opening the pedal up and snipping a resistor. It is a very strange mod to do. I used toenail clippers on each leg, while trying to be very careful that I kept myself grounded and not touching any other part on the CB.

If I were you, I'd get the Red Witch Phaser and be done with it. I believe they retail for $199. Not too much more than the EVH, and it is true bypass. And a lot more versatile.

Does the Red Witch have the same characteristics as the Phase 90 as far as its note manipulation? I like the characteristics of the Phase 90, and would not want something that is totally different.

 

[Gooseman]

Check it out for yourself. It is a much clearer and natural phase tone.

 

[Gooseman]

The pedal is actually $300 by the way, not $200 -- my mistake!

 

[Gooseman]

The Whetstone is nice too. Only $265:

 

[70strathead]

If you are looking to get one, buy a used 74 reissue and mod it for true bypass. The true bypass switch will cost another $10 and is super simple to install.

FWIW, I have an original script 74 phase 90, 78 block logo phase 90, 78 block logo phase 45, script 75 phase 100 and the reissue 74. The reissue 74 is close enough and I like it since I didn't have to mod my originals for true bypass.

Dave, where can I buy the true bypass switch ?

 

[nitro]

I have two original(not reissues) 1974 script logo MXR Phase 90s I would be willing to let one go if you are interested.

 

[steve@russo]

if your not looking to mod for true bypass I have a true bypass looper I am getting rid of for$30, btw the r28 mod I did on my phase 90, made a world of difference

 

[The Hoff]

Gearmanndude has a pretty good video on the differences. Definitely worth checking it out

I haven't played all of them but, I hear a difference.

 

[voodoogreg]

Does the script 90 have the same volume boost, and a bit of the clipping as the original.? Cuz actually I like that. And I'm looking to pick up one putting the dtdp foot switch in it is no problem for me to do.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

The script reissues don't go for much used do they? I picked one up for under hundred bucks in Canada a few years back. Also have block logo that I did r28 snip mod too. To my ears the block logo is stronger, has more weight in the swoosh. Aldrich uses it or used it as a phaser and fake vibe sort of thing. It's versatile if you want to cover a few sounds with a toe flick. Script phase 90 is more subtle and does the VH thing. ..and the Lynch thing lol.

 

[dave74]

If your main thing is high-gain leads then get the current block letter.
If you're more into cleans get the modern script.

 

[dcburn]

I use a MXR Phase 45, Analogman made true bypasss and added the LED for me.
I always think I want another vibe pedal and when I get them I ultimately sell them.
Jam, Earthquaker, Drybell...

I seem to get enough swirl and vibe out of my Phase 45.
Purchased the 45 because my buddy was comparing them all and thought the 45 was the chewiest. I dug it.