Octave/Phaser Choice...

[Fullmetal]

So I'm looking around for these effects and I don't wanna spend too much since I won't be using an octaver or phaser very much. I have been looking into the MXR M88 Bass Octave and the MXR Phase 90.

EDIT: Bought it cheap on ebay, half the RRP.

With the Phase 90 I have heard hype from guitarists but not so much from bassists. Is it any good? Is there a bass specific phaser?

Should I just bite the bullet and pay for quality? Or is there a hidden gem which is better and cheaper out there?

[shinobi]

i don't think there's a bass-specific phaser. unless you know what you're getting, i would think it's best to pay for quality. cheaper stuff could either be gems or junk; the latter would be very hard to get off your hands.

sorry i've had no experience with a phase 90. my guitarist used to have a phase 100 and hated it. something about volume... i can't remember the details.

i used to have an ehx small stone. it sounded great if not for the volume drop. but apparently it has been fixed in the nano stone, so that could be worth considering

[fightthepower]

Well I see you edited the thread, but the MXR BlueBox would not make a good octaver, for regular octave use-- it's a glitchy -2 suboctaver- not too useful on bass, in the traditional manner.

You can find an OC-2 for about $50 used though, and they're great. For phasers, I prefer the small stone over the phase 90, but they're both good choices- classic phasers at good prices.

[shinobi]

i have the ehx octave multiplexer. tracking isn't that great, but for less than $80 new it's worth it

[TheMutt]

As far as phasers go, both the Phase 90 and Small Stone sound great on bass. They both have set depths, and to my ear the depth of the Small Stone sounds a bit deeper and funkier (especially with the color switch engaged), while the Phase 90 is more smooth and light. Both are excellent choices IMO.

As far as octavers go, it really comes down to personal tastes. Analog vs digital, the tone, the form factor, and of course the price.
The old favorite is the OC-2, but there are more than a few people who have the new MXR BOD.

[Fullmetal]

Well the Octaver payment has cleared so the M88 is on it's way. I'll check out the EHX Small Stone Nano, but does anyone know if the volume drop has been fixed? I'll check out prices but I think I'll keep my eyes on the Phase 90.

[Din Of Win]

I use a BYOC Phase (based on the Phase 90) with a stencil of Patric Swayze on it.... It's my Patric Phayze.

As for octavers, i did a little compare/contrast this past weekend and settled on the Boss OC-3 when i compared it to an Boss OC-2, EHX Micro POG, and a EBS OctaBass. The only pedal i liked more was the EHX Bass Microsynth... but that was out of my $$$ range

[rratajski]

Originally Posted by Din Of Win

I use a BYOC Phase (based on the Phase 90) with a stencil of Patric Swayze on it.... It's my Patric Phayze.

Win.

[whoatherechunk]

Haha awesome