Safe But Not Exactly Sane: This Man's Impressions of the MXR Script Phase 90 w/ LED

andvari7 · #1 05-02-2010, 07:00 AM

I did a very stupid thing yesterday: I woke up late. Yes, it was Saturday, and yes, I got in late from the Dave Willis/Dana Snyder live show (hilarious, by the way), but when I awoke at 7:30, I knew something would be...off...that day. Apart from an annoying sinus infection, I temporarily forgot, as do we all, about the legendary side effect of eating asparagus. It never stops me from eating it, but still...

Anyway, this does get to a pedal.

So, after spending far too long on cleaning my grill, I went to my local Guitar Center, which takes about twenty minutes to get to - perfect, if I want to listen to "This American Life," as is my wont. After the predicted disappointment, I went on to Best Buy, in the effort to buy a Blu-Ray for my snazzy, not-so-new player. Since I refuse to buy "Avatar," because I can't stand the films of James Cameron, save for two (they both share the same word in their titles), and because I didn't see anything else worth buying that day, I went to the musical instrument section of the shop. I've always been slightly apprehensive about Best Buy incorporating an instrument section, but I was ill, and bored. In said section, which consists solely of the big brands - Fender, Gibson, the lot; in other words, nothing interesting or good - I found one gem amongst the landscaping gravel: an MXR script-logo Phase 90 w/LED. I asked the store clerk to tell me what I don't know about it, which is actually quite a lot, and he had the audacity to tell me that all effects are digital these days, so it doesn't matter which model I bought. Although I got the pedal, I now realize WHY I hate that section of Best Buy. To paraphrase the buzz word of Meir Kahane: Never Again.

After some other irrelevant Best Buy-ery, I went home to try my pedal.

BUILD: It's an MXR. It's the same little box as every other MXR pedal. What do you want to hear? The paint is different, though: there is no clear-coat on it, unlike the other pedals in the range. I am also a bit annoyed by the location of the 9v input jack. It should be on the top of the box, like a Small Stone. That's not an opinion; that's fact.

COST: A c-note. I feel no shame in admitting that, because if you go online, you'll find it easily enough.

SOUND: It is distinctly different from the block-logo box, but I'm not so certain about it being entirely faithful to a real '70s Phase 90. It is a bit subtle on a low 'B,' but not inaudible. Otherwise, through my Roland JC-55, it is a delight on a bass. It may not be perfect, but it's good enough for my ears.

WORTH THE SINUS INFECTION, THE MORONIC CLERK SHENANIGANS, AND THE $100? No. Why is it that every time I get excited about an effect, I'm either deathly ill, or they release a "High School Musical" movie?

In short, don't buy your pedals at Best Buy, unless you want your nose to melt off.

andvari7 · #2 05-02-2010, 07:10 AM

Upon reflection, I forgot to explain the title. I've been on a quest for the craziest phaser possible, and this pedal is the antithesis of crazy phasers. One knob is pretty controlled. Yet, despite this, I had this desire for a smooth, classic phaser, like I'd heard Joe Strummer and Mick Jones use on "London Calling," the album I'd describe as having the best utilization of phase shifters. I feel that this pedal has gotten me as close to that sound as possible, considering I don't own a Fender Telecaster.

There was also a segment about me lecturing the clerk, a drummer, on effects pedals, and growing increasingly impatient with him, to the point where I was ready to shiv him. I edited it (wisely) from the OP.

dannybuoy · #3 05-02-2010, 07:50 AM

You should give Avatar a go. It's like Dances With Wolves, but with Smurfs instead of Indians.

KarateKid25 · #4 05-02-2010, 07:52 AM

I used to own a Phase 90. I liked the effect, but hated that it seemed to keep on whooshing away after it was turned off... Does yours do that at all?

andvari7 · #5 05-02-2010, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarateKid25

I used to own a Phase 90. I liked the effect, but hated that it seemed to keep on whooshing away after it was turned off... Does yours do that at all?

I actually have it right here with me, and I can say that it does not behave that way. There is some whooshing, but that's from a Roland Jazz Chorus.

nad · #6 05-02-2010, 07:37 PM

Excellent thread. It's the only location I'm going to openly admit to enjoying Avatar, on a very base, but still measurable, level.

kugelspot · #7 05-02-2010, 07:47 PM

I have a phase 90. Its the block version though. I found the script one a bit too subtle. I picked it up for $65 on ebay. Suits my purposes fine (I don't need a phaser too bad), but I am looking into an EBS Dphaser

**kenstee** · #8 05-03-2010, 02:17 PM

Just scored an old Boss PH-1r on CL. Very pleased! It was released about the same time - and intended to be a competitor - to the original Phase 90.

So, you want the "craziest phaser possible?" Find a discontinued Danelectro Sitar Swami........

Happynoj · #9 05-03-2010, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andvari7

I can't stand the films of James Cameron, save for two (they both share the same word in their titles)

Are they 'Titanic' and 'Titanic II'?

bongomania · #10 05-03-2010, 05:00 PM

When I saw "Safe But Not Exactly Sane", I had to wonder: but is it Consensual?

Well, at least you were Aware of the Risks.

**TheMutt** · #11 05-05-2010, 11:56 AM

I'm going to assume that this is the MXR CSP-101SL which looks like this:

You might be slightly disappointed if you open up the box.
It's simply an EVH phase 90 with the script switch hardwired to engaged and put in a different enclosure.
I'm fine with the one that I own, but it may or may not be a deal breaker for someone else.