Whirlwind Orange Box vs. MXR Phase 90?

Imaginos · #1 04-19-2011, 03:16 PM

Hi TB!

At the last gig I played, one other bassist was using MXR Phase 90 (probably the cheapest and simplest version) and the effect sounded magnificent. So, now I've been craving for one to be added to my own pedal chain. Sadly, I haven't yet found the said pedal locally and I'd definitely want to buy it used that I'd save a few euros. Well, some guy offered to part with his Whirlwind Orange Box for the price of a new MXR. Is there a big difference between these two pedals? Is the Whirlwind as suitable for bass as the MXR? I have to shop blind since I can't test it out beforehand.

The seller himself wrote that it should be identical to MXR's original "script" Phase 90.

So, should I take the plunge or not? I want my phaser.

moose23 · #2 04-19-2011, 03:42 PM

In my opinion the Script ones sounds better for bass so you'd be laughing with the Whirlwind. Is ebay and option for you? Usually a few phase 90s on there for good prices.

Imaginos · #3 04-19-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moose23

In my opinion the Script ones sounds better for bass so you'd be laughing with the Whirlwind. Is ebay and option for you? Usually a few phase 90s on there for good prices.

Sadly, I'm restricted to Finnish second hand sites. I'm unfamiliar with the idiom "to laugh with" – meaning I'd be more than happy with the Whirlwind?

sonicvi · #4 04-20-2011, 08:07 AM

I've got an Orange Box. It's every bit as good as the 74 reissue MXR.

**DosiYanarchy** · #5 04-20-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imaginos

I'm unfamiliar with the idiom "to laugh with" - meaning I'd be more than happy with the Whirlwind?

Yes.

I too have preferred script phase 90s to the Block ones, if the whirlwind is closer to the script than the block, then you should be very happy

moose23 · #6 04-21-2011, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imaginos

Sadly, I'm restricted to Finnish second hand sites. I'm unfamiliar with the idiom "to laugh with" – meaning I'd be more than happy with the Whirlwind?

Yes you'll be very happy or laughing with happiness with the whirlwind. If you don't like it and fancy shipping to Ireland I'll take it off your hands or even trade an MXR for it.

cultrvultr · #7 04-21-2011, 10:51 PM

+1 on the Whirlwind, even a new MXR with the R28 mod doesn't sound as good as a an old script phase 90.

MonkeyWrench32 · #8 04-22-2011, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cultrvultr

+1 on the Whirlwind, even a new MXR with the R28 mod doesn't sound as good as a an old script phase 90.

True, but if you do go the block route, you should definitely do the mod. I got a block Phase 90 pretty cheap and I'm very happy with it.

Imaginos · #9 04-22-2011, 08:32 AM

Bought the Whirlwind yesterday for 90 euros in mint condition and my god, it's such an awesome effect! Didn't get a chance to toy around with it as much as I would've liked yet but you can color me impressed already. The effect is subtle enough to keep the played notes distinct and yet it adds a nice nuance to the overall tone. Even our guitarist, who at first said he's never really cared for phasers, fell in love with it when he gave it a spin.

So thanks for all the recommendations! For anyone with the same dilemma, I suggest to have a listen to this: YouTube - Whirlwind Rochester Series Orange Box Phaser Vs. MXR Phase 90: Not Necessarily Fair, But Enlightenin

To me, MXR's effect is too pronounced and sounds more, I don't know, cold and "artificial".