First modulation pedal: Flanger, or phaser?

I think the flanger mode on that MXR pedal still feels & sounds very 'chorus-like'. I like a thicker, more dramatic flanger if you want that sound. Between the two, I think phaser is more versatile and can run a wider range of subtle > dramatic. The thing is that there are lots of phasers that all have unique features/sounds. So it really depends which pedals you're looking at...

 

After overdrive, my favourite fx on bass is Flanger...and the Boss BF2 is my favourite..

 

I voted other, because you need both. The Spaceman Explorer (phaser) sounds amazing with bass but it's some $$$. Another vote for the Boss BF-2 for flange.

 

Get one pedal that does all the modulations, figure out which one is your favourite, then by a pedal dedicated to that. I use the Zoom MS60B as my modulation box and it is fantastic.

 

I’d try a Digitech Nautila or EQD Grand Orbiter because those are the two modulation pedals I’ve settled on with the Nautila not currently on my board.

 

Since you mentioned "spacey" and "jet", you should go with flanger.
I found phaser more usable in general, but prefer flanger.

 

Source Audio Mercury Flanger.
Rock on.

 

The phase 90 is excellent. I tried several boutique and expensive pedals, but the cheap phase 90 was my favorite. Go figure.

 

In a band mix, throughout a song, chorus all the way. Phaser and flanger are great but harder to work into an overall song without sounding like an effect — better for parts, not so much throughout a song. YMMV.

 

I was really interested in the MXR because of its ability to do both. I guess I’m back to hunting.

 

Unless you're playing Tempus Fugit by Yes, then it's flanger all the way, baby!

 

They are both "spacey", but the you make the "jet" effect with a flanger.

 

Synth or autowah.

 

If you want the jet sound I don't think there's another one out there that does this
I use an mxr phase 100 on my board and think it's much better than the 90.

 

Essentially this. I find flangers fun, but in bands I tend to find it a bit over the top. If you like that jet sound stuff then a flanger is the thing. Personally I like having a phaser that can go nuts as well as do classic sounds.

If you really like jet thing, the Ibanez Paul Gilbert Airplane Flanger is probably the best for that. It has a momentary switch too, it gets very silly.

 

I use the Ad apbf and that does phaser-y thing as well as flange. Really cool pedal , that!
It's also not very expensive, given that it ended my search for flanger/phaser.
That said...i think Zeropoint is a really fun pedal as well and I would recommend looking at it to any one, looking for a flanger.

 

IMO, if you only have one mod pedal, a flanger should be it. It can do the crazy spacey stuff of a phaser sorta and it can do the mellow throb of a chorus. I have always preferred flanger myself. I like chorus next, then phaser. Of the 3.

A flanger can give you really subtle, lush movement or it can be crazy off the wall jet and otherworldly sounds. And to me, it's a lot more musical than a phaser. To me, you can use a flanger in more situations than you can a phaser too. It's really weird saying that. But IME, it's been very true.

 

I don't recommend it unless you are looking for a very subtle mod pedal. I really liked how it sounded but in the end it was just too subtle for me. If I step on a mod pedal, I want people to know it. I still want it to be lush and vibrant but not too warm or mellow. That's what the MXR was IMO, very mellow and warm. That could be awesome for some people though because a lot of guys use it. I thought my trustee ol EHX small clone was 10x better though.