 | 1974 BUD Box Script Logo MXR Phase 90
The first choice of EVH, Dave Gilmour, Jeff Baxter and Joe Walsh makes this the most collectable phaser in the world
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| This is my original 1974 BUD box script logo Phase 90 as used just about everyone you wanted to sound like when you grew up. So why after 30 years and countless versions and imitations is the original still so sought after?
As MXR launches their custom shop reissue of the script phase 90, I thought I show you what all the fuss was about. We've seen a lot of phasers in Pawn Stars. It's a great effect and used tastefully can add a real textural depth to guitar parts. But this is the one, the daddy, the phaser that everyone is after but few manage to find. Why so popular? Simple. Have a listen to 'Eruption' from EVH, now have a listen to the solo in 'Hotel California'. It's all the same phaser, not to mention that it's been a favourite of David Gilmour's for many years. It seems no matter what sort of music or what sort of guitar (or indeed instrument) you play an original phase 90 has an ability to sound like it was purpose designed for whatever the task may be.
Vintage Mojo
If you notice, I keep mentioning the ORIGINAL phase 90 for a couple of good reasons. This particular version of the phase 90 (script logo) was only made for 3 years between 1974 and 1977. After this time the company changed hands and in an effort to control production costs a downgrading policy was put in place. Thankfully for us the company changed logos at this time making easy for us to spot the early versions which used this script logo while the later units use a block style logo. Does it really make that much difference? Well, unless your ears are sewn on, yes it does. I have compared this first run 74 phase 90 to the later units, and even to modded block logo units and the difference is quiet remarkable. The original has an organic buttery quality that you can hear clearly on the above music examples. It is important to remember that all old phase 90's will sound a little different from each other. The components are over 30 years old, and as the values of the components drift, the pedal acquires its own unique character.
It must be said that many of the transitional period block logo units (look for the block logo with no led's) used the same circuit boards as they were using up what they had in stock, so if you find a block logo phase 90 it still may be a keeper
How much should I pay?
If you really want one, and you should, you'll need to be prepared to trawl for hours on the net to find one. Should one pop up on Ebay, you'll pay at least £200 and if it's in great condition that price just gets higher and higher. However, if you've been a good boy and all the planets are lined up in your favour you may be able to find one for private sale in the U.S.
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