MXR Flanger
Last month we looked at probably the greatest phaser of all time, the script logo phase 90 from MXR. After all of the emails I received asking about other great MXR pedals of that era I simply had to bring this puppy out of retirement for us all to bask in its tripped out psycadelic glory |  |
| MXR Innovations
This is an original MXR flanger from 1979 as used by EVH and Randy Rhoads which has earned this pedal the reputation as possibly the greatest rock flanger of all time. In a sonic shootout of all my ridiculous collection of flangers, the MXR and the EH Electric Mistress certainly stand out as having some special quality that's difficult to put your finger on. The MXR in particular produces frequencies that sound warm and huge, but still manage to cut through even the heaviest of mixes. This is amazing not only because this flanger is knocking on 30 years old, but also because it was designed to be a budget mass-produced effect.
Vintage V New
As we all now know, MXR changed hands in 1978 and changed their logo from the script to this block style, so why is this particular example so collectable? By the time the take over was complete, the design of this pedal was already finished. This is the first flanger MXR produced and as such is very sought after. (Collectors tip). All the new circuit designs used an on/off led indicator so if it's a block logo pedal that doesn't have an led, it's pretty much identical to a script version as they were still using the stock of old circuit boards well into 79. But what does all this mean? - Everything and absolutely nothing. Who cares when it was made or what logo it uses. As a musician this should not be your criteria for deciding to buy one of these things. You need to use your ears and see if it delivers the sound that turns you on. What it DOES deliver is tones that are instantly recognisable if you're an EVH or Randy Rhoads fan. When I first heard "Unchained" by Van Halen I thought "So that's what a flanger sounds like". So it's not that other manufacturers offerings are better or worse, but certainly this is the flanger that triggers that emotion for many of us, and it's this trigger that keeps the pushing the prices of these effects through the roof.
How much should I pay?
For an original example in this condition you can expect to pay £100, but that's if you can find one. If you can't, do not fear. Even tho I prefer the original, the reissue of this pedal is excellent. MXR have kept as close to the original design as possible including using a bucket-brigade delay device, which is the secret to its authentic and exceptional tone.
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