The smallest, the simplest, the best? Why the MXR Phase 90 remains a pedalboard classic, beloved by EVH and Gilmour enthusiasts the world over

MXR Phase 90
(Image credit: Future)

The period between 1973 and 1975 was a significant phase for pedal effects as numerous phase shifters ideal for gigging guitarists emerged on the market.

A handful of great-sounding but bulky units were introduced previously, like the Uni-Vibe and Maestro PS-1A, but this era saw the introduction of numerous guitar-friendly devices.

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Chris Gill

Chris is the co-author of Eruption - Conversations with Eddie Van Halen. He is a 40-year music industry veteran who started at Boardwalk Entertainment (Joan Jett, Night Ranger) and Roland US before becoming a guitar journalist in 1991. He has interviewed more than 600 artists, written more than 1,400 product reviews and contributed to Jeff Beck’s Beck 01: Hot Rods and Rock & Roll and Eric Clapton’s Six String Stories.