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Last updated: 19 Aug 2021

The Best Guitar Phaser Pedals Amazon Has to Offer

Best Overall
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Rowin Guitar Phaser Pedal
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Runner-Up
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lotmusic Vintage Phaser Pedal
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Honorable Mention
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Donner Multi Effect Guitar Phaser Pedal
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Also Consider
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Behringer Vintage Guitar Phaser Pedal
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By Jack Stoneybrook
Published 8:07 pm

Do you ever hear those musicians play those swirling sound effect riffs on Instagram and wonder how do they do it? Well, one way to do that now is to use a cool VST plugin. However, back then, it was only possible through a guitar phaser pedal or a similar piece of hardware. That particular effect that appeared back in the 1960s is now also known as flanger and the pure 'phaser' has become another thing - it's a string of low and high frequencies and these frequencies are further modulated to create that moving, swirling sound effect. You can either get your hands on a multi-effect guitar processor for this or get your hands on a separate phaser pedal for your pedalboard. This article lists the Best Guitar Phaser Pedals in 2021 that are available in the market. At the end of this article, we'll hook you up with relevant information that will help you zero in on a reliable, good pedal without having to break your bank!

Best Guitar Phaser Pedal

1

Rowin Guitar Phaser Pedal

– Best Overall
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THE SCOOP

The most inexpensive noise gate pedal on the list. This model is the perfect pick for those looking to add some guitar phasing effects to their pedal board.

Key Features

This phase pedal has a small size body, light weight, suitable for outside gigs, powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package). It’s easy to carry and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Some users have reported issues with the sound of the pedals when they are plugged into an external power source. The built-in noise reduction technology is designed to reduce noises common with phase circuits.  They come with a lifetime guarantee that will give you peace of mind for the duration of their use.

2

lotmusic Vintage Phaser Pedal

– Runner-Up
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THE SCOOP

Consider this pedal a modern replica of the pedal that made Eddie Van Halen’s Sound (the first famous use of a Phaser pedal). It creates that eerie phase, wide space effect beautifully and takes you back to the 70s!

In addition, this phaser pedal comes integrated with a noise reduction gate as well as bypass switching that can help you maintain your true signal when you want it! It comes with a speed knob, input-output jacks, true bypass, and is made up of metal!

Pros
  • It comes integrated with a noise reduction
  • It’s made up of metal and is a breeze to carry
  • Available in more than a dozen colors; 16
Cons
  • It requires a separate power cable to run; doesn’t use a battery
3

Donner Multi Effect Guitar Phaser Pedal

– Honorable Mention
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THE SCOOP

This pedal chain features a unique 3-in-1 approach to producing sound from a variety of sources.

Key Features

This behringer has a dedicated rate control for fine-tuning of effects speed and tone, status led for effect on/off, true hard-wire bypass for ultimate signal integrity. It also comes with a separate color switch for fine-tuning of effects speed and tone. The sound is authentic and classic three dimensional phase shifting—from rapid rotary speaker to impressive jet plane effects. And it’s designed to compete head to head with leading products on the market. A dedicated rate control for fine-tuning of effects speed and tone, status led for effect on/off, true hard-wire bypass for ultimate signal integrity.

4

Behringer Vintage Guitar Phaser Pedal

– Also Consider
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THE SCOOP

This bad boy is an excellent vintage-style phase shifter and is modeled after the classic analog phasers. It offers authentic and classic three-dimensional phase shifting; from impressive jet plane sound to the rapid rotatory speaker.

It comes with dedicated rate control and offers a separate switch for fine-tuning of effects tone and speed! Also, if you decide to bypass things along the way, it features a true hard-wire bypass for excellent signal integrity. 

Pros
  • This Behringer phaser pedal only costs $36 but is designed to compete head to head with leading high-end products on the market
  • It comes with an excellent bypass feature for true signal integrity
  • It offers the classic three-dimensional phase shifting for that versatile sound
  • Runs on a 9V battery as well as a power supply
Cons
  • It gets a bit muddy and you may lose volume while hitting it in the middle of the tone
5

MXR M101 Guitar Phaser Pedal

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THE SCOOP

One of the best guitar effects pedals on the market, the MXR M101 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal is a timeless phase shifter used on many classic recordings. It best operates with polaroid 9V batteries but you can also get your hands on a power supply to run it smoothly. 

If you’re looking for a warm analog tone, but don’t want to spend too much money on it, then this is the perfect pick. It has a rich warm sound that adds shimmery velocity and dramatic swooshing to your tone.

Pros
  • Works with both; batteries and power supply
  • It delivers a rich, warm analog tone under $80
Cons
  • If you play through a dirty/overdrive channel and turn the pedal on, you may notice a dramatic change in the output level
6

JOYO JF-06 Vintage Guitar Phase Effect Pedal

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THE SCOOP

If you’re looking to replicate the true phaser effect of the 70s, 80s – this is the guitar phaser pedal you should be going for! It has a simple design, pedal interface, runs on 9V batteries, and features true bypass wiring.

It’s loaded with quality components, has just a single knob – some people think it’s too big for a single knob but given the nice and thin sound it produces, we’re sold. Get it if you’re looking for a cool phaser pedal within the $35 range!

Pros
  • With this thing, your sound can go from underwater to fresh presence and depth in a matter of minutes
  • It delivers fantastic long and slow phases
Cons
  • It can be a bit noisy but does the job

Best Guitar Phaser Pedals Buying Guide

A guitar phaser pedal can help you produce that swirling, moving sound out of your guitar, first heard back in the 60s through the 80s. Into the waters, onto the subtle beauty, back into the depths - that's what you get from these bad boys.

If you haven't had a hands-on experience with pedals yet or used a phaser before, this section will hook you up with everything you need to know about this cool gadget! Let's dig in.

Things You Should Consider When Buying A Guitar Phaser Pedal

When shopping for a guitar pedal phasing unit, you want to be sure to find one that is easy to use and can provide the sound you’re looking for. One way to be sure of this is going through the customer reviews prior to putting a pin on your purchase. You can also scour through the product's description and more often than not, you'll find your answer out there.

In addition to the customer reviews, the following are a few primary factors that you must take into consideration before buying a guitar phaser pedal:

Battery-Powered/Power Adapter

The phaser pedals are compact in size, there's no issue with them being portable design-wise. You may put one of these on your truck, in your RV, in the trunk of your car, or even in the backseat. However, what defines true portability for gadgets like amps or pedals is the ability to run these through a battery. If a guitar phaser pedal is only powered through a power adapter, it'll ultimately limit your use of the pedal. 

Therefore, make sure you look for a guitar phaser pedal that can be powered by a battery or gives you an option to switch between the battery and power cable so you can have it by your side on the go - especially if you're fond of impromptu jam sessions. 

Phaser Effect

Every guitar phaser pedal will come with a brief description of what it's meant to sound like. From Edward Van Halen to switchable vintage and modern voicings, only go for a phaser pedal that serves your purpose!  

Bypass Button

The bypass button is very important - especially if you'll be playing live and switching from your normal gear to the phaser pedal in front of an audience. A true-wired bypass button has to be there so you can completely keep the phaser off throughout the song and you're able to turn it back on to play a nice riff or such. 

Controls/Sounds

Some phaser pedals out there will have minimal housing - just a single speed knob to do all the sound wizardry. However, a few out there may have a few more controls (2-3) to help you achieve a number of functions. This could be delay, reverb, rain, mix, vibrato, and such.

If you're looking for the phaser effect, it's best that you keep things simple and go with a pedal that's easy to use!

Why Do I Need A Guitar Phaser Pedal?

The phaser effects are considered as one of the earliest guitar effects. Phasers or phase shifters were originally made to simulate the sound of rotating organ speakers. Once the original phaser was done and dusted, the players found that they could make other cool sounds too that works by using special filters that change the frequencies filtered over time - this is what creates the soft, moving sound that phasers are now famous for!

You need a guitar phaser effect if you're looking for that boomy, swirling, moving sound right of your guitar. There's not really a need to get your hands on a phaser specifically for recording/mixing purposes since that can be achieved through DAW plugins and VSTs. However, when you're playing live, you'll want to avoid all that live sound engineering drudgery and you can just plug your guitar into a phaser pedal to achieve the desired sound!

What Is The Function Of The Primary Controls on Phaser Pedals?

Most modern phasers now have 1- 4 controls. These may include rate, depth, resonance, and effect level. However, a few of the pedals like JOYO-06 or MXR M101 can help you have all these controls under a single knob! 

The labels of these controls may be different in some phase pedals, however, more or less, you'll be achieving a somewhat similar sound. Here's a brief overview of what each individual control does so you can make an even better decision while purchasing:

Rate

The rate control helps make the sweep faster or slower. It determines how fast the effect should kick in! A lower rate would mean you'll get that phaser effect with a bit of delay. A higher rate will help you get that sound quicker.

Depth

Depth makes the effect more intense - that's exactly why this control is sometimes called intensity. 

Resonance

Resonance, as clear by the label, emphasizes and plays with some certain tones while you're in the sweep. A higher resonance will make the tone more profound and rich.

Stage/Effect Level

Classic and vintage phaser pedals have different amounts of phase shift stages - this is what's done when you play the effect level or stage knob. The higher the stage setting (mode), the more swirling and thinner sound you'll be able to get.

How Much Does A Guitar Phaser Pedal Cost?

The price of a guitar phaser pedal starts at around $30 and it goes as high as $200 - maybe even higher in some cases. However, you can get your hands on a reliable, excellent-sounding phase shifter guitar pedal in around $100. The low-end models, below $50 might not offer you the same freedom and room to play as the high-end ones. 

Best Guitar Phaser Pedal FAQ

Q: What is a guitar pedal phasing pedal?

A: A guitar effect pedal, also known as a phase shifter, is used to produce a guitar effect that produces a robotic, swirling, digital rainy sound. Its intensity varies and it comes with a bunch of controls as well so you get to control the final sound.

Q: What is the difference between a flanger and phaser?

A: The line between a flanger and a phaser is blurry - as we mentioned in the beginning. Both these guitar effects have significant overlap and you can make them sound alike with only a few tweaks. One particular difference is that phasers create the sound they do using high-pass filters and the flanger does it by duplicating the incoming audio signal and coupling it with delay. 

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By Jack Stoneybrook
Jack has been a touring guitarist for almost 20 years, playing in a number of country music and rock bands. Jack loves the road and defines himself as a never-ending student of the guitar and other important instruments or tools that make a musician.
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