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Average Price: $108

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$75

$201+

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Description

With its quintessential Boss-built enclosure and simplified controls for rate, resonance, and depth, the Boss PH-1R Phaser offers a standout, yet refined, phased analog touch to your musical expression. This versatile pedal is adept at delivering a fully phased audio experience or enhancing the lower frequencies, all while maintaining a noise-free signal. Ideal for genres like psychedelia, stoner rock, or garage, the PH-1R proves to be a vital ally for musicians seeking to add a unique sonic layer to their performances.

Key Features:

  • Streamlined controls for rate, resonance, and depth.
  • Delivers a unique phased analog sound or augments low-end presence without adding noise.
  • Robust Boss enclosure for durability.
  • Ideal for a range of music genres, including psychedelia, stoner rock, and garage.

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model PH-1R Phaser (Black Label)
Finish Green
Year 1980 - 1985
Made In Japan
Categories EQ Pedals, Phaser Pedals

FAQs

What is the main difference between the Boss PH-1 and PH-1R phasers?

The Boss PH-1R Phaser includes a Resonance control, which allows users to adjust the feedback level, creating a more pronounced and customizable phasing effect compared to the original PH-1 model.

Can the Boss PH-1R Phaser be used with a bass guitar?

Yes, the Boss PH-1R Phaser can be used with a bass guitar. It adds a rich, swirling modulation effect that enhances the tonal depth of bass lines.

Where should the Boss PH-1R Phaser be placed in a pedal chain?

The Boss PH-1R Phaser is typically placed after distortion and EQ pedals but before time-based effects like delay and reverb to ensure the modulation effect is applied to the core tone.

What power supply does the Boss PH-1R Phaser require?

The Boss PH-1R Phaser requires a 9V power supply, which can be provided by a standard 9V battery or an appropriate AC adapter.

Is the Boss PH-1R Phaser suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Boss PH-1R Phaser is well-suited for live performances, offering reliable construction and a versatile phasing effect that can enhance various musical styles on stage.

shnobel

shnobel

Vintage MIJ Boss Phaser PH-1r

Video thumbnail for Vintage MIJ Boss Phaser PH-1r by shnobel

Vintage MIJ Boss Phaser PH-1r

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for Boss Phasers Through The Years (PH-1, PH-1r, PH-2, PH-3) by Middle Aged Gear Junkie

Boss Phasers Through The Years (PH-1, PH-1r, PH-2, PH-3)

Middle Aged Gear Junkie

Middle Aged Gear Junkie

Video thumbnail for MXR PHASE 90 VS BOSS PH-1R PHASER by KRAZEEIZATION

MXR PHASE 90 VS BOSS PH-1R PHASER

KRAZEEIZATION

KRAZEEIZATION

Video thumbnail for The Japanese Pedal Show: Boss PH-1R MAYBE THE BEST PHASER EVER by Clifton Wright

The Japanese Pedal Show: Boss PH-1R MAYBE THE BEST PHASER EVER

Clifton Wright

Clifton Wright

Video thumbnail for BOSS PH-1R Phaser Demo by Pepe Music

BOSS PH-1R Phaser Demo

Pepe Music

Pepe Music

Video thumbnail for Boss PH-1R Phaser by Pedal Sessions

Boss PH-1R Phaser

Pedal Sessions

Pedal Sessions

Video thumbnail for VINTAGE BOSS PH-1r PHASER by The Pedal Picassos

VINTAGE BOSS PH-1r PHASER

The Pedal Picassos

The Pedal Picassos

Video thumbnail for BOSS PH-3 vs PH-1r Phaser by Pedal Science

BOSS PH-3 vs PH-1r Phaser

Pedal Science

Pedal Science

Video thumbnail for Test Boss PH-1R Phaser Year 1983 by TooNyTooN

Test Boss PH-1R Phaser Year 1983

TooNyTooN

TooNyTooN

Reviews

PROS

  • Emulates the "Big Joe" phaser sound with a preferred soft rubber switch

  • Natural sounding compared to Boss PH-3

  • Wide sweep and tonal range for versatile phasing effects

  • Achieves both vibrato and Leslie-type sounds effectively

  • Lush phasing with wide rate knob range and adjustable depth

  • Resonance control adds unique texture and low-end capability

  • Defined, warm, and never invasive sound quality

  • Sounds better before overdrives in signal chain

CONS

  • Not a true bypass pedal, can introduce unwanted noise when off

  • May have a higher volume output compared to other pedals, potentially requiring modification

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss PH-1R Phaser.

Features and functionality

  • The PH-1R offers a range of phasing from 100 ms to 16 seconds, optimal between 11 and 1 o'clock for subtle effects.

    Source
  • The PH-1r is noted for its lush and rich sound, though it is less subtle and transparent compared to the MXR Phase 90 or 95.

    Source
  • The MD-200 offers a "shiny" phaser sound, which some find artificial compared to the PH-1, suggesting a digital brightness in multi-effect pedals.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note that the PH-1R can mimic a vibe effect, unlike Phase 90s and Small Stones, but doesn't reach "zero point."

    Source
  • The Boss PH-2, at a lower price, offers smoother psychedelic tones with mode 1, while mode 2 provides a more pronounced sound.

    Source
  • The EHX Nano Small Stone is highlighted for its warm or intense resonant tones, offering an alternative to the MXR with a lower frequency sweep.

    Source
  • MXR Phase 95 reportedly comes closer to the PH-1 sound than the MD-200, despite differences in tonal characteristics.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Best used with resonance at 7-8 o'clock for subtle phasing, achieving a vibe-like tone with low resonance and high depth at faster speeds.

    Source
  • The PH-1r is preferred for swells, washes of noise, and adding texture, making it ideal for psychedelic and shoegazey styles.

    Source
  • The MD-200's inclusion of a Slicer effect evokes Four Tet-like sounds, appealing to experimental music creators.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Operating on both 9V and 12V power, the only noticeable difference is the LED brightness.

    Source
  • Owners suggest a simple mod to convert the pedal for 9V use, or alternatively, daisy chain it with another 9V Boss pedal for power compatibility.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Purchased for 99 euros second-hand, indicating a strong resale market for this vintage pedal.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
jpgauthier

Very nice but not recommended for live use

Very nice sounding pedal ! But I can't recommend it for live use. One day on stage, the soundman said to me : "Maaaaan... I can hear a kind of wobble... don't know where it come from". The Phaser was OFF. I turned the speed button and we heard the wobbling sound going slower or faster in the speakers. So it is NOT a true bypass pedal (like all non-WAZA Boss pedals). So I bought the Retro-Sonic Phaser : true bypass, based on the Boss PH-1R and the 4-stage Script 90 circuit.

musicnerdhead

Make A Big Difference For Classic

My Grandfather Have One Of This Effect Pedal. My Opinion It Make The Sound Of The Guitar Much More Clarified Or Much Clean.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Derek Sherinian uses Boss PH-1R Phaser

Derek Sherinian

Keyboardist

Dream Theater

...
Verified via Twitter

On his twitter account, he posted this photo which includes many other pedals.

See how Roberto Burgos uses Boss PH-1R Phaser

Roberto Burgos

Singer, Guitarist

Sweet Trip

...
Verified via Photo

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ECU6lBKXN/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZURI9VIoUlk - at 46:55 into this video Roberto says: "Yeah actually, one of my favorite pedals is the Boss phaser pedal from the 80’s, the green box that literally has the three knobs on it."

See how Chuck Ragan uses Boss PH-1R Phaser

Chuck Ragan

Singer

Hot Water Music

...
Verified via Photo

You can see this pedal and bunch of other gear in a photo from Chuck's instagram. It looks like he has this pedal on his pedalboard

See how Al McKay uses Boss PH-1R Phaser

Al McKay

Guitarist, Composer

Earth, Wind & Fire

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 1:13 Al McKay's all-BOSS pedalboard shows a PH-1R on the right hand side of the board.

See how Koji Nakamura uses Boss PH-1R Phaser

Koji Nakamura

Singer, Guitarist

SUPERCAR

...
Verified via Photo

Koji Nakamura used the Boss PH-1R Phaser guitar pedal during his time with the band Supercar, specifically during the Futurama tour

See how Anthony Marinelli uses Boss PH-1R Phaser

Anthony Marinelli

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 46:24 in the video "My Synth Studio Revealed | Studio Tour 2025" by Anthony Marinelli Music on YouTube, Anthony Marinelli's setup is shown to include a couple of Boss PH-1R Phaser pedals, positioned on the same rack with a collection of other pedals.

B

Brian Nash

Guitarist

Frankie Goes to Hollywood

...
Verified via Muzines

Brian Nash is sponsored by Washburn and also plays a Fender Strat through a Sony radio link and a Roland JC120 with a Roland SCC pedalboard containing a DD2 delay, CE3 chorus, SD1 overdrive, TW1 wah-wah, GE7 graphic, NF1 noise gate and a PH1R phaser.

See how Paul Jan Bakker uses Boss PH-1R Phaser

Paul Jan Bakker

Guitarist

Kane

...
Verified via Photo

In this pic you can spot this pedal

See how Bill Nace uses Boss PH-1R Phaser

Bill Nace

Guitarist

Body/Head

...
Verified via Typepad

During a Body/Head performance, Bill Nace is seen using the Boss PH-1R Phaser, as documented in the Typepad source.

See how Zoloto uses Boss PH-1R Phaser

Zoloto

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In the image provided, Zoloto is clearly seen using the Boss PH-1R Phaser, and he has mentioned that he utilizes it during concerts.

See how Ron Anderson uses Boss PH-1R Phaser

Ron Anderson

Singer, Guitarist

Ronruins

...
Verified via Photo

Facebook photo of Ron's 2018 PAK tour rig

See how Kevin Doria uses Boss PH-1R Phaser

Kevin Doria

Guitarist

Growing

...
Verified via self-titled

In an article by Self-Titled Magazine, Kevin Doria is pictured using the Boss PH-1R Phaser, confirming its inclusion in his live setup at the time.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss PH-1R Phaser, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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