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Average Price: $129

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$75

$201+

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Description

The Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone is a revered classic in the world of phaser effects pedals, known for its rich, swirling soundscapes. Originally introduced in the 1970s, this pedal has made its mark as a staple in the rigs of countless guitarists. The "Black Russian" version is celebrated for its distinctive four-stage phasing circuit, delivering a lush and warm tone that can add depth and dimension to your playing. Whether you're aiming for a subtle modulation to color your sound or a sweeping phase effect to stand out in your mix, the Small Stone offers versatility and character.

Built with simplicity in mind, the control interface consists of just a Rate knob and a Color switch, allowing musicians to easily dial in their desired effect without the hassle of complex settings. This pedal is perfect for both beginners looking to explore the world of modulation effects and seasoned professionals who require a reliable phaser that stands the test of time. Its rugged construction ensures durability, making it a dependable companion for both studio recordings and live performances.

Key Features:

  • Distinctive four-stage phasing circuit for lush and warm tones
  • Simple control interface with Rate knob and Color switch
  • Suitable for both subtle modulation and sweeping phase effects
  • Ideal for a wide range of music genres
  • Rugged construction for reliable use in various settings

Product specs

Brand Electro-Harmonix
Model Russian Small Stone Phase Shifter V3
Finish Black with Uncapitalized Logo
Year 1990s
Categories Phaser Pedals

FAQs

What kind of power supply does the Electro-Harmonix Black Russian Small Stone require?

The Electro-Harmonix Black Russian Small Stone typically requires a 9V battery for operation. Some versions may also accept a standard 9V power adapter for convenience.

How does the Black Russian Small Stone phaser differ from other phaser pedals?

The Black Russian Small Stone is known for its warm, vintage phasing effect with a slightly gritty character, setting it apart from more modern, pristine-sounding phasers.

Can the Black Russian Small Stone be used with a bass guitar?

Yes, the Black Russian Small Stone can be used with a bass guitar, providing a rich and textured phasing effect that complements the lower frequencies well.

Is the Electro-Harmonix Black Russian Small Stone true bypass?

No, the Black Russian Small Stone is not true bypass, which means it may slightly affect your signal when the pedal is off.

What are the controls available on the Black Russian Small Stone phaser pedal?

The Black Russian Small Stone features a simple control layout with a Rate knob to adjust the speed of the phasing effect and a Color switch to change the intensity of the phase shift.

disto

disto

Electro Harmonix Small Stone

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Small Stone by disto

Electro Harmonix Small Stone

disto

disto

Video thumbnail for Small Stone, Big Muff Pi, Black-Gold Volume Wah by Jahn

Small Stone, Big Muff Pi, Black-Gold Volume Wah

Jahn

Jahn

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Small Stone phaser battle - US vs. Sovtec by RetroSound

Electro Harmonix Small Stone phaser battle - US vs. Sovtec

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix russian small stone (black) demo by Stompboxreviews

Electro Harmonix russian small stone (black) demo

Stompboxreviews

Stompboxreviews

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Small Stone Black Russian demo by MSMWorkshop

Electro Harmonix Small Stone Black Russian demo

MSMWorkshop

MSMWorkshop

Video thumbnail for #31 - Russian Big Muff and Small Stone Demo by POSTGUITAR

#31 - Russian Big Muff and Small Stone Demo

POSTGUITAR

POSTGUITAR

Video thumbnail for Vintage Electro-Harmonix Small Stone V3 Black Russian Bubble Font Demo by Shawn Hatfield

Vintage Electro-Harmonix Small Stone V3 Black Russian Bubble Font Demo

Shawn Hatfield

Shawn Hatfield

Video thumbnail for Vintage EHX Electro Harmonix Smallstone Phaser Phase Shifter Russian! by Miles Fisher

Vintage EHX Electro Harmonix Smallstone Phaser Phase Shifter Russian!

Miles Fisher

Miles Fisher

Video thumbnail for ProCo Rat DE True LM308 Vintage mod + Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Phase Shifter V3 Russian by XXBeOriginalXX

ProCo Rat DE True LM308 Vintage mod + Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Phase Shifter V3 Russian

XXBeOriginalXX

XXBeOriginalXX

Reviews

PROS

  • Produces lush, distinct phaser effects

  • Easy to use with minimal controls offering vast sound variation

  • Compatible with modifications for customization

  • Durable construction, built to last

  • Versatile sounds, from subtle phase vibes to intense vibrato

  • Unique vintage aesthetic appeal

  • Works well with other effects, adding depth and texture

  • Can operate on AC adapter or battery with simple access

CONS

  • Noticeable noise, potentially picking up external interference

  • Slight tone suck when engaged or bypassed without modification

  • Non-standard power jack, requiring adaptation

  • Large size may not fit on smaller pedalboards

  • Initial warm-up time before reaching operational status

  • Noticeable drop in dB when activated

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone.

Comparisons

  • The Behringer VP1 is praised for replicating vintage Small Stone tones without volume issues and is noted for its affordability.

    Source
  • The GarageTone Oil Can phaser offers a similar sound to the Small Stone and is available at a lower price point.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some owners note a slight volume drop in nanos, suggesting potential variability in production runs.

    Source
  • The Black Russian Small Stone offers a more complete sweep range than the Nano, especially noticeable in slower settings where the Nano cuts to dry signal at the sweep's bottom.

    Source

User experience

  • Recent Small Stone models have undergone changes in artwork and possibly components post-COVID, affecting user preferences.

    Source
  • The Black Russian version is preferred by some owners for its warm, distinct, and smooth tones, rating it higher than the Nano version.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • There is interest in modding the Nano to replicate the Black Russian's sweep characteristics, but specific mod details are not provided.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 18 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
luiskleiser

A classic must have phaser.

Well, lots of vintage phase tones in this one. Very versatile. You can have a long slow waves or get leslie like tones. My unit does not make any nose or sucks tone in any way; I am almost sure it is true by-pass. You can operate it with an AC adaptor or with a battery (it it will last forever). The battery access is simple and easy too. Built to survive the next crisis in Chernobyl. It does not get a 5 star because of three things: 1.- The unit is quite big; like an old Big Muff. You really need a big pedalboard to make this one fit. 2.- The AC adaptor input is not a standard one but a mini jack. 3.- The first time you turn it on in a session it needs a couple seconds to start working, as if it needed some warming up. After that it works normally. I usually turn it on a few minutes before starting a gig to make sure it will operate correctly. Due to this three things, it seems to be more convenient for studio sessions than for gigging, but that's up to you. Great pedal, a classic must have.

forma_tadre

Creamy Phaser for Synths

Combined with 70s string synths like the Siel Orchestra or the Crumar Performer (adding some L/R delay) this phaser gives you the string sound Jean-Michel Jarre used at the beginning of the original "Oxygene" album.

jimmarchi1

when did I buy this? I have NO idea

back up to the back up I guess... haven't sued the black Russian smallstone in a very long time.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jim Root uses Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone

Jim Root

Guitarist

Slipknot

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Rivera rig tour of Mick Thomson and Jim Root’s rig, an Electro Harmonix Small Stone (more specifically the “Black Russian” iteration) can be spotted in his pedal drawer. It is seen at around 0:24 and he talks about it in more depth a little later in the video.

See how James "Munky" Shaffer uses Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone

James "Munky" Shaffer

Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via Photo

In this detailed gear diagram of Munky's Korn stage setup, you can see the guitarist used an ElectroHarmonix/Sovtek Small Stone Version 3 pedal in his 2002 guitar rig.

See how Clay Parton uses Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone

Clay Parton

Singer, Guitarist

Duster

...
Verified via reddit

In a Reddit post by user gansur, a photo confirms that Clay Parton uses the Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone pedal.

See how Celldweller uses Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone

Celldweller

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Effects Bay

The Small Stone is located on the front right of the second tray

See how Richard Oakes uses Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone

Richard Oakes

Guitarist

Suede

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken in 2011 Richard can be spotted using Electro-Harmonix / Sovtek Small Stone in his pedalboard.

See how Matt Berry uses Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone

Matt Berry

Singer, Guitarist

The Desert Sessions

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this photo used for the back cover of Music for Insomniacs and the back cover of Music for Insomniacs Part IV.

See how Isaiah Ikey Owens uses Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone

Isaiah Ikey Owens

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Mars Volta

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this March 26, 2013 Instagram post.

At my moms finding gear I forgot I own

See how Lucas Hamming uses Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone

Lucas Hamming

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

You can see the pedal next to the Fulltone OCD.

D

Dan Horne

Guitarist

Circles Around the Sun

...
Verified via YouTube

in this YouTube video at 29:53, the video shows Dan Horne's pedal tray and the Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone is shown amongst other pedals

Album Usage

The Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone has been featured on the following albums:

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 Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
3ipol

3ipol

Gear IQ 463

1 alternative for Electro-Harmonix “Black Russian” Small Stone, curated by the Equipboard community.

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