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Average Price: $190

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$75

$201+

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Description

Introducing the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter, the unsung hero of vintage phaser effects pedals. This iconic pedal, first produced in 1976, provides musicians with a simplistic yet versatile phasing experience. It is equipped with three set speeds, giving users the power to create a wide range of sonic textures. This pedal is a must-have for those who appreciate a good ol' classic.

Key Features:

  • Category: Musical Instruments > Guitar Pedals & Effects > Phaser Effects Pedals
  • Simple phase shifter with three set speeds
  • Notable for its vintage charm and versatility
  • First produced in 1976
  • Ideal for creating a wide range of phasing effects

Product specs

Brand Maestro
Model Phase Shifter PS-1A
Finish Black
Year 1970s
Made In United States
Categories Phaser Pedals

FAQs

What type of power supply does the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter require?

The Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter is designed to be powered by a standard 9V battery, as it was originally manufactured in the 1970s before modern power supply standards.

How does the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter sound compared to modern phaser pedals?

The Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter is renowned for its warm, vintage analog tone, which is often described as lush and organic, differing from some modern digital phasers that may offer more precision but less warmth.

Is the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter is suitable for live performances, offering a rich, vintage phasing effect that can enhance guitar tones on stage, though its size and battery power requirement should be considered.

Can the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter be used with instruments other than guitar?

While primarily designed for guitar, the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter can also be used with other instruments like keyboards or bass, providing a unique phasing effect across various sound sources.

What are the control options available on the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter?

The Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter features three control knobs for adjusting the depth, rate, and intensity of the phasing effect, allowing for a range of modulation from subtle to pronounced.

Marco Tiraboschi

Marco Tiraboschi

Maestro Oberheim Phase Shifter PS-1A DEMO

Video thumbnail for Maestro Oberheim Phase Shifter PS-1A DEMO by Marco Tiraboschi

Maestro Oberheim Phase Shifter PS-1A DEMO

Marco Tiraboschi

Marco Tiraboschi

Video thumbnail for VIntage Maestro Phase Shifter PS-1A Demo Gravity Music Gear Led Zeppelin by Brad

VIntage Maestro Phase Shifter PS-1A Demo Gravity Music Gear Led Zeppelin

Brad

Brad

Video thumbnail for Maestro PS 1A  Phase Shifter Demo  (clean and distortion) by Guitar Pedal Demos

Maestro PS 1A Phase Shifter Demo (clean and distortion)

Guitar Pedal Demos

Guitar Pedal Demos

Video thumbnail for Maestro PS1A Phase Shifter by fxdoctormedia

Maestro PS1A Phase Shifter

fxdoctormedia

fxdoctormedia

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter.

Features and functionality

  • The smooth transition between speeds when switching off the fast mode while slow mode is on creates a unique braking effect, likened to a jet engine slowing down.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Favored by enthusiasts for its 'early Rush in a box' effect, appealing to fans of classic rock tones.

    Source
  • It is noted that the phaser sound can sometimes feel separate from the instrument, as experienced with a Wurlitzer, yet still delivers a cool effect.

    Source
  • Some users have creatively used the pedal to achieve organ-like sounds with instruments like pedal steel, highlighting its versatility beyond traditional guitar use.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Purchased for $380 plus shipping, seen as a good deal as it included the original box and manual, with prices on Reverb typically higher.

    Source

User experience

  • The pedal's simplicity with three speed settings is appreciated for covering a range of needs without the complexity of additional knobs.

    Source
  • Real owners appreciate its historical significance, linking it to famous tracks like Led Zeppelin's "No Quarter" and Big Star's "I Am the Cosmos."

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Maestro PS-1A is often mistaken for similar-sounding units like the Univibe, but its unique ramping speed feature distinguishes it, enhancing its appeal for Big Star fans.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The rare PS-1B version includes a variable speed knob, offering additional control, unlike the more common PS-1A, which lacks this feature.

    Source

Build quality

  • The pedal's design includes a threaded bottom for microphone stand mounting, indicating its intended use as a table or stand unit rather than a floor pedal.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how George Harrison uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

In a post by harrisonarchive on Instagram, George Harrison is shown with a Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter, highlighting its use during the Extra Texture promotional period.

See how John Paul Jones uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

John Paul Jones

Bassist, Keyboardist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Mixdown Magazine

Jones also notably utilised effects units for his keyboard playing in Led Zeppelin, particularly favouring a Maestro Phase Shifter to emulate various rotary speaker sounds, which can be sitting atop of his keyboard rig in various images from 1973-1979.

See how Alex Lifeson uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Alex Lifeson

Guitarist

Rush

...
Verified via 2112

Which guitars did you use on Rush's first LP, Rush?

I used the 335 and a rented Rickenbacker 12-string. That's it for guitars. I played them through my Marshall 50 with a 4-12 cabinet, and I used a Maestro phase shifter, a Cry Baby wah-wah, and an Echoplex.

Many of your songs have either a phased or a chorus effect.

I like both sounds. Ever since A Farewell To Kings I've used a Roland Boss Chorus. I liked the Maestro phaser as opposed to, say, MXR Phase 90s or 100s; it was a little more subtle than the MXR phase lines. But after I heard the Chorus, I loved it and decided to incorporate it into my music. Hemispheres and Permanent Waves have a lot of Chorus -almost every song has Chorus, since with a three-piece band it tends to widen the guitar sound.

See how Martin L. Gore uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Photo

From the GuitarPlayer article "Depeche Mode's Martin Gore," Gore says, "I also got quite a few Maestro pedals—a PS-1 Phase Shifter, an MPS-1 Mini- Phase, and an FZ-1A Fuzz-Tone—as well as Ross compression and distortion pedals that I used a lot, too."

See how Layne Staley uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Layne Staley

Singer, Guitarist

Alice in Chains

...
Verified via YouTube

At 12:16 , he starts naming all the equipment he's got at home... about four or 5 seconds later he says he has a Flanger, as well as a Phase Shifter at his place.

See how Ray Manzarek uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Ray Manzarek

Singer, Keyboardist

The Doors

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 7:35 in this video of Daryl Hall and The Doors playing Roadhouse Blues for Daryl’s house, you can clearly see Ray Manzarek using the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter, positioned on top of his Vox Continental keyboard.

See how Derek Sherinian uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Derek Sherinian

Keyboardist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via Twitter

On his twitter account, he posted this photo with the pedal given to him by Joe Banamasa.

See how Waylon Jennings uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Waylon Jennings

Singer, Guitarist

The Highwaymen

...
Verified via Mixonline

Jennings was famous for his use of this phaser, particularly on Dreaming My Dreams, as stated by studio engineer Kyle Lehning in this April 27, 2010 Mix Online interview.

On the whole, the Dreaming My Dreams sessions were cut live. (...) "We had a lot of extra instruments around the studio, as well," Lehning continues. "[Waylon] would actually play my electric 12-string from time to time and run it through his Maestro Phaser—though mostly he would play his old leather Telecaster."

Jennings' PS-1A was sold on eBay on October 23, 2018 for $18k.

Waylon Jennings 1970's Maestro PS 1A Phase Shifter with foot switch, this was used live and on recordings. Think the "Dukes of Hazard", "Mammas Don't let your babies grow up to cowboys" thats what this effect is. It works and sounds good. This was obtained from Waylon Jennings personal collection. Comes with documentation. Please see auctions for more Waylon Jennings items.

See how Ernie Isley uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Ernie Isley

Guitarist

The Isley Brothers

...
Verified via Stompbox Book

Used on 3+3, particularly on "That Lady". There are multiple sources:

The Big Muff Users section of Kit Rae's Big Muff Page

A year after that, the funk/soul scene was hammered with the famous solo from the Isley Brothers hit, (Who's) That Lady, played to perfection by Ernie Isley. There are various accounts of what was actually used in the studio, some sources state it was recorded directly into the mixing board with a Strat and Roger Mayer Octavia, but other sources state it was a Big Muff and Maestro Phase Shifter, and Ernie also used a Big Muff and a Maestro Phase Shifter when playing it live throughout the 1970's (the modulation on the record actually sounds identical to the Maestro too).

(the signal) goes through a Cry Baby wah-wah, a Big Muff fuzz, a Maestro Phase Shifter, and an Octavia made by Roger Mayer. - Ernie isley from Guitar Player, September 1981

“On ‘That Lady’ there was a Big Muff, a Maestro Phase Shifter, and a Fender Twin. That was pretty much it.” - Ernie isley from Vintage Guitar magazine, February 2018

Guitar.com, June 18, 2020

“We were working with the same engineers Stevie Wonder was using on what would become Innervisions,” Ernie begins. “We were working on the record that became 3+3. There was a fuzz box and a phase shifter by Maestro, and that was pretty much it. We took it from there. It was fun.”

Stompbox: 100 Pedals of the World's Greatest Guitarists by Elion Paz

“Stompbox” features actual pedals from celebrated guitarists past and present, including Hendrix’s legendary Fuzz Face, the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter used by Ernie Isley, and Marc Bolan’s Vox Clyde McCoy wah-wah. A photo of each pedal is set next to an interview with its owner, and the book broken into sections about history, innovation, design and use cases.

I plugged in, and I discovered the "That Lady" sound right there in Guitar Center. Nobody even turned around. But I knew that I'd discovered a new sound.

See how Terry Kath uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Terry Kath

Singer, Guitarist

Chicago

...
Verified via The Terry Kath Experience

Terry Kath used a Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter, as documented on The Terry Kath Experience website under the "TK's Gear" section.

See how Takashi Mizutani uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Takashi Mizutani

Singer, Guitarist

Les Rallizes Dénudés

...
Verified via Photo

Visible on top of his Echoplex

See how John Foxx uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

John Foxx

Singer, Keyboardist

Ultravox

...
Verified via The Quietus

On June 5th, John Foxx will be taking his group The Maths to the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm London for a one-off performance of his classic album Metamatic. Now, after our feature on Benge's synths was such a hit with you lot, we thought that some of you might like to get warm under the collar and quivery of the finger tip to learn what John Foxx will be packing in the back of the van for the Roundhouse show - please check out the mouthwatering list below, and have a look at some John Foxx & The Maths on YouTube while you're at it. Find out more about this incredible event (which also features a DJ set by Gary Numan and Ade Fenton) at the Roundhouse website. John Foxx'Metatronic best-of is out now.

Synthesizers:

ARP Odyssey x 2, ARP Sequencers x 2, Crumar Multiman, EDP Wasp, Korg MonoPoly, Korg 700, Logan String Machine, Moog Mini x 2, Moog Modular plus Sequencers, Moog Opus 3, Roland Modular System 100m x 10 Modules, Roland SH2, Roland SH-101, Roland Juno 60, Sequential Circuits Multitrack

Drum machines:

Amdek Percussion Synthesiser, Boss Dr Rhythm, Linn Drum, Klone Drum, Roland CR78, Roland TR808

Effects & Processors:

Boss Chorus, Boss Flanger, Boss Phaser, Electro Harmonix electric mistress Flanger, Furman Spring Reverb, Ibanez AD80 Analog Delay, Maestro PS-1 Phase Shifter, Mu-tron Phasor, MXR Phase 100, Roland Space echo RE-201

Other Equipment

Tascam & Revox Analogue Reel to Reel Tape Machines

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 Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

6 alternative and related items for Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter, curated by the Equipboard community.

Maestro Orbit Phaser Pedal

$59.00 - $136.00

newer

An updated version of the legendary Maestro PS-1, this piece of gear has been meticulously re-engineered to meet the demands of today's musicians while retaining all the charm of the original. Expect nothing less than an all-analog phaser that delivers a warm and smooth sound.

Heptode Virtuoso Phase Shifter Pedal

$228.64

similar sound cheaper alternative

According to Heptode;

The Virtuoso Phase Shifter is a boutique recreation of the original Maestro®* PS-1A Phase Shifter, as used in the 1970's by keyboardist John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) and guitarists Steve Howe (Yes), Alex Lifeson (Rush), Ernie Isley (Isley Brothers), among many others.

Oberheim Phasor

 

Vintage or Discontinued cheaper alternative

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