Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $190

Standard/Professional

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Isao Tomita uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Isao Tomita

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via AMAZONA.de

Interview German Synth Mag Amazona.de: Als wenn das alles nicht bereits eine gewisse Materialschlacht wäre, nein, auch die Abteilung Effektgeräte war reichhaltig bestückt. Eventide Phaser, Flanger und Harmonizer, Binson Echorec 2, Fender Dimention IV, Maestro Phase Shifter, AKG BX10 und BX20 Echo, Roland PH-830 Phaser und RV-800 Reverb, Leslie 147 Rotary Speaker Cabinet, Lexicon Prime Time und 224.

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

John Martyn

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified

A PS-1A is visible throughout this excerpt of Series 4, Episode 15 of the The Old Grey Whistle Test (aired January 17, 1975), with an explicit closeup at 0:56 at Martyn's prompting.

See how Ian Fowles uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Ian Fowles

Guitarist

The Aquabats

...
Verified via Photo

Ian Fowles used a Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter on the record, as noted in his Instagram post.

See how Michio Kurihara uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Michio Kurihara

Guitarist

YBO²

...
Verified via Photo

Michio posted this photo of his pedals to Twitter, November 2021

See how Ella Feingold uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Ella Feingold

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Ella Feingold uses the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter, as evidenced by a photo she posted of her live pedalboard on her Instagram stories, where the pedal is clearly visible at the bottom left.

See how Anthony Marinelli uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Anthony Marinelli

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "My Synth Studio Revealed | Studio Tour 2025," Anthony Marinelli is seen discussing the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter at 29:50, where it is placed on the top row of the Korg MS Series Wall.

See how Joseph D'Agostino uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Joseph D'Agostino

Guitarist

Cymbals Eat Guitars

...
Verified via Photo

In a July 2018 Instagram post by Empty Country, Joseph D'Agostino is shown using the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter.

See how Christopher Thorn uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Christopher Thorn

Guitarist

Blind Melon

...
Verified via Archive

In this Guitar Geek page you can see all the Christopher Thorn's Pedalboard.

See how Jean-Luc Ponty uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Jean-Luc Ponty

Violinist

The Mahavishnu Orchestra

...
Verified via Eventideaudio

During Jean-Luc Ponty’s takeover of the Eventide Effects blog, he discusses his early effects use, including the Maestro PS-1A.

The first effect I got was a Maestro phase shifter, with 3 different speeds, switching speeds gave a similar effect to what the Hammond organ did with the Leslie, either speeding up or slowing down the vibrato effect while playing.

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

John Cipollina

Guitarist

Quicksilver Messenger Service

...
Verified via Photo

This unit can be seen on the left side of John's SG.

See how John Carroll Kirby uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

John Carroll Kirby

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Instagram

In a live performance video posted by Stones Throw on Instagram, John Carroll Kirby uses the Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter.

See how Tyler Armstrong uses Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter

Tyler Armstrong

Guitarist

The Band Feel

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "A Vintage Guitar Parade with The Band Feel's Tyler Armstrong | Rig Rundown" by Premier Guitar, at 51:47, Tyler Armstrong showcases a Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter as part of his rig setup.

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.

Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble Chorus Effects Pedals
2
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedals
2
Boss OC-2 Octaver
Boss OC-2 Octaver Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
2
Moog Modular Synthesizer
Moog Modular Synthesizer Modular Synthesizers
2
Boss BF-2 Flanger
Boss BF-2 Flanger Flanger Effects Pedals
2
E-Mu Emulator II
E-Mu Emulator II Synthesizers
1
Roland RE-201 Space Echo
Roland RE-201 Space Echo Effects Processors
1

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

$229.28

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

More Maestro Phaser Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides