MXR M101 Phase 90

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$89.00 to $99.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (559)

2 Critic Reviews

85 Reviews

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309 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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4.5 (60)

$99.99 $97.99 $2.00

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4.5 (51)

$99.99

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4.7 (1100)

$96.99

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5.0 (177)

$90.00 152 available New

$50.00 104 available Used

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4.0 (142)

$99.99

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5.0 (12)

$99.99

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4.7 (426)

$89.00

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£99.00

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Average Price: $90

Standard/Professional

$75

$201+

Price Tier

In the Phaser Effects Pedals category, MXR M101 Phase 90 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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MXR M101 Phase 90: The Quintessential Phaser Pedal

The MXR M101 Phase 90 stands as a beacon in the world of musical effects. This iconic phaser pedal has been the tonal secret weapon for legendary artists such as Eddie Van Halen and Dave Grohl, delivering a lush, unique sound that is both vintage and timeless. Whether you're looking to add a subtle shimmer to your solos or a deep, undulating effect to your chords, the Phase 90 can handle it all.

The Phase 90 is revered for its simple, single-knob design. This singular control allows you to seamlessly transition from a slow, spacious phase to a fast, watery warble, making it a versatile tool for guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, and vocalists alike.

Built to withstand the rigors of the road, the Phase 90 features a rugged metal casing and non-slip rubber base. It is powered by a single 9V battery or an optional power adapter, and features a status LED to ensure you're never caught off guard by a low battery.

Whether you're just beginning to build your pedalboard or looking to add a legendary tone-shaping tool to your rig, the MXR M101 Phase 90 is a must-have. Experience the pedal that has shaped the sound of rock guitar and continues to inspire musicians around the world.

Key Features:

Simple, single knob operation
Versatile phaser effects, from subtle and spacious to fast, watery warble
Suitable for guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals
Durable metal casing and non-slip rubber base
Can be powered by a 9V battery or optional power adapter
Status LED for power indication
Made in the USA
Used and loved by legendary musicians over the decades

Product specs

Pedal Type	Phaser
Analog/Digital	Analog
Inputs	1 x 1/4" (instrument)
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
Bypass Switching	True Hardwire
Power Source	9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Power Usage	5mA
Batteries	1 x 9V
Height	1.25"
Width	2.25"
Depth	4.25"
Weight	0.84 lbs.

FAQs

What kind of power supply does the MXR M101 Phase 90 require?: The MXR M101 Phase 90 can be powered by a 9V DC power supply or a 9V battery. The power supply is sold separately and requires 5mA of power usage.
Is the MXR Phase 90 suitable for a beginner guitarist?: Yes, the MXR Phase 90 is suitable for beginners due to its simple one-knob design, which makes it easy to use while providing classic phaser effects.
Does the MXR M101 Phase 90 work well with bass guitars?: Yes, the MXR M101 Phase 90 can be used with bass guitars, offering a rich, swirling phase effect that complements both bass and electric guitars.
What are the tonal characteristics of the MXR Phase 90?: The MXR Phase 90 provides a classic phaser sound, ranging from subtle, spatial shimmer to intense, high-velocity swooshing, making it versatile for various musical styles.
What is the bypass type of the MXR M101 Phase 90?: The MXR M101 Phase 90 features true hardwire bypass, ensuring that your guitar's signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.

Equipboard's Expert Review

Equipboard tested this

Classic Phaser with Iconic Tone

The MXR M101 Phase 90 is a pedal that has earned its place in the pantheon of classic guitar effects. We found it to be a stalwart addition to any pedalboard, thanks to its robust build and iconic sound.

Right out of the box, the Phase 90 impresses with its solid construction. It’s built like a tank, with a heavy-duty metal casing that’s sure to withstand the rigors of the road. The bright orange color is a nice touch too, making it easy to spot on a dimly lit stage.

One of the standout features of the Phase 90 is its simplicity. With just a single knob to control the speed of the phase sweep, it’s incredibly user-friendly. This minimalistic approach is both a blessing and a curse; while it makes the pedal straightforward to use, it also limits its versatility. If you’re looking for a phaser with more tweakable parameters, this might not be the one for you.

When it comes to sound quality, the Phase 90 delivers that classic Van Halen tone we’ve all come to love. It works beautifully with both clean and dirty tones, adding a rich, swirling texture. However, we did notice a slight volume boost when the pedal is engaged, which can be either a pro or a con depending on your setup. Some users might find this boost adds a bit of liveliness, while others might feel the need to modify the pedal for a more even performance.

The MXR Phase 90 is perfect for guitarists seeking a reliable, no-frills phaser with a legendary sound. However, if you need more versatility or are sensitive to volume changes, you might want to explore other options. For us, its classic tone and sturdy build make it a worthwhile investment.

Rated 5

Videos

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Reviews

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PROS

Simple, one-knob operation for easy use
Durable and sturdy build quality
Compatible with both battery and external power supply
Versatile range from subtle to intense phasing effects
Recognizable and vibrant orange exterior
Adds color and depth to both clean and distorted signals
Well-suited for guitarists of all skill levels
Adds a unique character to guitar solos and rhythm parts
Iconic pedal with a classic sound, ideal for Van Halen, Rush, and Incubus tones
Can be modded for customized sound preferences

CONS

Known to cause a volume boost when engaged
Limited control with only one speed knob
May introduce unwanted distortion at higher settings
Not as tweakable as some players would prefer
Some users find it less suitable for certain musical styles

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR M101 Phase 90.

Features and functionality

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The MXR Phase 90 Block version includes feedback/resonance, resulting in a more aggressive sound compared to the subtler Script version.
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The MXR Phase 95 is highlighted for its ability to emulate all phase types, making it a versatile choice over the EVH model.
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Use cases and applications

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The Script Phase 90 is preferred by owners for classic country Western sound due to its subtle swooshing phase sweep.
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The Phase 90 is noted to produce a more pronounced effect on bass guitars, adding a mid boost that enhances the overall sound.
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Comparisons

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The Phase 95 is recommended for its flexibility, allowing users to switch between Script and Block phaser modes, which cater to different musical styles.
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The Bad Stone phaser offers a more even volume transition from off to on compared to the Phase 90, which users note has a slight volume boost when engaged.
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The MXR EVH model combines the Phase 90 Block and Script versions, but the Phase 95 is favored for its additional Phase 45 sounds, providing more versatility.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some users modify the Custom Shop Script 45 reissue for 9v power and add an LED for better usability on pedal boards.
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The Analogman-modded Phase 90 '74 reissue CSP 026 includes an LED and power supply for enhanced functionality and is described as having a notably "chewy" sound.
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Setup and maintenance

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Users find that running the Phase 90 through an amp's effects loop requires careful pedal setup to avoid issues like unwanted noise or volume changes.
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User experience

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Some users experience a significant volume boost, described as "quadrupling," when the pedal is engaged, which can impact usability.
Source

Critic Reviews

MXR Phase 90 Pedal Review

shais-music.wixsite.com

The MXR Phase 90 is a pedal that divides opinion. While its simplicity and distinctive character offer a certain charm, it lacks depth or blend control, which can lead to a harsh, uncompromising sound. The reviewer notes it can be a "tone sucker," losing high-end frequencies when chained with other non-true bypass pedals. Despite these flaws, the reviewer acknowledges its unique "shitty artifacts" and volume boost as part of its allure, suggesting it feels almost like an uncontrollable instrument. A love-it-or-hate-it pedal, the Phase 90 has its quirks, but for those who appreciate its raw, unrefined nature, it remains a staple.

neutral

Full Review

A Favorite of Eddie Van Halen, the MXR Phase 90 Smeared Its Luscious Tones Over Countless Classic Recordings | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The MXR M101 Phase 90 is a quintessential phaser pedal that has stood the test of time, beloved by legends like Eddie Van Halen and David Gilmour. It's praised for its affordability and simplicity, with a single control knob delivering that classic swirling sound with ease. While it's more dramatic than its sibling, the Phase 45, it's less cumbersome than the Phase 100, making it a favorite among guitarists. However, the original models suffer from "tone suck" due to the lack of true bypass, which can affect your sound when the pedal is off. Despite this, the Phase 90 remains a staple for its iconic tone and historical significance in rock music.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 85 Reviews and 559 Ratings

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2 star

1 star

pariahrob

240

over 8 years ago

Simple but effective

Not too much to say about this pedal. It's orange, it has one big, foot adjustable control, it sounds everything from subtle to immense. What's not to love. So many uses, from a little extra dynamic movement to full on screaming movement for lead work. Sounds very different depending on where in the chain you put it, or if it goes in the loop, so experiment to see what you like. Can be more dramatic in front of the preamp, or less so in the loop after your delay.

brandon_adams

110

about 11 years ago

Best, simplest phaser ever

This is an incredibly simple pedal, obviously, with the single knob controlling primarily speed, though I suspect it changes something about the resonance or feedback or something along those lines. I notice the tone of the phaser changing as the speed increases and decreases (in a good way, I mean). The only issue I've ever had with it is the volume boost that happens as soon as you turn the phaser on. I've fixed that with my pedal-switching controller now, so the output is the same when bypassed and when on. It also distorts a little with higher output guitars, but I kind of like the grit it adds to the guitar tone.

stevo_guitaro

472

about 3 years ago

Swooshy Goodness

Swooshy goodness from MXR. Easy to dial in with only one knob. You just know if you need a phase 90!

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Rock Blues Electric blues

guitardeek

over 8 years ago

Classic Pink Floyd sounds

I'm mostly an acoustic guitar player, who has owned a Strat for 17 years. Now, I'm finally starting to really learn about playing electric and what tones I want on a pedalboard. This Phase 90 is just the 3rd pedal I bought since 1999. I really like it as a subtle effect when turned on, but with the speed dial all the way down. When I'm feeling like having a more noticeable phase sound, I'll turn it 1/4 way up with dial pointing to the left. It's quite dramatic higher than that, and I do that for fun sometimes, but it's not what I like to hear. Great pedal and almost a key for rock music. I like dialing it in with both clean and gain/distortion sounds. I recommend this pedal.

ryanleu

1229

about 4 years ago

Good Pedal for a Great Price

Does what it's intended to do. Just wish I had more controls to fine-tune the phaser. However I don't use it that much as it is. Would still recommend this pedal for first time users.

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Rock New Wave Alternative rock

From Gear Setup

atr89

210

over 11 years ago

Simple yet complete. Great phaser.

My oldest pedal. I really love that this is really straight forward. Only one knob to dial your phase rate. From a slow sweep at it's lowest setting, to a middle setting sound Incubus-like and a full turn that sounds kind of a Leslie speaker. This is one of the most simpler yet most complete pedals I've ever tried. A must if you are looking to dial some Einziger tones. :)

john_sander

184

about 11 years ago

Quintessential phasing sound

Tagline just about says it. Great for solos or adding ambiance to sustained chords. Goes from slight warble to controlled chaos. The enclosure is super rugged. LED and 9V jack are great additions. Not much more to say.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Emo Indie rock

meerootz

640

almost 5 years ago

Phase, phase, phase.

I just love this pedal. Sure you can't use it all the time... But it can create wonderful colors. I use it on bass in acoustic trios, and rock bands. WARNING! It's addictive.

Roles:

Bassist Composer

Genres:

Rock Orchestra Jazz

From Gear Setup

ethan_lawson

389

almost 5 years ago

Classic for a reason

Sounds great! Definitely does what it's supposed to do. Simple, orange, awesome.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Drummer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Metal

noah_quiles

142

over 9 years ago

Simple, not a broad range

I have found very few uses for the Phase 90, but I've been able to truly create an amazing sound when I've felt the ability to incorporate it into my playing. In my experience, I've been able to use it in three situations: (1) Hendrix-esque soloing with very heavy distortion placed on top of the Phase 90's intensity set about halfway, (2) Effect-heavy lead lines in dark, weird alt-rock music (intensity set between halfway and full), and (3) Open, subtle chords played lightly over light pads (intensity very low, almost at 0).