MXR Phase 90

Don’t own one already? Purchase a stock MXR Phase 90 Block Logo Reissue or MXR Phase 90 Script Logo Reissue and have it modified.

If you already own an MXR Phase 90 it’s a great candidate for improvements. Our Overhaul Modifications are a combination of all of our most popular mods.

The most common modification for the Block Logo reissues (model M-101 or similar) would be the Script mod which replicates the tone of a vintage Phase 90. The modification reduces some of the pedal’s internal distortion, creates a more subtle and well balanced effect with a bit less resonance, and also reduces the upper-midrange boost in the signal. A large part of this mod includes removing R28 which is a feedback resistor. If you want the ability to return to the stock, Block logo sound then we offer a switchable version called the Script switch.

The Intensity Knob allows you to decrease the strength of the phaser. The knob shown in the photo above is the Intensity control.

The Mix Knob allows you to mix your dry signal with the phase shifted signal. The dry signal is your original guitar tone. The wet signal sounds like a vibrato effect. The pedal in its stock form is about a 50/50 blend of those two sounds so you can dial in more or less wiggle than before.

The Volume Trimpot allows you to increase and decrease the output of the pedal. This is great if you find yourself overloading the next pedal in your chain or if you’re getting lost in the mix. This is a small dial that is mounted on the circuit board- you will need to remove the bottom panel of the pedal to make this adjustment.

The Phase 45 mod replicates the more subtle tone of the MXR Phase 45. This modification involves installing a toggle switch to select either a Phase 45 tone or the stock Phase 90 tone. The mod does not convert the pedal to a 100% replica of a Phase 45 but it does closely approximate the tone of the more subtle tone of the Phase 45 which cannot be simulated by simply using an Intensity control.

Our 45/Stock/Script switch mod is a 3-position toggle switch which allows you to have the Phase 45 sound, Stock “Block” logo sound, and smoother “Script” logo sound all with the flip of a single switch. This can be seen in our videos below.

The Slow Mod comes from years of customers asking for a slower sweep from their Phase 90. The stock rate at the slowest cycle takes about 7 seconds to complete. Our mod changes that to around three times longer at the 22 second mark. This long, slow sweep is a great way to add texture without sounding out of place in a setting where swirling effects just do not belong.

Our Flutter Mod is our newest addition in our long list of Phase 90 modifications. Our Flutter mod adds a second LFO with Depth and Rate knobs to give a totally unique sound to the pedal. We recommend setting the stock Rate knob down low for a long sweep (now with a 3X slower sweep thanks to the Slow Mod which is included as part of the Flutter Mod) and use the added Flutter controls to add some shimmering vibrato and pseudo-random univibe tones to the pedal. A picture of the completed mod can be seen above; A prototype video can be seen at the bottom of this page. Please note the pedal will no longer have room for a 9V battery as the circuitry will fill the battery compartment.

Check out our MXR Phase 90 Expression Pedal page for more info on controlling your phaser with your foot. 

Overhaul Mods:
We offer our Overhaul mods as an easy way to bundle our most popular mods which work well together at a discounted price. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the long list of modifications available then the Overhaul mods are a good starting point.

The Overhaul for the 1974 Handwired Reissue pedal pictured above includes True Bypass, install an LED and wire it to pulse the rate of the phaser, install a DC jack, install an Intensity Knob, and install a Phase 45/90 switch. 

The Overhaul for the Block Logo Reissues (the “standard” Phase 90) includes the Script mod, wiring the LED to pulse to the rate of the phaser, install an Intensity Knob, and install a Phase 45/90 switch. True bypass is NOT included in this list and would be an additional $45. Please note some of the newest MXR Phase 90 pedals are true bypass from the factory at this point.

General Modifications:
Script Mod…………………………………………………………….. $15
Pulsing Rate LED……………………………………………………….. $25
Expression Pedal Jack…………………………………………………. $50
Slow Mod……………………………………………………………….. $15
Flutter Mod……………………………………………………………. $60
Add an Expression Pedal Jack
Toggle Switches:
Script Switch…………………………………………………………. $30
“Phase 45” Toggle Switch…………………………………………….. $35
45/Stock/Script Toggle Switch……………………………………….. $40
Added Controls:
Intensity Knob……………………………………………………………. $30
Mix Knob………………………………………………………………….. $35
Volume Trimpot..…………………………………………………………. $25
Modification Bundles:
1974 Handwired Reissue Overhaul………………………………… $120
Block Logo Reissue Overhaul……………………………………….. $90

Don’t own one already? Purchase a Block Logo Phase 90 or a Script Logo Phase 90 and have it modified.