Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

ratherdashing

ratherdashing

Kablamminator
Ok, I'm looking for a phaser, and I really love the tone of the Phase 90. My question is: which one? MXR currently has four models of the thing:

Phase 90 standard
Phase 90 '74 reissue (script logo, no LED)
EVH Phase 90
Custom Shop script logo Phase 90

The Custom Shop one is out of consideration due to the cost, so let's focus on the other three.

First question: can someone describe the differences between the standard Phase 90 and the script Phase 90?

Second question: is the EVH truly both standard and script in one box, or is it not quite like that?

Thanks.
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

The reason for the script mods and variations is because its the sound heard on all the great phase 90 recordings.

the modern variation is just a different flavor but still a good simple phaser.

dont discount the EHX Smallstone.
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

LoFiBrian said:
The reason for the script mods and variations is because its the sound heard on all the great phase 90 recordings.

the modern variation is just a different flavor but still a good simple phaser.

dont discount the EHX Smallstone.
Click to expand...

I know the reason for the different models - I want to know the actual difference between them, if possible. You say the modern Phase 90 is a "different flavor" ... different in what way?
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

Also, it appears I was wrong about the custom shop one being too expensive. Here they are in order of most to least expensive (based on MF prices):

EVH: $129
'74 script logo, no LED: $119
custom shop script logo w. LED: $99
standard: $79

I have no interest in paying $129 for a simple phaser, so the EVH is out. What would the difference be between the other three?
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

i have the EVH. its cool having the two modes, but the block mode isnt exactly like the regular block model phase 90, which is my favorite. never used the regular script model, so i couldnt tell you how it compares. its a good pedal overall though
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

The EVH is supposed to be the Script and the Block in one box. Now, as ex-250 has pointed out, they don't sound exactly the same. (They should, I'm wondering if it's a trim pot issue)

Anyway, script tone is 'softer' or less harsh, a little warmer and more lush. The sweep on the block is more abrupt to my ears, and the script sweep is a little smoother.

Now here's the thing, the EVH and Script production models use a similar board as the current blocks, with mods to sound like an old Script. The custom shop '74 uses a vintage reissue board and separate opamps like the old one did. It's supposed to sound more authentic. I've never played one, but am very interested in trying one alongside a real Script. (I've got a Script 45 that is Phaser heaven) I'd highly advise the extra $ for the '74. (Since I'm guessing you don't want to shell out for a vintage script. ;))
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

PFDarkside said:
The EVH is supposed to be the Script and the Block in one box. Now, as ex-250 has pointed out, they don't sound exactly the same. (They should, I'm wondering if it's a trim pot issue)
Click to expand...


i talked to one of the shop guys at dunlop and he said that the boards are close but not identical, so that will be reflected in the sound a bit too. he also said that he was amazed i could hear any difference, so maybe im just a stickler for phase effects.
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

I'm interested in hearing the vintage reissue version as I recently recorded a solo using an original 70s phase 90. It sounded fairly subtle compared to my old block logo and I was wondering if it was a little ill...
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

I've owned an original script Phase 90, a new block logo, and the EVH in addition to playing the custom shop reissue and original block version. Both block versions are similar as are the original, EVH, and custom shop. The differences I hear are that the block version is much thicker sounding and less smooth; I personally prefer the script sound. That being said, I sold my original and kept the EVH because the overall sound was very similar, and the EVH doesn't produce phased hiss when in bypass.
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

If I'm not mistaken, the only thing involved in modding a block phase 90 to a script is to lift one leg of a resistor (which is as simple as snipping it off).

Edit: I realised I told a bit of a lie. I found the resource that I read that made me think that, and basically while the simple resistor removal is the mod that most people do to approach script tones, the page I found it on includes the caveat that it wont be the exact same.

Here are some good resources:
http://www.erikhansen.net/?page_id=31 (how to mod your phase 90)
http://www.erikhansen.net/?page_id=32 (details on the differences between different models - with photos of the boards)

Hope those are of some use :)
 
Last edited:
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

Just sold my original script 90, not sure if the dude fixed it, got it new in the 70s, I think the switch went bad. Borrowed a block 90 with LED and it def sounds more in your face swoop, the script was nice and subtle, I kinda miss it now.
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

Just to clarify, the difference between an original Script/'74 RI and a custom shop script/EVH/modded block is NOT a resistor (R28 mod, I think it's called). That will net you a more script like tone, but it's not the same circuit or sound.

Also, Hot Grits, if your P90 sounds unusually subtle, I wonder if the switch is going bad? The switch on my Script 45 is like that, it can semi-engage where it's phasing, but something is wrong and it's not a full sound.
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

i used to love Keith Richards sound on live versions of Shattered from the 78-82 period....
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

I have tried both the EVH and the Phase 90 Block reissue. The EVH handles a hot signal a lot better and won't distort. It can give you a "clean" phaser sound with hot humbuckers. The Phase 90 RI can't. The script button on the EVH does absolutely nothing. I have heard other people say this as well. The EVH depth seems, err, deeper, wider, almost to wah-like proportions. You can get the EVHs on eBay for a bit less than $129....
 
Re: Phase 90 vs. script logo Phase 90 vs. EVH Phase 90

PFDarkside said:
Also, Hot Grits, if your P90 sounds unusually subtle, I wonder if the switch is going bad? The switch on my Script 45 is like that, it can semi-engage where it's phasing, but something is wrong and it's not a full sound.
Click to expand...

I'll mention that to it's owner (my pedal fiend bandmate). It was strange, as it was reasonably noticeable in the room but very subtle once recorded...
 
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