Phaser guitar pedals are an essential part of the history of guitar effects. They create a distinctive sound that has been used in many genres of music since their inception. Here's a brief history:
Origins and Early Development
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1960s: The phaser effect originated in the 1960s. It was initially developed as a studio effect. The process involved splitting an audio signal into two paths, altering one path by shifting its phase, and then recombining it with the original signal. This creates a series of peaks and troughs in the frequency spectrum, resulting in the characteristic sweeping sound of a phaser.
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1970s: The first commercially available phaser pedal was the Maestro PS-1 Phase Shifter, introduced in 1971. It was a large, floor-mounted unit used by notable musicians like Steve Howe of Yes and Brian May of Queen.
Major Innovations
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Electro-Harmonix Small Stone (1974): One of the most famous early phasers, the Small Stone was compact and affordable, making the phaser effect accessible to a wider range of musicians. Its distinctive sound can be heard on many recordings from the 1970s and beyond.
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MXR Phase 90 (1974): Another iconic phaser pedal, the MXR Phase 90, was introduced in the same year as the Small Stone. Its simple one-knob design made it easy to use, and it quickly became a favorite of many guitarists, including Eddie Van Halen, who used it extensively on early Van Halen albums.
Evolution and Variations
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1980s: The 1980s saw the introduction of digital technology in effects pedals. Digital phasers offered more control and precision, with multiple stages of phasing and more customizable parameters. However, many guitarists still preferred the warm, analog sound of earlier models.
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1990s to Present: The resurgence of vintage gear and the rise of boutique pedal manufacturers brought a renewed interest in analog phasers. Companies like Fulltone, EarthQuaker Devices, and others started producing high-quality analog phasers with modern reliability and features. Additionally, digital modeling technology allowed for the emulation of classic phaser sounds in multi-effects units and software plugins.
Notable Uses in Music
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1970s Rock: Phasers were widely used in rock music during the 1970s. Examples include David Gilmour's work with Pink Floyd, especially on tracks like "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," and the sweeping textures in songs by bands like Yes and Queen.
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1980s and Beyond: Eddie Van Halen's use of the MXR Phase 90 helped define the sound of 1980s rock guitar. The phaser also found its place in other genres, including funk, reggae, and electronic music.
Modern Developments
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Boutique and DIY: The modern pedal market has seen a rise in boutique manufacturers offering unique and high-quality phasers. There is also a thriving DIY community where enthusiasts build and modify their own phaser pedals.
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Digital Innovations: Modern digital phasers can offer a wide range of sounds and features, from faithful recreations of vintage units to entirely new and experimental effects.
The phaser pedal remains a versatile and beloved effect in the guitar world, continuously evolving while maintaining its classic charm.