Comparing the Features of the Small Stone and Phase 90 Pedals: Which Is Best for Your Setup?

BySolidarity Project Blog

The Small Stone is a lo-fi analog phase shifter, while the Phase 90 is a hi-fi digital modulation pedal.

Small Stone Vs Phase 90

The Small Stone and the Phase 90 by MXR are two beloved guitar effects pedals with distinct character that often leave players wondering which pedal is best suited for their needs.

When it comes to sound, the Small Stone adds depth to a distorted signal with its lush chorus-like vibrato effect, while the Phase 90 provides a more subtle modulation that creates a warble or ‘sweep’ in the guitar sound.

When it comes to convenience, both pedals feature a small size, require no external power source and provide controllable rates of effect. However, their dials and knobs on the Phase 90 work in conjunction to modify both rate and depth of the phasing whereas the Small Stone has a single knob that controls both Rate and Color.

Both pedals offer its own unique character and can be blended together for an even richer sounding tone. When it comes down to personal preference, every guitar player has different preferences so its best just to try them out – either separately or in tandem – if youre looking for that edge of your sound!

Introduction – What is the Small Stone and Phase 90?

The Small Stone and Phase 90 are two of the most popular and widely known guitar effects pedals on the market. The Small Stone is a phaser pedal, while the Phase 90 is a classic analog phaser. Both pedals are renowned for their ability to give any guitar tone a unique, lush sound. As such, both have been used by some of the world’s most renowned guitar players.

History of the Small Stone

The Small Stone was first released in 1974 by Electro-Harmonix, an American company founded in 1968 by Mike Matthews. It was one of the first affordable phaser effects pedals available on the market, and it quickly gained popularity with guitar players due to its simple design and affordable price point. The original design featured a single knob that controlled both rate and depth, which allowed users to create a variety of different sounds. Over time, Electro-Harmonix updated the design to feature two separate knobs for rate and depth control.

History of the Phase 90

The Phase 90 was originally released in 1976 by MXR Innovations, an American company founded by Keith Barr in 1972. It was one of their first products and quickly became popular due to its simple design and warm analog sound. The original design featured just one knob that controlled both rate and depth, however it was later updated to feature two separate knobs for more control over your sound.

Key Price Difference – Comparing Prices

When comparing prices between these two classic pedals, there is quite a large difference between them. The original Electro-Harmonix Small Stone can typically be found for around $100-$150 USD while the MXR Phase 90 can be found for around $200-$250 USD. This difference in price may seem insignificant but can have quite an impact on those who are on a tight budget when looking for an effects pedal.

Performance Features – Examining Effects and Capabilities

When it comes to performance features, both pedals offer similar capabilities but with slight differences that could make one more suitable than the other depending on your needs as a musician. Lets take a look at each pedals features in more detail:

  • Small Stone: This pedal offers up to four stages of phasing which can be adjusted using its rate and depth knobs.

  • Phase 90: This pedal also offers up to four stages of phasing which can be adjusted using its rate and depth knobs as well as its intensity knob.

Its important to note that while both pedals offer up to four stages of phasing they do not necessarily sound identical when used at this setting due to slight variations in their circuits which cause them to have slightly different tonal characteristics when used at higher settings such as four stages or more.

Tone Reactions – Different Sounds, Different Reviews

When examining tone reactions from different players there are mixed opinions about whether or not one pedal sounds better than the other but generally speaking most people find them both pleasing when used correctly within certain types of music production or performance situations.

  • Small Stone Sound:

Most people describe this pedals sound as being warm but still cutting through a mix without sounding too harsh or thin.

  • Phase 90 Sound:

The Phase 90 has been described as having more presence than the Small Stone with some people saying it has more bite or edge than its counterpart.

Ultimately it comes down personal preference when choosing which pedal best suits your needs so you should try them out if possible before making any decisions.

Versatility Comparison – Which Pedal is More Flexible?

When looking at versatility between these two classic pedals there are some key differences that could make one preferable over another depending on what type of music you plan on producing or performing live.

  • Small Stone Versatility:
This pedal has been praised for its ability to produce subtle yet lush phasing tones as well as having enough range for more wild effects such as rotary speaker simulation if desired.

  • Phase 90 Versatility: The Phase 90 has also been praised for its ability to produce subtle yet lush tones but also has enough range for creating some wilder sounding textures thanks in part to its intensity knob which allows you increase or decrease how much effect is applied .< br / > < br / >Whether you prefer subtlety or wildness out of your effects , either one of these classic pedals should provide plenty of options depending on what type of music you plan on producing or performing live .

    Build Quality Assessment Comparing Durability and Quality of Parts

    When it comes to build quality, the two pedals being compared in this article are the Small Stone and the Phase 90. Both pedals have their own unique features and advantages, so it is important to consider each one carefully when deciding which one is best suited for your needs.

    The Small Stone is made of a sturdy metal casing that has been designed to withstand the rigours of use on stage or in the studio. It is also very easy to mount on a pedalboard or other type of mounting system. This makes it ideal for those who need a reliable and durable pedal that can withstand regular use. In addition, its small size makes it perfect for those who need a compact yet powerful sounding pedal.

    On the other hand, the Phase 90 boasts a similar build quality with its rugged metal casing and simple yet effective design. It also features an LED indicator light which illuminates when the pedal is activated, making it easy to tell when you need to turn on or off your sound effect. However, unlike its counterpart, this model does not feature any type of mounting system or convenient size making it less suitable for live applications.

    Pros and Cons Evaluation Weighing The Benefits and Drawbacks

    When comparing these two pedals side by side there are some distinct advantages and disadvantages associated with each model. Lets take a look at some of these pros and cons:

    Pros for Small Stone

    Sturdy construction Compact size Easy to mount LED indicator light

    Pros for Phase 90

    Rugged metal casing Simple design LED indicator light

    Design Characteristics Variations in Aesthetics & Features

    When it comes to design characteristics there are some noticeable differences between these two pedals too. The Small Stone has a sleek black look while the Phase 90 has an aged silver-brown colouring which looks more vintage in style. Both pedals feature an LED indicator light but only the Small Stone has an additional tone control knob which allows you to adjust the amount of coloration added to your sound effect.

    Aesthetic Appeal Does One Look Better?

    When it comes down to aesthetics both models have their own appeal depending on what type of look you prefer. The Small Stone looks more modern while the Phase 90 gives off an aged vintage vibe which may be more appealing if youre looking for something with character rather than just a plain black pedal. In terms of eye-catching designs, both models have subtle design changes that make them stand out from one another but neither one stands out significantly from the other in terms of looks alone.

    FAQ & Answers

    Q: What is the Small Stone?
    A: The Small Stone is an analog phaser pedal produced by Electro-Harmonix. It was first released in 1976 and is still produced today with the same classic design as it had when it initially arrived on the market. It is known for its warm, creamy tones and wide range of phasing sounds.

    Q: What is the Phase 90?
    A: The Phase 90 is a phaser pedal produced by MXR, first released in 1974. It has become one of the most iconic phaser pedals on the market due to its classic sounds and simple design. It has a single knob for controlling the rate of the phase shift, allowing users to get a wide range of tones from subtle warbles to intense swells.

    Q: What are some key price differences between the Small Stone and Phase 90?
    A: The Small Stone typically retails for around $139 USD, while the Phase 90 retails for around $99 USD. This makes it significantly cheaper than the Small Stone, making it appealing to those on a budget who still want a quality phaser pedal.

    Q: What are some performance features of each pedal?
    A: The Small Stone features two knobs for controlling rate and color, allowing users to adjust both speed and depth of their phase effect. The Phase 90 also has a single knob for controlling rate, making it slightly less customizable than its counterpart but still capable of producing quality effects. Both pedals also feature true bypass switching to preserve your signal when not in use.

    Q: How do their tones compare?
    A: The Small Stone produces warm, creamy tones that can range from subtle warbles to intense swells depending on settings adjustments made with its two knobs. The Phase 90 produces more tonally transparent effects and is known for its iconic swoosh sound that many guitarists have come to love over time.

    The Small Stone and Phase 90 are two of the most popular phaser pedals on the market. The Small Stone is known for its thick, warm sound, whereas the Phase 90 is a more modern sounding pedal with a more vibrant tone. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference as to which one is best for you. Both pedals offer great sound quality and reliable performance, making them both excellent choices for guitar players.

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