EarthQuaker
Grand Orbiter
This one is worth having for the name alone—
the folks at EarthQuaker Devices are known for
crafting sonic masterpieces, and the GO is no
exception. This one offers more control options,
featuring knobs for Resonance, Rate, Depth, and
Sweep, as well as toggle switches that choose
between rate variations and Phaser or Vibrato
modes. It also features top-mounted control jacks
if you’re concerned about pedalboard real estate.
Throw in some sweet graphics, and you’ve got a
quality, versatile stompbox that looks cool—what
else would you expect from EarthQuaker? This is
a great phaser for players who want more than
one or two knobs can offer, but still want a simple,
easy-to-use interface.
Electro-Harmonix
Small Stone
This is the first phaser I ever owned, and I love
it dearly. It’s one of the few pedals I’ve bought,
sold, and bought again. As much as I’ve come
to appreciate other phase pedals, none of them
sound like this one, to my ears at least. With
a single giant Rate knob and a Color switch,
the Small Stone will do everything from ‘70s
funk to Radiohead with ease. It’s worth noting
that Analogman does some stellar, and (in my
humble opinion) necessary modifications to
help players get the most out of this pedal.
But even without those, it’s a delightful pedal
worth exploring. Please note that I have not
played a current Nano version—I have only
owned the old-school big-box models.
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TONE TALK //
Slow Parts Only: 8 Fab Phasers for Your Swirling Pleasure