Phase 100 (Script)

Why The Phase 100 is a Classic Pedal

Practically every pedal MXR ever put out ended up as a collector’s classic. Throughout the ’70s and early ’80s, they were one of the most iconic pedal brands around as they produced consistently high-quality products with wide and ranging appeal.
The Phase 100, in particular, was famously the chosen phaser of Keith Richards for classic tracks like “Burden of the Beast”, and “Shattered”.
But does this classic model live up to the hype?

The Sound of the Phase 100

The MXR script era Phase 100 isn’t just a great phaser, but the effect that helped to define what a great phaser even is. With two simple nobs, and diagrams outlining exactly how the pedal altered a guitar’s signal, it was not only easy to use, but gave guitarists access to the kind of sound they’d never had before.
That being said, does it stand up to modern phasers?

Well, to an extent, this depends on what it is you’re looking for. As a 10 stage phaser with 4 selectable sweep modes, the Phase 100 was MXR’s most complicated pedal at the time of release, but by modern standard that’s relatively tame. The Boss PH-3 Phase Shifter, for example, goes all the way up to 12 stages while offering more detailed control over the waveform.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to perfectly recreate that Rolling Stones sound, then this pedal is certainly your best bet. It sounds great, and it’s a real piece of guitar history.

Should You Buy this Pedal?

At the end of the day, this all comes down to you. We can tell you about the history, but we can’t tell you what you need. Finding a second-hand, MXR script era Phase 100 at a reasonable price won’t be easy, but if you love the sound then it really is one of a kind.

Try the Phase 100 out yourself here on Tonepedia to see if this is the phaser pedal for you.