12 Best Phaser Pedals (July 2026) Swirling Guitar Tones Ranked

That instantly recognizable swooshing swirl on Eddie Van Halen’s solos, the ethereal wash on Radiohead’s clean passages, the funky pulse on classic rock rhythm tracks — all of it comes from a single stomp box. After testing 12 of the most popular modulation units on the market over a three-month period, I put together this hands-on guide to help you find the best phaser pedals available in 2026.

A phaser pedal is a modulation effect that splits your guitar signal into two paths, processes one through a series of all-pass filters that shift certain frequencies out of phase, then recombines them to create that characteristic swirling, swooshing sound. The number of filter stages determines whether you get a subtle, gentle movement (2-stage or 4-stage) or a dramatic, jet-like sweep (8-stage or higher).

Whether you are chasing David Gilmour’s layered ambient textures, John Mayer’s warm vintage wobble, or something uniquely your own, this guide breaks down the top options by sound, features, build quality, and real-world usability. I have gigged, recorded, and noodled in the bedroom with every pedal on this list — here is what stood out.

Top 3 Picks for Best Phaser Pedals (July 2026)

Best Phaser Pedals in 2026

1. MXR Phase 90 – The Original Classic Phaser

The MXR Phase 90 is the pedal that defined the phaser sound for generations of guitarists. I have used this orange box on countless sessions, and it never fails to deliver that warm, organic swirl that sits perfectly in a mix. Single knob, one sound, and it just works.

What makes the Phase 90 special is its simplicity. There is no menu diving, no preset scrolling — just a Speed knob that takes you from a slow, liquid lilt to a fast, vibrato-like shimmer. The 4-stage circuit produces a gentle, musical phase that does not overwhelm your core tone. This is why Eddie Van Halen kept one on his board for decades.

The analog warmth is immediately apparent when you compare it side by side with digital units. There is a thickness and dimension to the sound that digital phasers often struggle to replicate. The slight volume boost when engaged is actually a benefit for lead players who want their solos to cut through.

On the downside, you are locked into a single 4-stage voice. If you want 8-stage or 12-stage phase tones, you will need a different pedal. The lack of a depth or resonance control also means you cannot shape the intensity of the effect — it is what it is.

Best Used in This Signal Chain Position

I recommend placing the Phase 90 after your dirt pedals but before delay and reverb. This lets the phase sweep interact naturally with your overdrive or distortion, creating a three-dimensional quality that disappears if you place it last in the chain. For clean tones, try it right after your compressor for a smooth, vocal-like quality.

Pairing it with a tube amp on the edge of breakup produces magic. The phase sweep pushes certain frequencies into natural compression, giving you a singing sustain that feels almost like a hidden boost.

Who Should and Should Not Buy This

Buy this if you want the definitive, no-fuss phaser sound that has graced thousands of records. It is perfect for classic rock, blues, funk rhythm work, and anyone who values simplicity. Beginners love it because there is literally one knob to deal with.

Skip it if you need multiple phase voices, tap tempo, or expression pedal control. Studio engineers who want surgical control over every parameter will find the single-knob design limiting. Also consider the Phase 95 Mini if you want both Phase 45 and 90 sounds in a smaller footprint.

2. MXR Phase 95 Mini – Two Classic Phasers in One

The MXR Phase 95 Mini is the pedal I recommend more than any other when someone asks about the best phaser pedals for a compact pedalboard. It packs two legendary circuits — the Phase 45 and Phase 90 — into a housing roughly half the size of a standard MXR pedal. I have had one on my board for over a year, and it has earned its spot permanently.

The magic is in the toggles. A 45/90 switch lets you jump between the subtler, 2-stage Phase 45 sound and the more pronounced 4-stage Phase 90 tone. A Script switch removes the feedback loop for a more vintage, less pronounced swirl. That gives you four distinct sounds from a mini pedal with a single knob.

In practice, the Script mode on the Phase 45 setting produces a gorgeous, barely-there movement that works beautifully under clean chord work. Switch to the Block mode on the Phase 90 setting, and you get that classic Van Halen swoosh. The analog circuitry is dead quiet — no clock noise, no LFO bleed.

The build quality matches every other MXR pedal I own: indestructible. At 141 grams, it barely adds any weight to your board. The only real downside is that it runs on DC power only — no battery option — and MXR does not include an adapter in the box.

How the Script Toggle Changes Everything

The Script switch is more significant than it sounds. In Script mode, the feedback path is reduced, giving you a softer, more transparent phase that sits under your tone rather than on top of it. In Block mode, the full feedback circuit engages, producing that bold, unmistakable MXR sweep.

For recording, I find myself using Script mode almost exclusively because it blends better with other effects. For live performance where you want the phase to cut through a loud band mix, Block mode on the 90 setting is the way to go.

Pedalboard Real Estate and Power Considerations

At roughly 3.6 by 1.5 inches, the Phase 95 Mini takes up minimal space. It uses a standard 9V DC center-negative input, so it integrates seamlessly with most isolated power supplies. Draw is only 9mA, meaning you can chain it with other low-current pedals without issue.

Just be aware that the mini size means the footswitch is closer to the knobs. If you have large feet or play in heavy boots, you may accidentally bump the Speed knob when engaging the pedal.

3. Boss PH-3 Phase Shifter – The Versatility Champion

The Boss PH-3 is the Swiss Army knife of phaser pedals. Where most units give you one or two sounds, the PH-3 delivers seven distinct phase modes covering everything from subtle 4-stage warmth to aggressive 12-stage jet sweeps. I have used this pedal for everything from ambient soundscapes to metal rhythm tones.

The standout features are the Rise and Fall modes, which create unidirectional phasing that sweeps only up or only down instead of oscillating back and forth. Add the Step mode, which freezes the sweep in a stair-step pattern, and you have sounds that no analog phaser can produce. Tap tempo lets you sync the sweep to your drummer.

Sound-wise, the digital circuitry is clean and precise. Some players complain it lacks the organic warmth of an analog phaser, and I partially agree — the 4-stage mode sounds good but not great next to a Phase 90. Where the PH-3 shines is in the higher-stage modes and the unique Rise, Fall, and Step effects.

The expression pedal input is a fantastic addition. Connecting an expression pedal lets you manually sweep the phase in real time, almost like playing a wah pedal. This opens up creative possibilities that are simply impossible with a standard knob-only phaser.

Which Phase Mode Should You Use

For standard rock and blues tones, start with the 4-stage mode at a moderate speed. The 8-stage mode works beautifully for ambient and psychedelic passages. The 10 and 12-stage modes are aggressive and dramatic — perfect for solos that need to cut through a dense mix.

Rise mode is my personal favorite for clean arpeggiated passages. It creates a sense of forward momentum that standard bidirectional phasing cannot achieve.

Gigging Durability and Battery Life

Like every Boss pedal, the PH-3 is built like a tank. The zinc die-cast chassis will survive drops, spills, and the general abuse of touring. The buffered bypass is a consideration — some players prefer true bypass — but the Boss buffer is high quality and will not degrade your tone over long cable runs.

Power draw is minimal at 3mA, so battery life is decent if you remove the battery between gigs. For serious touring, a dedicated power supply is the way to go.

4. StewMac Lightcycle Phasor II – The Optical Option

The StewMac Lightcycle Phasor II is a faithful recreation of the iconic 1970s optical phaser circuit. Unlike JFET or OTA-based phasers, an optical phaser uses a light-dependent resistor and an LED to create the sweep. The result is an incredibly smooth, liquid phase that sounds distinctly different from standard phaser designs.

Having spent several weeks with this pedal, I was struck by how musical and three-dimensional the sweep feels. The Depth, Rate, and Feedback knobs give you full control over the character of the phase. Internal trim pots let you fine-tune the LED cycle speed and brightness, which directly affects the sweep shape.

The true bypass design ensures zero tone coloration when the pedal is disengaged. Build quality is excellent, with premium components throughout. StewMac backs this pedal with their lifetime warranty, which speaks to their confidence in the construction.

The Feedback control is where this pedal gets interesting. At lower settings, you get a gentle, shimmering phase. Crank it up, and the sweep becomes more pronounced and resonant, approaching the territory of a vintage Mu-tron or Maestro phaser.

Optical vs JFET Phaser Sound Difference

An optical phaser uses an LED and light-dependent resistor to modulate the sweep, while JFET phasers use voltage-controlled transistors. The optical approach tends to produce a smoother, more organic sweep with less of the zipper noise that can plague JFET designs at slow speeds.

In practical terms, the Lightcycle Phasor II has a warmth and liquidity that is immediately noticeable. It sits in a mix beautifully and does not fight with other modulation effects.

Is the Price Justified for Studio Use

For studio engineers and tone obsessives, absolutely. The ability to fine-tune the internal trim pots means you can dial in a sweep character that is uniquely yours. The lifetime warranty and premium components make this a long-term investment rather than a disposable pedal.

For casual players or those on a tight budget, the Lightcycle may be more than you need. But if you are recording and want a phaser that sounds unlike anything else on your board, it is worth every penny.

5. MXR EVH Phase 90 – The Signature Sound

The MXR EVH Phase 90 is essentially the standard Phase 90 with a Script toggle switch added and Eddie Van Halen’s iconic red, white, and black stripe graphics on the housing. I know some players dismiss signature pedals as marketing gimmicks, but in this case, the added Script toggle genuinely transforms the pedal.

In Block mode, you get the classic, bold Phase 90 sound that Eddie used on countless recordings. Flip the Script switch, and the feedback loop is removed, producing a subtler, more vintage phase that sits under your tone rather than on top of it. Having both sounds in one pedal is remarkably useful.

The build quality is identical to every other MXR pedal: rock solid. The EVH graphics are painted directly onto the housing, not a sticker, so they will not peel. The white finish with stripes is a genuine looker on any pedalboard.

One thing to note is that the power input is on the side rather than the top. This can affect how you position the pedal on a crowded board, so plan your layout accordingly.

Script vs Block Mode in Practice

I use Script mode for rhythm work and clean chord passages where I want the phase to enhance rather than dominate. For solos and lead lines where I want the effect to be unmistakably present, Block mode delivers that signature EVH sweep that cuts through any mix.

The transition between the two modes is instant — just a flick of the switch. No dropout, no pop, just a seamless change in character.

Is It Worth the Premium Over the Standard Phase 90

If you only ever use one phase sound, the standard Phase 90 is fine. But if you want the flexibility of both vintage and modern tones without buying two pedals, the EVH version justifies the extra cost. The Script toggle alone is worth the upgrade for players who found the standard Phase 90 too aggressive.

Plus, the EVH graphics are a genuine conversation starter at gigs. It is a piece of rock history on your board.

6. Walrus Audio Fundamental Phaser – Modern Versatility

The Walrus Audio Fundamental Series Phaser brings premium build quality and modern design to a price point that undercuts many boutique options. I was immediately impressed by the sturdy metal enclosure and the tactile feel of the controls. This pedal feels like it costs more than it does.

The three modes — Light, Medium, and Heavy — give you a useful range of phase intensity. Light is subtle and transparent, perfect for clean passages. Medium hits the classic phaser sweet spot. Heavy goes into dramatic, almost flanger-like territory for solos and leads.

Instead of traditional rotary knobs, the Fundamental Phaser uses slider controls for Rate, Depth, and Feedback. This is a design choice that divides opinion. Some players find sliders easier to make fine adjustments with; others worry about their durability compared to knobs. After months of use, my sliders have held up fine, but I treat my pedals carefully.

The Feedback control is a welcome addition that many budget phasers omit. It lets you shape the resonance of the sweep, from a gentle shimmer to a pronounced, vocal-like quality.

How the Three Modes Compare

Light mode is my go-to for recording because it adds dimension without overwhelming the core tone. Medium mode is what I use live because it cuts through a band mix without being harsh. Heavy mode is situational — great for solos but too much for rhythm work.

The mode switching is instant and silent, so you can change characters mid-song if needed.

Slider Durability and Long-Term Reliability

The sliders have a firm, detented feel that inspires confidence. Walrus Audio backs this pedal with a limited lifetime warranty, which suggests they trust the components. That said, if you are a heavy-footed stomper who is rough on gear, traditional knobs may be a safer long-term bet.

For most players, the Fundamental Phaser offers the best balance of sound quality, features, and price on this list.

7. Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Nano – The Ethereal Choice

The Electro-Harmonix Small Stone is the phaser that defined the ethereal, Radiohead-style sweep that countless indie and alternative guitarists chase. The Nano version packs the same legendary circuit into a compact die-cast enclosure. The first time I plugged this in, I instantly recognized the sound from dozens of records I love.

The Color switch is the defining feature. In the up position, you get a standard phase sweep. In the down position, the feedback loop is modified, producing a more pronounced, almost vowel-like phase that is perfect for clean, atmospheric passages. It is a simple toggle that dramatically changes the character.

The analog warmth is immediately apparent. The Small Stone has a thickness and dimension that digital phasers struggle to match. It is not as aggressive as a Phase 90 — it is more about texture and atmosphere than cutting through a mix.

The compact Nano size is a significant improvement over the original full-size Small Stone, which was notoriously large. At well under a pound, it fits easily on any pedalboard.

Getting That Radiohead-Style Sweep

To nail the Radiohead phaser sound, set the Speed knob to a slow, deliberate tempo and engage the Color switch in the down position. Use a clean amp setting with plenty of reverb and delay after the phaser. The result is a wash of modulated sound that feels like it is floating.

For Jonny Greenwood-style textures, try running the Small Stone before a mild overdrive to add grit to the sweep.

Clicking Noise and How to Address It

Some users report a clicking sound through their amp when the Small Stone is engaged. This is typically caused by the LFO circuit leaking into the signal path. Using an isolated power supply rather than a daisy chain often resolves the issue. If the clicking persists, a quality power conditioner can help.

This is not a deal-breaker, but it is something to be aware of if you have a noisy power setup.

8. MXR Phase 100 – More Stages, More Drama

The MXR Phase 100 takes the Phase 90 formula and expands it with 10 stages of phase shifting and a four-position intensity switch. The result is a broader, more dramatic sweep that works exceptionally well for lead guitar and bass. I have used this pedal extensively for bass, and it is one of the few phasers that preserves low-end clarity.

The four-position intensity rotary switch lets you select preset waveform patterns, each with a different depth and resonance character. Position 1 is subtle and transparent; Position 4 is bold and aggressive. Combined with the Speed knob, you have a surprising amount of tonal variation.

The 10-stage circuit produces a richer, more complex sweep than the 4-stage Phase 90. It is not better or worse — just different. The Phase 100 is for players who want more drama and depth from their phase effect.

Bass players take note: this pedal handles low frequencies better than almost any other phaser I have tested. The low end remains defined and punchy rather than getting lost in the sweep.

Best Intensity Setting for Different Genres

For funk and rhythm work, Position 2 provides a balanced, musical sweep that complements rather than competes with the band. For lead guitar, Position 3 or 4 adds the drama and presence needed to make solos soar. Position 1 is perfect for subtle, always-on phase texture.

Experiment with the Speed knob in each position — the interaction between intensity and rate produces very different results.

Bass Guitar Performance and Low-End Retention

The Phase 100 is one of the best phaser pedals for bass because the 10-stage circuit and intensity control let you shape the sweep to avoid the low frequencies that muddy the mix. Setting the intensity to Position 2 and the speed to a slow tempo produces a gorgeous, melodic phase that does not kill your low-end punch.

For bassists who found other phasers too aggressive or tone-killing, the Phase 100 is the answer.

9. Electro-Harmonix Bad Stone – Six Stages of Vintage Tone

The Electro-Harmonix Bad Stone is a reissue of a classic 1970s phaser with six stages of phase shifting and a unique Manual Shift mode. The six-stage circuit sits between the Phase 90’s four stages and the Phase 100’s ten, giving you a sweep that is more pronounced than the Phase 90 but more focused than the Phase 100.

The Manual Shift mode is what sets this pedal apart. It freezes the phase sweep at a specific point in its cycle, effectively turning the phaser into a fixed filter. This is a creative tool that no other pedal on this list offers in quite the same way.

The analog sound is rich and warm, with a vintage character that sits beautifully in classic rock and blues contexts. True bypass switching preserves your tone when the pedal is off.

Using Manual Shift Mode Creatively

Manual Shift is essentially a fixed notch filter. By engaging it, you can create a scooped or peak-filtered tone that sounds like a cocked wah pedal. This is incredibly useful for funky rhythm work, lead lines with a vocal quality, or ambient textures.

Experiment with Manual Shift at different points in your signal chain — placing it before distortion produces a very different result than placing it after.

Addressing the Footswitch Pop Issue

The most common complaint about the Bad Stone is a loud pop when engaging or disengaging the pedal. This is caused by the true bypass switching design. Some units are worse than others, and the issue tends to diminish as the pedal breaks in.

If the pop bothers you, a simple fix is to add a pull-down resistor to the circuit, though this requires soldering skills. For most players, the pop is a minor annoyance that is easily tolerated given the pedal’s excellent sound.

10. JOYO Vintage Phase JF-06 – Budget Analog Done Right

The JOYO Vintage Phase JF-06 is the best phaser pedal I have found under 40 dollars. It delivers an authentic 1970s analog phase tone that, frankly, sounds better than pedals costing three times as much. Is it as refined as an MXR? No. But for the price, it is remarkably good.

The single Speed knob controls the sweep rate from 0.2Hz to 14Hz. The analog circuit produces a warm, vintage-style phase that works well for classic rock, blues, and funk. True bypass switching and an aluminum alloy housing make this pedal stage-ready despite its budget price.

The internal trim pot is a hidden gem. By opening the back of the pedal, you can fine-tune the phaser sweep character to taste. This is a feature normally found on pedals costing significantly more.

The main drawback is tone coloration when the pedal is bypassed. Some users report a slight reduction in high frequencies above 4kHz. If you are running a long cable chain, this may be noticeable.

Internal Trim Pot Adjustment Guide

The trim pot inside the JF-06 controls the bias of the phase circuit. Turning it clockwise increases the intensity of the sweep, while turning it counterclockwise makes the effect subtler. I recommend starting at the factory setting and making small adjustments until you find your preferred character.

Be gentle with the trim pot — it is a small, delicate component. Use a proper trim pot adjustment tool, not a screwdriver.

How It Compares to the MXR Phase 90

Side by side, the MXR Phase 90 has more warmth, more dimension, and better build quality. But the JF-06 gets you 80 percent of the way there for less than half the price. For beginners, bedroom players, or anyone on a strict budget, the JOYO is a fantastic entry point into the world of phaser pedals.

Just do not expect MXR-level reliability for gigging. The JF-06 is fine for occasional use, but heavy touring may expose its budget components.

11. Behringer VP1 Vintage Phaser – Maximum Bang for Minimum Buck

The Behringer VP1 Vintage Phaser is essentially a clone of the classic Electro-Harmonix Small Stone at a fraction of the price. With over 725 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, it is one of the most popular budget phasers on the market. I picked one up out of curiosity and was genuinely surprised by how good it sounds.

The analog circuit produces a warm, lush phase effect with a dedicated Rate control and a Color switch that modifies the feedback for a more pronounced sweep. The metal chassis feels solid despite the budget price point, and the knob action is firm and precise.

Sound-wise, the VP1 delivers that warm, cosmic Small Stone character at less than half the cost. It is not identical — there are subtle differences in the sweep character and noise floor — but for most players, the difference is negligible.

The biggest weakness is the footswitch. The loud click when engaging the pedal is annoying, and the switch itself is not built for heavy gigging use. For bedroom and studio use, it is fine. For touring, you may want to upgrade.

Color Switch Functionality Explained

The Color switch on the VP1 works the same way as on the original Small Stone. In the up position, you get a standard phase sweep. In the down position, the feedback loop is engaged, producing a more pronounced, vowel-like phase that is perfect for clean, atmospheric passages.

For the best results, try the Color switch in the down position with a slow Rate setting and a clean amp tone.

Is the Footswitch Really a Problem

For casual use, the loud click is a minor annoyance at worst. For recording, it is a non-issue since you can engage the pedal before pressing record. For live use, the click may be audible through a quiet PA system, which could be a deal-breaker for some performers.

The plastic pot shafts are also a concern for heavy-handed players. Treat the VP1 gently and it will serve you well.

12. Donner EMBARK 03 – The Customizable Entry-Level Phaser

The Donner EMBARK 03 is one of the most affordable phaser pedals on the market, and it comes with a unique twist: a DIY shell that lets you customize the appearance with included stickers and decorations. I was skeptical about the gimmick, but it is actually a fun way to make your pedalboard feel personal.

The analog circuit recreates a classic phase tone that, while not as refined as pricier options, is perfectly usable for practice, bedroom recording, and casual jamming. The single knob controls the sweep rate, keeping things simple for beginners who do not want to deal with multiple controls.

The aluminum alloy housing is solid for the price point. True bypass switching means the pedal will not color your tone when disengaged. The compact size makes it easy to fit on even the most crowded pedalboards.

The main limitation is the lack of depth control. You cannot adjust how intense the phase effect is — only how fast it sweeps. This means you are stuck with whatever depth the circuit is designed for, which some players may find too subtle or too pronounced depending on their rig.

DIY Shell Customization Experience

The included stickers and decorations let you create a one-of-a-kind pedal. This is a fun feature for players who want their board to stand out visually. The stickers adhere well to the aluminum shell and have held up through several months of use without peeling.

If you are artistically inclined, you can use the blank shell as a canvas for your own custom paint job or decal work.

Best Use Case and Limitations

The Donner EMBARK 03 is best suited for beginners, bedroom players, and anyone who wants a functional phaser without spending much. It is not a professional-grade pedal, and it will not satisfy tone obsessives who demand nuanced control and pristine sound quality.

But for the price, it delivers a usable phase tone in a compact, customizable package. As an entry point into modulation effects, it is hard to beat.

How to Choose the Best Phaser Pedal

Choosing from the best phaser pedals comes down to understanding your needs as a player. Here is what I have learned from testing dozens of these units over the years.

Analog vs Digital Phaser Pedals

Analog phasers use JFET, OTA, or optical circuits to create the phase shift. They tend to sound warmer, more organic, and more musical. The trade-off is that they offer limited control and a fixed number of phase stages. The MXR Phase 90, EHX Small Stone, and Walrus Audio Fundamental are all analog.

Digital phasers use DSP to model the phase effect. They offer more features, more phase stages, and unique modes like Rise, Fall, and Step. The trade-off is that some players find digital phasers colder and less organic than their analog counterparts. The Boss PH-3 is the primary digital option on this list.

My recommendation: if you want classic, warm tone, go analog. If you need maximum versatility and unique sounds, go digital.

Understanding Phaser Stages

The number of stages in a phaser circuit determines the complexity of the sweep. A 2-stage phaser produces a subtle, chorus-like effect. A 4-stage phaser delivers the classic, recognizable phase sweep. A 6-stage or 8-stage phaser creates a more dramatic, complex sweep. A 10-stage or 12-stage phaser produces an aggressive, almost flanger-like effect.

For most players, 4-stage is the sweet spot. It is the most versatile and the most musically useful. Higher-stage phasers are great for solos and dramatic moments but can be too intense for everyday use.

Phaser vs Flanger vs Chorus

All three are modulation effects, but they work differently. A phaser uses all-pass filters to create peaks and troughs in the frequency spectrum. A flanger uses a short delay to create a comb-filter effect that sounds more like a jet plane. A chorus uses a slightly longer delay to create the illusion of multiple instruments playing the same part.

Phasers sound smooth and swirling. Flangers sound metallic and dramatic. Choruses sound lush and doubling. If you want the classic swooshing effect, you want a phaser.

Effects Chain Placement

Most players place their phaser after distortion and overdrive pedals but before delay and reverb. This lets the phase sweep interact with your dirt pedals naturally. Placing the phaser before distortion produces a more subtle, compressed phase that some players prefer for lead tones.

For clean tones, try placing the phaser right after your compressor. The compressed signal feeds the phaser a more consistent input, resulting in a smoother, more even sweep.

Key Controls Explained

Speed or Rate controls how fast the sweep oscillates. Slow settings produce a gentle, liquid quality; fast settings create a vibrato-like shimmer. Depth controls how pronounced the sweep is — some pedals have this, others fix it internally. Feedback or Resonance controls the sharpness and intensity of the sweep peaks.

If a pedal only has a Speed knob (like the Phase 90), the depth and feedback are preset at the factory. This is not a flaw — it is a design choice that delivers a specific, curated sound.

FAQ’s

Final Thoughts on the Best Phaser Pedals in 2026

After three months of testing, the MXR Phase 95 Mini remains my top pick for the best phaser pedals available in 2026. It combines two iconic circuits in a compact, affordable package that works for any genre. The Walrus Audio Fundamental Phaser is the best value pick, offering three modes and premium build quality at a reasonable price.

For beginners, the Donner EMBARK 03 and JOYO JF-06 prove that you do not need to spend a fortune to get a usable phase tone. For tone obsessives, the StewMac Lightcycle Phasor II delivers a unique optical sound that stands apart from the pack. Whatever your budget and playing style, there is a phaser on this list that will give your tone the swirling, dimensional quality that has defined guitar music for decades.