Electro-Harmonix brings back the Bad Stone Phase Shifter, now available in a compact modern diecast stompbox format.
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This new reproduction faithfully follows after the original phase shifter, carrying the same circuit design and tone while adding modern implements to meet the demands of today’s players.
This new release coincides with the increasing prices of vintage Bad Stone pedals from the ’70s, it is the company’s way to provide prospective buyers of a current production line alternative, one with less maintenance issues and with added features.
According to the company, the original Bad Stone made history as the first six-stage phaser with adjustable feedback control. Another interesting feature that helped its popularity was the manual mode that lets you freeze the phase sweep. All of these features are now packed inside a more affordable and accessible production line pedal, that follows the company’s smaller “Nano” size configuration.
The new Bad Stone Phase Shifter’s three knob configuration makes it easy to setup, and you’d only need the feedback and rate knob for traditional use. The manual switch and manual shift expands the functionality of the pedal and allows for precise control over phase shift.
The rate knob adjusts modulation speed by setting the frequency of the internal LFO (low frequency oscillator). For this new version, EHX decided to make the minimum modulation rate lower, with the speed range now starting at 0.05Hz instead of the higher 0.2Hz, while the max rate setting is 32Hz. Note that this control is disabled when the Auto/Manual switch is set to Manual mode.
The feedback knob will let you control the mount of output signal that goes back into the input of the phase shifter circuit. Increasing the feedback results in a more pronounced phase shift effect, while cranking the knob gives you more resonant sounds.
The auto/manual switch mode lets you toggle between auto, where the pedal uses the LFO for automatic modulation, or manual mode, where you can select freeze the phase shift to your preference.
In manual mode, the manual shift knob lets you sweep across the phase shift range and freeze it to what you prefer. This is similar to having a “cocked wah” sound where in the wah is held in a static position. The company says that, “for maximum effect, make sure the feedback knob is in its full clockwise position”.
Check out the official video demo, where EHX Founder Mike Matthews himself talked about the story behind the Bad Stone Phase Shifter.
Other features that bring the old design into the modern era include true-bypass switching, effect status LED, 9v battery operation and built-in AC jack for optional power supply connection.
The Bad Stone Phase Shifter is now retailing for just under $95, quite affordable when compared to vintage ones that cost around $200 to $300. For more information, head over to Electro-Harmonix.
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