Eddie's Phase 90

Lore & Background

The MXR Phase 90 was more than just a pedal for Eddie Van Halen—it was a secret weapon. In an era when guitarists often relied on complex rack systems, Eddie's approach was refreshingly simple: a single phaser pedal plugged into a cranked Marshall amp. The Phase 90's ability to create a lush, sweeping modulation became a signature element of his playing, heard on classics like 'Eruption' and 'Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love.' Eddie was known to modify the pedal by removing a single resistor (R28) to increase the effect's intensity, making it more pronounced and aggressive, perfectly suiting his high-energy style.

This pedal was a constant companion during the band's early rise to fame, appearing on stage and in the studio. Its distinctive orange casing became almost as recognizable as Eddie's striped guitar. The Phase 90's contribution to the Van Halen sound is a testament to how a single, well-chosen tool can define an artist's voice. It helped create a sense of movement and depth that made Eddie's solos feel like they were alive, swirling around the listener in a way that was both innovative and timeless.

For fans, the Phase 90 represents a golden era of guitar tone—a time when raw talent and a few simple effects could change the face of rock music. It's a symbol of Eddie's genius for taking existing technology and bending it to his will, creating something entirely new and unforgettable.

In Their Own Story

The stage lights dim, and the roar of the crowd fades to a hush. Eddie Van Halen steps up to his microphone, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He glances down at his pedalboard, a humble collection of stompboxes, but his eyes linger on one: the MXR Phase 90. With a tap of his foot, the orange LED glows to life. He strikes a single, open chord, and the room fills with a swirling, liquid sound that seems to breathe. The phaser's sweep is deep, almost hypnotic, as he launches into a solo that climbs and dives, each note dripping with movement. The crowd erupts, but Eddie just smiles, knowing the secret is in that little orange box.

Reader's Guide

The MXR Phase 90 is an analog phaser pedal that creates a sweeping, modulated effect by shifting the phase of the audio signal. In Eddie Van Halen's hands, it was used to add a rich, three-dimensional quality to his guitar tone, particularly on lead solos and arpeggiated riffs. The pedal works by splitting the signal, shifting the phase of one part, and then recombining it with the original, creating a series of peaks and notches in the frequency spectrum that sweep up and down as the effect cycles.

Eddie's specific use of the Phase 90 was anything but subtle. He typically set the speed knob to a moderate position—around 10 or 11 o'clock—allowing the sweep to lock into the groove of the song without turning into a seasick wobble. This gave his riffs a churning, almost vocal quality, as if the notes were singing back at him. On solos, he'd often kick the pedal on mid-phrase, letting the phaser's first sweep hit like a wave crashing against a cliff. The modified R28 resistor removal made the effect deeper and more aggressive, pushing the phaser's peaks into a snarling, overdriven territory that no other guitarist had dared to explore. The result was a sound that could go from a gentle swirl to a full-on vortex with just a stomp, turning a simple chord into a living, breathing creature of tone.

Did You Know?

• Eddie Van Halen's modified Phase 90 is sometimes called the 'Script' Phase 90 due to the block lettering on early models.
• The R28 resistor mod was so popular that MXR later released a 'Van Halen' signature version of the pedal with the mod pre-installed.
• Eddie often used the Phase 90 in conjunction with a Univibe or flanger for even more complex modulation effects.
• The pedal's simple design—just a single speed knob—made it easy for Eddie to control on stage with a quick tap of his foot.