The sound and funky stripes that inspired millions of us to pick up a guitar and tap the hell out of our fingerboards! There have been countless EVH guitar products over the last couple of decades, 'play like....' 'sound like...' probably even a 'look like', who knows, but apart from the actual products Eddie has been actively involved in like the Wolfgang and 5150 amps, most quickly died a death. An EVH product, much like a Clapton or Jimi product has an immeasurable amount to do to be labelled as anything more than a gimmick.
BUILD:
This pedal has probably the coolest paintwork ever and that the stripes are all over the packaging just makes me love it even more!
Solid construction in a 'bud' type casing. The single knob feels plenty sturdy enough and with the enclosed 'jacket', can easily be manipulated by your foot. The button to switch between 'script' and 'modern' is discrete enough to be easily available but unlikely to be accidentally engaged. One single very bright LED indicates 'on / off' status and could probably be seen from the space station!
Standard 9v battery connection or DC supply provide the power.
SOUNDS:
OK, I admit that the first day I had this pedal I ran through the entire Roth-era back catalogue, it has to be done! So is it EVH? This thing is spot-on, totally! It wont give you Eddies guitar tone for sure, it’s not meant to, but this IS his phase sound, amazing!
OK, is there more after the EVH novelty? a big resounding yes is the answer. Phasers, much like flangers are a strange thing, it’s really a case of when and where to use it and on the whole using it them very sparingly. The MXR EVH90 will provide amazing sounds when called upon. Long sweeping spacey whooshes or pulsing spinning rushes. There are endless amounts of sounds to be created. The option to switch between 'script' and 'modern' is a nice touch but I've found that I leave it on 'script' all the time, personal preference.
SUMMARY:
MXR have helped make some of the classic pedals and sounds in guitar history and still continue to do so. They have recently been working on many artist collaborations and I have a Dimebag pedal that merits its own review, but is a great pedal. If a phaser is what you want, don’t bother with the 'all-in-one' wonders out there, like most effects, you will not get this kind of quality. This is staying in my pedal board, Dance The Night Away baby!
