Celebrating 50 Years of Sonic Excellence: The MXR Phase 90 Gets a Golden Revamp
NAMM 2025: Forget the days of digging through icy mud for hidden treasures; MXR is making it easier than ever too grab a piece of musical history. Introducing the 50th Anniversary Phase 90, a stunning reimagining of the legendary phaser pedal that has captured the hearts of guitarists like Eddie Van Halen and manny others, now adorned in a dazzling gold finish.
While the exact purity of the gold used in this eye-catching design remains a mystery, if guitar tones were evaluated in carats, the Phase 90’s rich, swirling sound would undoubtedly be a solid 24 carats and beyond.
This special edition may sport a fresh appearance, but its tonal essence is firmly rooted in the classic sounds of the early to mid-‘70s. With a single knob labeled speed, it simplifies your setup while delivering the iconic phase-shifting effects that Van Halen showcased in tracks like Atomic Punk and Eruption. Notably, David Gilmour also utilized this pedal for Pink Floyd’s Shine On You Crazy Diamond, and this version is sure to shine even brighter.
Mark your calendars for March 18, as this limited edition is set to launch. While MXR hasn’t disclosed the exact quantity available, history tells us that special edition pedals often attract scalpers and can skyrocket in price on the secondhand market. So, if you’re interested, act fast!
If this golden beauty looks familiar, it’s because MXR previously released a super-rare 50th Anniversary phase 90 in gold back in 2022, but that was exclusively for select industry insiders. Now, the team at jim Dunlop has decided, “it was too good to keep to ourselves.”
With its iconic Script Logo and Block Logo, redesigned to reflect its luxurious new look, we at Guitar World are huge admirers of the Phase 90 in all its forms. Our own chris Gill even penned a heartfelt tribute to the Phase 90 and its profound influence on guitar culture.
This compact pedal couldn’t be easier to operate.Its four-stage phase-shifting capability is a essential modulation sound that fits seamlessly into various musical styles. Beyond EVH and Gilmour, you’ll find it gracing the pedalboards of guitar legends like John Frusciante, Robin Trower, John Petrucci, and Tom Morello, among many others.
If you’ve always wanted to own one but weren’t a fan of the classic orange hue, your moment has arrived. the 50th Anniversary phase 90 will be available starting March 18, retailing for $200.
Don’t hesitate; these golden anniversary editions are known to fly off the shelves—just look at how quickly EHX’s Big Muff Double Anniversary Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal sold out upon release.
Stay tuned to Jim Dunlop for further updates!
