Model Description:
While the MXR Phase 90 is one of the most respected phaser pedals of all time, the US built Electro‑Harmonix Small Stone is, in my view, just as effective, if not more so. Its big brother, the Electro‑Harmonix Bad Stone adds additional control over the phase effect, while the Small Stone has a simple switch to select depth of the phased signal. The sumptuous spacy swirl of the spectacular Small Stone is both beguiling and enthralling. The whacky Electro‑Harmonix techies from New York City were clearly on top of their game and certainly knew what they were doing. The original analogue Electro‑Harmonix Small Stone is now sought after on the vintage effect market and original working Small Stones are increasing in value all the time. However, for now at least, they can still be found at a reasonable price. It may just be a phase (sic!) its going through.
Pedal Description:
This Electro‑Harmonix Small Stone is another pedal that has been owned by me from new. I think this one is c.1977 or maybe 1978; it’s hard to tell after all this time. Whilst I admit to not being a great fan of phasers generally, the Electro‑Harmonix is something a bit special. There’s something about the Small and Bad Stone phasers that produces other worldly ambience like no other. This baby is all‑original and still works perfectly. The threads used to hold the pedal together have worn due to repeated battery replacement over the years but the original screws are amazingly still there (although loose). When I bought it, the shop didn’t have the original Small Stone box, so it came in an Electro‑Harmonix Y‑Triggered Filter box – I didn’t think twice about this at the time. Now, though, it would have been nice to have the matching box. Like Many 1970s Electro‑Harmonix stomp boxes, the chrome steel front is showing a smattering of small flecks of surface rust, despite it being well looked after. Minor cosmetics aside the Small Stone continues to provide those amazing vintage analogue sounds that have been heard on so many stages and recordings over the decades.
Features:
- Made in New York City, U.S.A. in c.1977
- The ‘Rate’ knob controls the speed of the phase effect
- The ‘Colour’ switch controls the depth of the phase effect
- Standard footswitch turns the effect on and off
- Standard ¼” input and output mono jack sockets
- No LED status indicator
- 9V centre‑positive DC input or 9V battery
- No battery compartment in the base of the unit
- Philips screws on the top of the pedal
- Period Electro-Harmonix cardboard box (From a Y‑Triggered Filter)
- No serial number
Detail Gallery:
