Electro-Harmonix Bad Stone Pedal

This second hand guitar effects pedal is in very good condition. Has Velcro strips on the base

The EHX Bad Stone is a warm, vintage‑voiced 6‑stage phaser with a uniquely musical sweep and a character that sits somewhere between classic 1970s swirl and slightly psychedelic wobble. It’s not a modern hi‑fi phaser—it’s organic, slightly gritty, and full of movement, making it ideal for players who want a phaser with personality rather than pristine smoothness.

What It Is

Originally released in the mid‑70s, the Bad Stone was one of EHX’s early modulation hits. The modern reissue keeps the core circuit vibe but adds reliability and true bypass.

Key features:

• 6‑stage analog phasing
• Manual mode for static filter sweeps
• Rate control with a wide range
• Feedback knob for resonance and intensity
• True bypass (on the reissue)
• Compact, pedalboard‑friendly enclosure

Tone & Sound

Overall Character

• Warm, chewy, and vintage, not clinical or overly smooth
• Has a slightly gritty texture that adds character
• The sweep is wide and musical, with a natural rise and fall
• Works beautifully with clean tones, light overdrive, and fuzz

This is a phaser that feels alive. It moves in a way that’s more liquid than a Phase 90 and less metallic than a Small Stone.

Rate Range

• Slow rates: lush, syrupy movement, great for ambient or classic rock
• Mid rates: classic 70s swirl
• Fast rates: rotary‑like shimmer with a bit of wobble

Feedback Control

This is where the Bad Stone gets spicy.

• Low feedback: smooth, subtle, classic phasing
• Mid feedback: more pronounced swoosh
• High feedback: psychedelic, resonant, almost vocal

 Manual Mode (Static Phase Filter)

One of the standout features.

Switching to Manual freezes the sweep and lets you set the phase position with the Rate knob.
This gives you:

• Fixed filter tones
• Cock‑wah‑style textures
• EQ‑like sculpting before dirt pedals
• A unique way to add colour to riffs or leads

It’s a feature most phasers don’t offer, and it adds a lot of creative potential.

 Build & Design

• Solid EHX metal enclosure
• Simple 3‑knob layout
• True bypass
• Standard 9V power
• Compact enough for modern boards

 Real‑World Use Cases

1. Classic Rock Swirl

Perfect for 70s‑style phasing—think Robin Trower, early Van Halen (though not the same circuit), or Pink Floyd textures.

2. Psychedelic & Ambient

The wide sweep and feedback options make it great for dreamy, swirling pads.

3. Fuzz + Phaser

The Bad Stone handles fuzz surprisingly well.
It doesn’t collapse or get muddy, it adds movement without losing clarity.

4. Static Filter Tones

Manual mode is brilliant for:

• Adding bite to rhythm parts
• Creating vocal‑like lead tones
• Subtle tone‑shaping before an overdrive

The EHX Bad Stone is a vintage‑flavoured, expressive, and slightly quirky phaser that stands out from the usual Phase 90/Small Stone comparisons. If you want a phaser with warmth, movement, and a bit of personality it’s a fantastic choice.