I am a huge fan of the Worm phase shifter, and came out to the forums to check whether it was more like a Bad Stone or a Small Stone. Evidently neither one!

Small Stone – Probably the second most replicated phase shifting circuit after the Phase 90. LOTS and LOTS of people use the Small Stone. The Nano version is very pedalboard friendly, it’s quiet, it can run on batteries, it’s extremely affordable, the new psychedelic 60s one looks great. You set the one switch and the one knob to a setting that you like, and you’re good to go. It’s a 4 stage (2 notch) phase shifter like the Phase 90, but it’s a different circuit. It’s NOT a Phase 90 clone.

Bad Stone – A 6 stage (3 notch) version of the Small Stone circuit. The MXR Phase 100 is also a 6 stage phase shifter, but they are NOT clones of each other. 6 stage phase shifter have a “sharper” or more “intense” sound.

Worm – The Worm contains a 3 stage (!) phase shifter that is intended to sound more like a Univibe type of phase shifter.

Good Vibes – This is an EXTREMELY FAITHFUL Univibe clone. It uses lamps and photoresistors to control the LFO. The Univibe is actually a phase shifter, but it’s such a unique circuit that it’s generally considered separately. The classic Univibe song is Bridge of Sighs by Robin Trower. The EHX Good Vibes nails this sound and sounds awesome.

There are some other EHX pedals that have phase shifters in them, but they try to sound like one of these.

Bottom Line?

Forget this list. Get yourself a Small Stone and you’ll be very happy.