Boss TR-2 Tremolo vs MXR EVH90 Phase 90
The Boss TR-2 Tremolo and the MXR EVH90 Phase 90 are both pedals sharing smooth, low gain. The Boss TR-2 Tremolo leans spring and transparent. The MXR EVH90 Phase 90 leans full. Current prices: $99.99 vs $129.99.
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Blended from circuit-archetype lineage, dynamic feel, tone-signal overlap and tone-vector distance — the tone vector itself is derived from editorial description text, not a measured acoustic signal, so this reflects how similarly the catalog copy describes the two, not a lab measurement. Shown only within a gear class, and only where there's enough evidence to be meaningful.35% — somewhat different
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Genres both listings are associated with.- Rock
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Derived from overlapping tonal signals across both listings.- smooth
- low gain
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Boss · pedal
MXR EVH90 Phase 90
MXR · pedal
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Citation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.$99.99via Reverb
$129.99via Reverb
The Boss TR-2 Tremolo produces warm, vintage-inspired tremolo tones with a dreamy, amp-like warble reminiscent of a vintage tweed or blackface Fender amp's built-in tremolo circuit. Its simple rate, wave, and depth controls cover a wide range, from slow, gently sweeping pulses to fast, choppy stutter effects, and even extreme settings stay musical rather than harsh or erratic. Independent footswitches let players engage tremolo and control on/off state separately. It suits surf, country, and alternative rock players wanting classic amp-style tremolo warble in pedal form, and remains a dependable, road-ready choice even if more elaborate modern tremolo pedals offer deeper tonal shaping.
The MXR EVH90 Phase 90 is Eddie Van Halen's signature version of the classic MXR Phase 90, finished in striped Van Halen livery with a single Speed knob and a Script switch. The switch toggles between two voicings: modern Block mode, which is brighter with a more pronounced, scooped sweep, and vintage Script mode, which is warmer, subtler, and smoother. It produces the swirling, liquid phase that defined Eddie's tone on classic Van Halen recordings, working beautifully into a cranked amp for thick lead and rhythm textures. Simple and immediate, it suits classic rock, hard rock, and anyone chasing that signature warm, organic phaser sound from a single intuitive control.
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Genres this gear is documented as being used in.- Alternative Rock
- Blues
- Indie
- Country
- Classic Rock
- Hard Rock
- spring
- transparent
- modulated
- full