EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter vs MXR 20th Anniversary Zakk Wylde Signature Phaser
The EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter and the MXR 20th Anniversary Zakk Wylde Signature Phaser are both pedals sharing smooth. The MXR 20th Anniversary Zakk Wylde Signature Phaser leans mid-forward and high gain. Current prices: $199 vs $125.99.
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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.45% — somewhat different
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Derived from overlapping tonal signals across both listings.- smooth
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Citation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.$199via Reverb
$125.99via Reverb
The EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter is a 4-stage OTA-based phaser built around Rate, Depth, Sweep, and Resonance controls, offering a wide range of phaser textures from subtle swirl to intense, resonant sweeping. As the original version, it uses a hard mechanical footswitch, later replaced in V3 by a quieter soft switch with added Flexi-switch momentary functionality. The underlying 4-stage OTA phaser circuit and its four tone-shaping controls are identical across versions, meaning the original delivers the same core phaser character that made the Grand Orbiter a well-regarded pedal in EarthQuaker's lineup.
The MXR ZW-90 Wylde Phase is Zakk Wylde's signature take on the Phase 90, offered here in a 20th Anniversary edition finish. It keeps the one-knob simplicity of the original: a single Speed control ranging from a slow, warm, liquid analogue sweep to a fast, fierce staccato pulse. The voicing is smooth and warm, thickening and animating the signal without adding harshness or overpowering the core tone, which is why it holds together under the heavy distortion Wylde plays it with. It is at its most distinctive on high-gain rhythm and lead work at slow speeds, where the sweep lends a swirling, vocal movement to sustained notes. It also works well on bass and keyboards. Powered by a 9V battery or a standard supply.
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Genres this gear is documented as being used in.- Ambient
- Classic Rock
- Funk
- Blues
- Alternative Rock
- Hard Rock
- Metal
- mid-forward
- high gain
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Occasions this gear suits — judged per model, or derived from its wattage, connectivity and category.- Busking