Synth
sounds and
modulation
Modern synth pedals can
also be an awesome addition
to any funk pedalboard.
They are especially useful
for players trying to cop a
vintage Stevie Wonder or
Herbie Hancock sound with
a guitar. There are quite a
few of these around today,
but Electro-Harmonix seems
to have the game cornered.
Its Synth9 and Key9 pedals
are tough to beat for getting
vintage synth and keyboard
tones from a regular six-
string, and they have the
added benefit of also being
small and using industry
standard nine-volt power
supplies, making them
perfect for putting together a
light, supremely nimble, and
supremely funky pedalboard.
is the funkiest modulation
sound there is. The O’Jays’
“For the Love of Money,”
(which actually featured a
Maestro Phase Shifter on the
bass, rather than guitar) and
Fred Wesley and the Horny
Horns’ classic, “Four Play”
are excellent reference points
for deeply funky phaser
tones. If these are the sounds
you’re going for, something
in the Phase 90 family is a
natural choice. I like the new
MXR M290 Phase 95 Mini for
its extreme compactness and
sonic flexibility. If you want
to get fancy, the Subdecay
Quasar DLX is an amazing
option with a massive range
of delicious phase textures.
For funk modulation, the
only sound you really need
is a phaser, in my personal
opinion. Many will disagree,
but I think a good phaser
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