Boss PH-3From real comments

Verdict distilled from 45 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment51%
PROS 51%
CONS 49%

Rank based on 45 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want unusual Rise/Fall or Step-style phase effects, not just classic sweeps
  • You play reggae/dub or bass and want a phaser that retains low end
  • You want tap tempo and expression pedal control on a phaser

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a subtle, warm analog-style phaser like the PH-1 or PH-2
  • You're sensitive to volume drop and don't want to add a workaround
  • You want a simple, no-frills sweep with no digital-sounding modes

What users complain about

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Based on user comments

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MXR Super Badass Distortion
Exceptional versatilityNatural, amp-like tonePowerful 3-band EQDemo videos undersell the pedalNoticeable noise floorVolume drop when engaged
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Exceptional versatility
Natural, amp-like tone
Powerful 3-band EQ
Demo videos undersell the pedal
Noticeable noise floor
Volume drop when engaged
5Premium
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Exceptional reverb qualityHigh-quality warm pitch shiftingStrong aspirational appealHigh priceCheaper alternatives may sufficeEffect can feel like it plays for you
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Exceptional reverb quality
High-quality warm pitch shifting
Strong aspirational appeal
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Cheaper alternatives may suffice
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Origin Effects Deluxe61
Authentic amp-like toneExcellent low-to-mid gain driveUnderrated favorite among ownersHigh price pointLimited gain-staging flexibilityNo built-in reverb
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Authentic amp-like tone
Excellent low-to-mid gain drive
Underrated favorite among owners
High price point
Limited gain-staging flexibility
No built-in reverb
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Roland TR-808
Iconic, powerful kick drumWarmer, more alive analog characterCultural and historical influenceExtremely high collector priceAnalog noise and static requiring EQReliability concerns of aging hardware
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Warmer, more alive analog character
Cultural and historical influence
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Moog Subsequent 37
Inspiring and addictive to playWarm, fat analog toneStrong DAW/VST editor integrationHigh price for what it offersLimited versatility outside bass rangeNeeds effects/partner gear to shine
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Inspiring and addictive to play
Warm, fat analog tone
Strong DAW/VST editor integration
High price for what it offers
Limited versatility outside bass range
Needs effects/partner gear to shine
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Wampler Tumnus V2
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Transparent tone
Versatile across genres
Works well across many guitar types
Two-channel routing complexity
Dry signal bleed-through
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You are here
31Mid
Boss PH-3
Unique Rise/Fall and Step modesWide tonal range and versatilityGreat for reggae and dub tonesNoticeable volume drop when engagedSounds more digital and less warm than PH-1/PH-2Can mask or overpower other effects/notes
Boss PH-3
Unique Rise/Fall and Step modes
Wide tonal range and versatility
Great for reggae and dub tones
Noticeable volume drop when engaged
Sounds more digital and less warm than PH-1/PH-2
Can mask or overpower other effects/notes

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The Rise/Fall and Step modes are the pedal's signature draw. Many commenters specifically bought or kept the PH-3 because of its Step and Rise/Fall modes, which several call the best part of the pedal and a reason it 'sold' them after seeing a demo. Others note these modes create ethereal or nostalgic sounds reminiscent of Chili Peppers tones, though the step/arpeggiator effect can feel rhythmically rigid and hard to fit into an actual song.

Volume drop when engaged is the pedal's most persistent complaint. A large number of users report a noticeable volume or tone loss when switching the PH-3 on, with some returning or selling the pedal over it. Workarounds mentioned include placing it after drive pedals, using a loop switcher with a line selector, or boosting output; one bassist noted it retains low end better than the PH-2 despite this issue.

Digital character divides analog purists from fans of its versatility. Several long-time Boss phaser owners prefer the PH-1r or PH-2 for their analog warmth, calling the PH-3 sterile or lacking depth by comparison, while others insist it replicates the PH-2 'Super Phaser' well and offers more functionality overall. Fans highlight its use by notable guitarists and its staying power in reggae/dub scenes as proof of its distinct value.

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