Flanging is a common modulation effect recognized by its distinct swirling, or “whooshing,” sound. On the technical side, flanger pedals—some of the best of which we’ll be covering here—achieve their sound by duplicating the incoming signal and delaying the copy (<20 ms) so it’s out of phase with the original. Flangers then continuously alter the delay time using a low-frequency oscillator (LFO), resulting in a cascading, swooshing sound. Comb filtering is a distinct part of the flanging effect, too, emphasizing and deemphasizing various frequencies based on the interaction between the original and modulated signals.
History suggests Les Paul discovered the effect while conducting phase experiments with variable-speed record players and acetate discs in the late 1940s, but it would be nearly three decades before flanger pedals would hit the scene.
Prior to that, engineers created the sound with tape machines, playing duplicate material on two units and pressing down on the “flange” of one to delay it out of sync with the other. As the slowed tape caught up to regular speed, it produced the iconic flanging effect. This can be heard on legendary tunes like “Tomorrow Never Knows” (1966) by The Beatles and “Bold as Love” (1967) by Jimi Hendrix, among many others.
Electronic, chip-based flanging appeared circa 1975–76, and with it, flanger pedals. For years now, guitarists have relied on them to add depth, movement and thickness to solos and riffs. This article will cover some of the best flanger pedals available, so you can equip your board with the infamous, jet engine-like sonics of an all-time classic effect.
Table of Contents
Where Does a Flanger Pedal Go in My Signal Chain?
Comparing the Best Flanger Pedals
The Best Flanger Pedals
BOSS BF-3 Flanger Effects Pedal
Dreadbox Komorebi Analog Chorus/Flanger Effects Pedal
Death By Audio Space Bender Chorus/Flanger Effects Pedal
Death By Audio Disturbance Effects Pedal
EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids Stereo Flanging Device
Electro-Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress Flanger/Chorus Effects Pedal
Fender Hammertone Flanger Effects Pedal
JHS Pedals 3 Series Flanger Effects Pedal
MXR M117R Flanger Effects Pedal
MXR M152 Micro Flanger Effects Pedal
Old Blood Noise Endeavors Flat Light Flange Shifter Effects Pedal
PRS Wind Through the Trees Dual Analog Flanger Effects Pedal
Spaceman Effects Aurora Analog Flanger Effects Pedal
Strymon Orbit dBucket Flanger Effects Pedal
Supro 1309 Flanger Effects Pedal
TC Electronic Thunderstorm Flanger Effects Pedal
TC Electronic SCF Gold Stereo Chorus Flanger Effects Pedal
Walrus Audio Polychrome Flanger Effects Pedal
Find the Best Flanger Pedal for You
People Also Ask …
Where Does a Flanger Pedal Go in My Signal Chain?
Flangers are modulation effects that feel most at home in the middle, or toward the end, of your signal chain. They tend to thrive after overdrive and distortion, enhancing the transformational tones of those processors with additional texture, but before time-based effects, so the flanging doesn’t step on delay tails or wash away reverb trails.
Feeding a flanger everything in your pedal path up to that point—including wah, EQ, compression and drive—gives it a complete picture of your tone to process. You can always channel more abstract sounds, too, by playing with pedal order. Given the effects on your board, how does a flanger sound before overdrive, for instance? There’s only one way to find out …
Pictured: PRS Wind Through the Trees Dual Analog Flanger Effects Pedal
Comparing the Best Flanger Pedals
Model |
Tonal Characteristics |
Controls |
Unique Features |
Power Draw |
Price* |
Thick stereo flanging with richness and depth |
Resonance/Manual, Depth, Rate, Mode |
Gate/Pan mode with slicer-type effects |
9VDC, 60 mA |
$129.99 |
|
Analog, BBD-style flanging and chorus |
Amount, Feedback, Static, Rate, LFO wave switch |
Onboard patch points for Eurorack compatibility |
9VDC, 100 mA |
$199 |
|
Heavy chorus-flanging, ranging from subtle to extreme |
Speed, Depth, Delay Time, Modulator, Intensity |
Two-way rocker switches shape sound quality |
9VDC, 65 mA |
$270 |
|
Deeply modulated filter, flanger and phaser effects |
Tensity, Center Point, Width, Speed |
Three-way switch toggles filter, flanger or “fazer” |
9VDC, 67 mA |
$250 |
|
Versatile flanging types, including jet-engine roar, through-zero tape warble and more |
Manual, Rate, Width, Mix, Presets, Feedback, Modify, Mode, Rate & Tap |
Eight DSP-driven flanger modes |
9VDC, 460 mA |
$349 |
|
Undulating, rich modulations with flanger and chorus working together |
Rate, Flanger Depth, Chorus Depth |
Individual flanger and chorus effects |
9VDC, 160 mA |
$150.60 |
|
Dramatic, rushing waves of flange and subtler, swirling modulation |
Manual, Rate, Depth, Resonance switch, Type switch |
Type switch toggles two styles of flanger |
9VDC, 100 mA |
$99.99 |
|
Analog-style flanging inspired by old-school pedals |
Blend, Rate, Intensity, Tape switch |
Simple controls support a wide range of sounds |
9VDC, 70 mA |
$99 |
|
Classic ’70s-style flanging, with everything from jet plane to spatial effects |
Manual, Width, Speed, Regeneration |
Performs the work of a flanger, chorus, delay and more |
18VDC, 39 mA |
$189.99 |
|
Warm, thick flanging with massive swooshes |
Speed, Regeneration |
Streamlined control layout delivers compelling array of effects |
9VDC, 7 mA |
$119.99 |
|
Unique, highly textural flanging with onboard micro adjustments |
Rate, Depth, Mix, Shift, Detune/Resonate/Echo Switch |
Additional parameters to shape the textures within the base flanger |
9VDC, 110 mA |
$209 |
|
Lush, warm, analog stereo flanging |
Manual, Depth, Rate, LFO 1 and LFO 2 mix, Regen, Dry/Wet, Added Highs |
Two flangers in one with independent controls |
9VDC, 22 mA |
$349 |
|
Analog BBD flanger with lots of custom waveform animation |
Volume, Width, Mix, Rate, Regen, Range, modulation bus |
Five modulation modes, including two LFOs, two tape styles and comb filtering |
9–12VDC, 58 mA |
$319.99 |
|
Traditional watery or hollow flanging sounds with ability to create dramatic soundscapes and textures |
Speed, Width, Mix, Regen, Manual, Feedback switch, LFO switch |
High-performance DSP generates impressive sound quality |
9VDC, 200 mA |
$299 |
|
All-analog, full-stereo flanging with sonic richness and textural depth |
Speed, Width, Sweep, Feedback, Dimension switch |
Dimension switch crossfeeds stereo signals for entrancing double-flanger effects |
9VDC, 250 mA |
$289 |
|
Classic analog flanger tones, with everything from tape-like sweeps to lush chorusing |
Rate, Depth, Manual, Feedback |
Bucket brigade circuit captures iconic three-dimensional, old-school sounds |
9VDC, 15 mA |
$49 |
|
Authentic retro modulation pedal tone with virtually noiseless operation |
Speed, Width, Intensity, Input Gain, three-way mode selector |
Selectable chorus, pitch modulation and flanger modes |
9VDC, 150 mA |
$150 |
|
Colorful modulation for adding versatile array of textures to arrangements |
Rate, Depth, Sweep, Feedback, Shape switch, Voice switch, D-F-V knob |
Unique D-F-V (dry, flange, vibrato) blend knob generates a full palette of sounds |
9VDC, 50 mA |
$219.99 |
Pricing as of February 2025*
The Best Flanger Pedals
BOSS BF-3 Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Versatile and easy to use, the BOSS BF-3 flanger pedal offers thick stereo sounds for guitarists and bassists.
Things to Consider:
- Standard, Ultra and Gate/Pan modes
- Dedicated guitar and bass inputs
- Legendary BOSS tone and build quality
Shop Now: BOSS BF-3 Flanger Effects Pedal
For over 20 years, the BOSS BF-3 flanger has been a staple effect in the brand’s renowned stompbox lineup. Featuring a no-nonsense layout with three operable parameters, in addition to a Mode selector, the BF-3 delivers rich flanging with all the texture, movement and depth you’d expect from a top-tier pedal. Using the Gate/Pan setting, you can even achieve swirling, slicer-like sound to stylize portions of an arrangement with a prominent effect.
What People Are Saying About the BOSS BF-3
At Guitar Center, the BOSS BF-3 scores 4.77 stars out of 5 on 35+ reviews, and 100% of users would recommend it to a friend.
Dreadbox Komorebi Analog Chorus/Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Dreadbox Komorebi is a fully analog bucket brigade chorus/flanger for guitar, bass and synthesizer, with dedicated CV patch points for Eurorack compatibility.
Things to Consider:
- Three selectable LFO wave shapes
- Bucket brigade delay (BBD) time ranges from 2 to 40 ms
- Impressive performance with streamlined controls
Shop Now: Dreadbox Komorebi Analog Chorus/Flanger Effects Pedal
If you’re tracking down a flanger pedal with one-of-a-kind sonic characteristics, the Komorebi by Dreadbox delivers in spades. You can radically transform guitar, bass and synth tones using only a handful of intuitive parameters, creating comb-filtered flanging and pitch-shifted chorusing all from a single pedal. Fans of modular synthesis will appreciate the Komorebi’s dedicated patch points for integration with an existing synthesizer rig.
What People Are Saying About the Dreadbox Komorebi
The collective online player base unanimously agrees the Dreadbox Komorebi chorus/flanger is a perfect 5-star pedal.
Death By Audio Space Bender Chorus/Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Death By Audio Space Bender is an extreme modulator producing flanging and chorusing effects, garbled delays and beyond.
Things to Consider:
- Unique layout includes trio of rocker switches
- Easy-to-use Speed and Depth knobs shape overall sound
- Ideal for experimental effects
Shop Now: Death By Audio Space Bender Chorus/Flanger Effects Pedal
Death By Audio’s Space Bender is the perfect shuttle for sonic cosmonauts to explore the outer reaches of their creativity. From flanging and chorus to heavily modulated delays, the aptly named Space Bender manipulates incoming signals with its inspiring tone-twisting abilities. Far from a traditional flanger, Death By Audio’s specialized take on a classic effect is perfect for intrepid players who love to tread new ground with their sound.
What People Are Saying About the Death By Audio Space Bender
One Guitar Center reviewer—who gave this stompbox 5/5 stars—called the Space Bender a “really cool, fun and inspiring pedal,” which is precisely what we players hope our effects to be.
Death By Audio Disturbance Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: From timeless modulation to intense psychedelia, the Death By Audio Disturbance pedal conjures otherworldly filter, flanger and phaser sounds.
Things to Consider:
- Stop LFO mid-cycle for “frozen” modulation effects
- CV output jack to control other devices
- Filter/Flanger/Fazer switch selects effect
Shop Now: Death By Audio Disturbance Effects Pedal
While Death By Audio’s Disturbance pedal is undoubtedly a transformative soundscaping device, its ability to also deliver nuanced, musical modulation makes it a favorite for traditional sounds that guitarists have utilized for decades. Generate resonant swells in Filter mode, dip your toes in watery tonal cascades with Flanger or settle into a psychedelic groove with the eight-stage Phaser setting. Far from a one-trick pony, Disturbance is a pedalboard asset virtually guaranteed to spark fresh riffs.
What People Are Saying About the Death By Audio Disturbance
Guitar Player rates the Death By Audio Disturbance filter/flanger/phaser pedal a formidable 4.5/5 stars, calling it a “deceptively powerful” device.
EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids Stereo Flanging Device
Why It’s Cool: The EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids pedal includes a veritable array of flanging effects for all manner of modulation.
Things to Consider:
- Five onboard presets and eight flanger styles
- Mix control for custom wet/dry balance
- Mono and stereo operation
Shop Now: EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids Stereo Flanging Device
When you’re looking for every flavor of flanger to add to your pedalboard, the EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids unit certainly assumes the role with its eight modes, including a Through-Zero setting emulating old-school tape flanging. Sound quality is assured thanks to an all-analog dry signal path, 24-bit/96kHz converters and a digital wet signal path boasting a full-range, 20Hz–20kHz frequency response. Plus, every Pyramids pedal is hand-assembled and tested in Akron, Ohio.
What People Are Saying About the EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids
In a humorous positive review here at Guitar Center, Payton from Tacoma, WA, gave Pyramids 5/5 stars, stating, “It makes crazy noises.” And really, what more could you want from a flanger pedal?
Electro-Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress Flanger/Chorus Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The EHX Stereo Electric Mistress channels the seductive sounds of Hendrix-style, “Bold as Love” flanging, alongside a chorus circuit for lush, decadent modulation.
Things to Consider:
- Streamlined control layout
- Run flanger and chorus together or individually
- Rugged die-cast metal chassis
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix XO Stereo Electric Mistress Flanger/Chorus Effects Pedal
Simply put, the Electro-Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress pedal could not be any easier to use, featuring Rate, Flanger Depth and Chorus Depth parameters to generate incredible modulating effects with practically zero effort. A truly plug-and-play device, the Electric Mistress immediately produces inspiring textures, lending movement to chord progressions, arpeggios, melodies and more.
What People Are Saying About the Electro-Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress
The following excerpt from Brad out of Macungie, PA—a Guitar Center customer—sums the EHX Electric Mistress up quite nicely: “I was looking for something to get in the ballpark of an Andy Summers tone and started reading about the Electric Mistress. I went for this modern version because I couldn’t resist getting a flanger and chorus in one pedal. I find the range of tones you can achieve to be outstanding. With some experimentation, you can get many diverse colors and textures.”
Fender Hammertone Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Fender’s Hammertone flanger pedal sounds great, is easy to dial in and comes at a competitive price for the budget-minded player.
Things to Consider:
- Resonance switch adjusts intensity of the effect
- Type switch toggles subtle and extreme flanging tones
- Top-mounted input/output jacks
Shop Now: Fender Hammertone Flanger Effects Pedal
The Fender Hammertone flanger pedal pays homage to early tape flanging, recreating the classic color of subtle swirls and far-out swooshes. Between sound quality, affordability and user friendliness, the Hammertone flanger is right at home on any pedalboard, poised to breathe new life into your riffs. Whether this is your introduction to flanging or another flavor in your tonal spice rack, Fender takes your sound over the top.
What People Are Saying About the Fender Hammertone Flanger
The online guitar community gives the Fender Hammertone Flanger a solid overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
JHS Pedals 3 Series Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The 3 Series Flanger by JHS Pedals combines simplicity and affordability without compromising sound and build quality.
Things to Consider:
- Straightforward control layout
- Inspired by classic, 1970s flanger pedals
- Suited for beginners and experienced players
Shop Now: JHS Pedals 3 Series Flanger Effects Pedal
Assembled by the JHS Pedals team at their factory in Kansas City, Missouri, the 3 Series flanger delivers one of the biggest bangs for your buck from a boutique manufacturer. Sonically, the 3 Series Flanger takes cues from the original Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress, MXR M117 and Tycobrahe Pedalflanger units from the ’70s, so it brings tons of analog-tinged mojo to the table. If you need one flanger pedal that sound excellent, this JHS design certainly does the trick.
What People Are Saying About the JHS 3 Series Flanger
Guitar Center reviewers cumulatively score the JHS 3 Series Flanger 4.67/5, and 100% of users would recommend this pedal to a friend.
MXR M117R Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The MXR M117R’s analog bucket brigade circuitry produces a wide range of sounds, including flanging, chorusing and delay, for all kinds of modulated, spatial effects.
Things to Consider:
- For use with guitar, bass, keyboards and vocals
- At zero, Width knob disengages auto-sweep
- With auto-sweep off, Manual control selects center frequency
Shop Now: MXR M117R Flanger Effects Pedal
The MXR M117R flanger pedal offers everything from the iconic jet plane sound to springy delays and dynamic chorus. Plug it in and begin sculpting your ideal tone with four intuitive parameters, and channel the energy of one of the most popular flangers in pedal history. The original M117 was a game changer in the 1970s, and the modern MXR M117R captures its classic allure for contemporary guitarists.
What People Are Saying About the MXR M117R
Highly rated at Guitar Center, the MXR M117R earns 4.57/5 stars, and 100% of players would recommend the effect to a friend.
MXR M152 Micro Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The MXR M152 Micro Flanger produces the same rich textures as its older sibling, but in a more compact chassis with streamlined controls.
Things to Consider:
- Same sound found in the M117R
- Smaller, pedalboard-friendly size
- True-bypass switching
Shop Now: MXR M152 Micro Flanger Effects Pedal
We’re big fans of the MXR M152 Micro Flanger’s simplicity, which is practically paradoxical to the massive tones it generates. Borrowing “guts” from the larger M117R, it forgoes Width/Manual controls for essential Speed and Regeneration knobs to craft its versatile sounds. Moreover, the Micro Flanger’s smaller footprint ensures easy integration with crowded pedalboards.
What People Are Saying About the MXR M152 Micro Flanger
This popular, top-selling pedal at Guitar Center weighs in at 4.72/5 stars on 18+ reviews, and 100% of discerning flanger enthusiasts would recommend the MXR M152 to a friend.
Old Blood Noise Endeavors Flat Light Flange Shifter Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Old Blood Noise Endeavors Flat Light pedal features three distinct modes emphasizing different tonal elements found within the inherent flanging sound.
Things to Consider:
- Detune, Resonate and Echo modes
- Expression jack for real-time parameter manipulation
- Soft-touch, true-bypass footswitch
Shop Now: Old Blood Noise Endeavors Flat Light Flange Shifter Effects Pedal
Flat Light by Old Blood Noise Endeavors is a devious little design offering experimental noisemakers the chance to play with flanging textures in a whole new way. Sonically, the Flat Light pedal is “colder” than your traditional old-school flanger, and its three modes add pitch shifting, additional flanger lines or echoes to the signal for a unique variety of sounds. Use the Shift knob to dial in the intensity of the chosen mode’s effect and the Mix control to adjust the wet/dry blend to taste.
What People Are Saying About the Old Blood Noise Endeavors Flat Light
According to Premier Guitar, who gives the Old Blood Noise Endeavors Flat Light flanger pedal a 4/5 rating, “The Flat Light is no old-school flanger … its three modes venture well beyond the usual flanger vocabulary, and often to fine effect.”
PRS Wind Through the Trees Dual Analog Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Its sound may have been inspired by nature, but the PRS Wind Through the Trees dual flanger does ’80s-style whooshing, Leslie-like whirling and a whole lot more.
Things to Consider:
- Two flanging engines with independent controls
- True-bypass switching
- Made in the USA
Shop Now: PRS Wind Through the Trees Dual Analog Flanger Effects Pedal
PRS describes their Wind Through the Trees pedal as “two flangers fighting each other,” generating a soulful, almost organic effect like the sound of wind lapping at leaves during a forest breeze. With deep control over both flangers—including a dedicated blend knob between voices, in addition to an overall dry/wet mix—there’s an entire palette of colorful flanging effects to play with. The PRS Wind Through the Trees has the added benefit of high-quality, through-hole mounted components for optimal sound at every stage in the circuitry.
What People Are Saying About the PRS Wind Through the Trees
One Guitar Center reviewer from Spokane, WA, shared their experience with Wind Through the Trees, writing, “Very nice pedal. PRS just keeps doing it right. I would recommend watching the PRS promo video to get a better grip on how you want to use it, but you’ll quickly find a home for it on your board.”
Spaceman Effects Aurora Analog Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: With the Spaceman Effects Aurora, it’s possible to achieve sundry flange, phase, vibrato and chorus sounds.
Things to Consider:
- Analog bucket brigade flanger pedal
- Five modulation modes: two LFOs, two tape emulations and a comb filter
- Versatile range of traditional and experimental sounds onboard
Shop Now: Spaceman Effects Aurora Analog Flanger Effects Pedal
The Aurora analog flanger by Spaceman Effects is a comprehensive modulation station equipped with three types of modulators. Between two LFOs, two tape styles and a static comb filter, you can generate traditional and anomalous flanging sounds, watery phase, lush chorus, spatial effects and more. The pedal also boasts exceptional sound quality from a thoughtfully designed compander, which improves signal-to-noise ratio and expands the device’s dynamic range. Handwired and assembled in Portland, Oregon, the Spaceman Effects Aurora analog flanger pedal is built to last a lifetime.
What People Are Saying About the Spaceman Effects Aurora
A detailed review by Premier Guitar suggests there’s a learning curve to make the most of this pedal, though spending time with it pays dividends. In their words, “For fearless flange flyers willing to invest the time into understanding the Aurora, the payoff is a boatload of rich traditional modulation colors—and heaps of uncommon and unexpected ones—that can enliven a studio or stage performance.”
Strymon Orbit dBucket Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Powered by a superior Strymon DSP algorithm, the Orbit dBucket brings top-tier flanging sounds to pedalboards.
Things to Consider:
- Logarithmic, linear and through-zero LFOs
- Positive, negative and positive/negative feedback styles
- Expression pedal input for selectable control of any parameter
Shop Now: Strymon Orbid dBucket Flanger Effects Pedal
The Strymon Orbit dBucket flanger pedal is a studio-grade effect, sporting high-performance 24-bit converters, premium analog input and output sections, and an exceptional DSP algorithm handling its pristine flanger models. A three-way LFO switch determines the character of the effect, with LOG and LIN covering most “everyday” flanger sounds. Engaging through-zero mode pushes the wet signal ahead of the dry one, resulting in a dramatic flanging effect for sound design, ambience and more.
What People Are Saying About the Strymon Orbit dBucket
According to aggregated online ratings, players give the Strymon Orbit dBucket flanger an estimated 4.5-star assessment. In an early review of the pedal, Premier Guitar suggested the effect to users seeking an all-in-one flanging solution.
Supro 1309 Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Supro Flanger utilizes four genuine MN3009 bucket brigade IC chips to generate impossibly thick, lush flanging sounds with utmost sound quality and headroom.
Things to Consider:
- All-analog, full-stereo modulation
- Vintage-modern tonal palette
- Double-flanger effect in mono or stereo
Shop Now: Supro 1309 Flanger Effects Pedal
The Supro 1309 flanger’s all-analog signal path with honest-to-goodness bucket brigade chips is one part of the sonic story, but it’s a bidirectional feedback control and a Sweep knob—which lengthens the delay time on one side of the stereo image and shortens it on the other—that creates a uniquely immersive soundscape. Engaging the Dimension switch crossfeeds those two channels together, generating a hypnotic, double-flanging sound of two delay lines being modulated opposite each other. The effect is pronounced, even if the pedal is run in mono.
What People Are Saying About the Supro 1309 Flanger
Drew, one of our writers at Guitar Center, was impressed by the Supro flanger’s ability to be a gentle, tasteful effect. He told us, “This one’s a compelling choice if you’re looking to add a touch of kaleidoscopic magic without totally overpowering your sound—it plays well with chorus and other effects in your chain.”
TC Electronic Thunderstorm Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: For vintage-style flanger tones on a budget, it doesn’t get much better than the TC Electronic Thunderstorm.
Things to Consider:
- Analog bucket brigade circuitry
- True-bypass switching
- Top-mounted I/O jacks
Shop Now: TC Electronic Thunderstorm Flanger Effects Pedal
TC Electronic knows a thing or two about high-quality pedals for the budget-conscious player, and the Thunderstorm flanger pedal is a spot-on example of a top-tier modulator that won’t break the bank. Utilizing all-analog bucket brigade internals and four intuitive controls, you can time travel through monumental moments in flanger history, from ’60s tape sweeps to lush ’80s faux chorus and beyond. The TC Electronic Thunderstorm is a solid all-around flanger and a great introduction to the effect for first-time triers.
What People Are Saying About the TC Electronic Thunderstorm
Scott from Miami, FL, took a chance on the TC Electronic Thunderstorm at Guitar Center, writing, “I've been playing guitar for 50 years and never owned a flanger. When I encountered this model on sale, I couldn’t resist. What a happy surprise for me, as it produces a shimmery, wavery tone that is truly pleasant to the ear. I’d recommend this pedal easily.”
TC Electronic SCF Gold Stereo Chorus Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: The Stereo Chorus Flanger (SCF) Gold pays tribute to the first TC Electronic product ever made—the original SCF pedal from 1976.
Things to Consider:
- Chorus, Flanger and Pitch Modulation modes
- Built-in analog preamp with input gain and LED clipping indicator
- Absolutely quiet signal-to-noise ratio
Shop Now: TC Electronic SCF Gold Stereo Chorus/Flanger Effects Pedal
Early flanger pedals were noisy, so TC Electronic founders Kim and John Rishøj set out to create a silent modulation pedal of their own. The SCF was born in 1976 and would be nicknamed “the Sound of Silence,” thanks to its noiseless operation. The TC Electronic SCF Gold pedal is a modern recreation of that legendary multi-modulator, with increased headroom (for even less noise), a reissued BBD circuit and a classic dual-output stereo design that made the original effect so spatially massive back in the day.
What People Are Saying About the TC Electronic SCF Gold
Popular with guitarists, the TC Electronic SCF Gold chorus/flanger/pitch modulation pedal scores an impressive 4.8/5 stars among a variety of web reviews.
Walrus Audio Polychrome Flanger Effects Pedal
Why It’s Cool: Walrus Audio’s Polychrome flanger is an adaptable effect, capable of blending quietly into the background of a mix or standing boldly atop a mountain of sound with dense, vibrant modulation.
Things to Consider:
- Sounds range from subtle to dramatic
- Top-mounted input, output and power
- True-bypass switching
Shop Now: Walrus Audio Polychrome Flanger Effects Pedal
The Polychrome flanger pedal by Walrus Audio characterizes its sound through a D-F-V (Dry, Flange, Vibrato) blend knob; a Shape switch to change the LFO to a sine, triangle or random wave; and a Voice switch to toggle between traditional, full-frequency flanging or a complex, notched filter with reduced bass. The clever interaction between these parameters lets you explore a wealth of flanged and pitched vibrato sounds, whether you only need a hint of color to fill in an arrangement’s gaps, or you want your solo to soar above the mix.
What People Are Saying About the Walrus Audio Polychrome
Guitar Center reviewers love the Walrus Audio Polychrome, giving it 4.75/5 stars and a perfect 100% recommendation rate. One user shared, “I really like the versatility of this flange pedal. You can achieve any type of flanger you want—perfectly—after spending minimal time messing around with the controls. Walrus Audio tends to make high-quality products, so I expect this pedal to last me a long time.”
Find the Best Flanger Pedal for You
From Van Halen’s “Unchained” to Heart’s “Barracuda,” and from Rush’s “The Spirit of Radio” to Led Zeppelin’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine,” flanger has played a prominent part in some seriously spectacular guitar riffs. What’s cool about those select examples is how you can hear the effect applied by varying degrees to suit the song. When you’ve got a great part written, a quality flanger pedal adds that “je ne sais quoi” to make a killer riff iconic.
If you’re feeling intrigued by what modulation pedals can do for your sound, feel free to check out our complete collection of flanger, phaser and chorus pedals, and be sure to connect with a Gear Adviser should any burning questions arise during your search. Better still, you can visit the pedal table at your local Guitar Center and put these effects to the test. After all, when it comes to guitar tone, hearing is believing …
Pictured: BOSS BF-3 Flanger Effects Pedal
People Also Ask ...
- Q: What’s the difference between flanger and phaser?
- A: Sonically, flangers and phasers are similar. While flangers use delay to push identical signals out of phase, a phaser uses an all-pass filter—think of it as one notch of a comb filter. Phasers apply multiple all-pass filters to create numerous notches along the frequency spectrum of the duplicated signal, introducing phase shift. Most folks find phasers to be a little less ham-fisted than flangers, though the effect is still easily perceived.
- Q: What type of music do flangers work best in?
- A: Since this article focuses on pedals, we’ve mentioned several instances where flanger famously features in guitar-driven rock music. You shouldn’t be deterred from using it on other instruments in other genres, though, whether it’s a pedal or a plug-in. Sure, perhaps flanging is out of place on a singer-songwriter’s intimate vocals, but it might be perfect to sweep the mix bus with a flanger on an EDM track right before the big drop.
- Q: Who makes the best flanger pedal?
- A: As is the case with most things gear-related, there’s no definitive answer for who makes the “best” flanger pedal, because there’s a ton of diversity out there in terms of sound profile and operation. We’ve prepared the list in this article to include a wide variety of pedals, all of which have their merits. When in doubt, test pedals yourself whenever possible (the pedal table at your Guitar Center store is a great place to do this), and listen to sound samples and demos online to help inform your decision.