BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter Guitar Effects Pedal, (Used)

The BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter is a versatile guitar effects pedal combining classic vintage-style phasing with modern modulation effects, tap tempo functionality and expressive real-time control.

Designed for guitarists who want more than a conventional phaser, the PH-3 offers a wide range of distinctive sounds, from gentle, swirling modulation and warm vintage textures to dramatic filtering effects and futuristic rhythmic patterns.

At the heart of the pedal is its selection of 4, 8, 10 and 12-stage phasing modes, providing different levels of complexity and intensity. The PH-3 also introduces distinctive Rise and Fall modes, creating continuously upward or downward-moving phase effects rather than the traditional repeating sweep.

A dedicated Step mode delivers rhythmic, stepped modulation sounds, making the PH-3 particularly appealing to experimental guitarists, alternative musicians and players looking to create unusual textures.

The integrated tap tempo functionality allows modulation speed to be synchronised with a song, while the EXP/CTL connection provides additional control using a compatible optional expression pedal or external footswitch.

As part of BOSS's legendary compact pedal range, the PH-3 features the familiar robust enclosure, practical control layout and buffered bypass design associated with the brand.

This particular BOSS PH-3 is presented in Good Pre-Owned Condition, showing cosmetic wear consistent with previous ownership.

Please note that no power supply is included.

The pedal can be powered using a suitable 9V battery or a compatible BOSS PSA-series 9V DC power supply, available separately.

For guitarists seeking everything from classic psychedelic phasing to contemporary modulation effects, the BOSS PH-3 offers an exceptionally flexible creative tool.

At A Glance

Detail	Information
Brand	BOSS
Model	PH-3
Effect Type	Phase Shifter
Bypass	Buffered
Condition	Good – Pre-Owned
Power	9V DC or 9V Battery
Power Supply	Not Included

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Good Condition

This BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter is presented in Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating noticeable cosmetic wear consistent with previous ownership and use.

The pedal features the familiar green BOSS enclosure and traditional compact pedal design.

Please study the accompanying product photographs carefully for a closer assessment of the cosmetic condition, including the casing, controls, footswitch and connections.

Power Supply Not Included

This BOSS PH-3 does not come with a power supply.

The pedal requires a compatible 9V DC adaptor or a suitable 9V battery.

A BOSS PSA-series power adaptor is recommended when powering the pedal from the mains.

What's Included

• BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter Guitar Effects Pedal

Not Included: Power Supply.

Key Features

• Versatile Phase Shifter: Classic and contemporary modulation effects in one compact pedal.

• 4, 8, 10 and 12-Stage Phasing: Multiple phasing characteristics for different musical styles.

• Rise Mode: Creates continuously upward-moving phase effects.

• Fall Mode: Produces continuously downward-moving phase sweeps.

• Step Mode: Delivers rhythmic, stepped modulation patterns.

• Tap Tempo: Synchronise the modulation speed with your music.

• Rate Control: Adjust the speed of the phasing effect.

• Depth Control: Shape the intensity of the modulation.

• Resonance Control: Adjust the emphasis and character of the phasing.

• Expression Pedal Compatibility: Allows additional real-time control using a suitable optional controller.

• Buffered Bypass: Maintains a buffered signal path when bypassed.

• Compact BOSS Enclosure: Familiar, pedalboard-friendly design.

• Battery or Mains Operation: Flexible 9V power options.

• Good Pre-Owned Condition: A practical used effects pedal.

• No Power Supply Included: Requires a compatible power source.

Why You'll Love It

The BOSS PH-3 stands out because it offers far more creative flexibility than a conventional phase shifter.

Traditional phaser pedals are often associated with a single sweeping modulation character, but the PH-3 allows players to explore multiple phasing stages and several unusual modes.

Its 4-stage setting is particularly useful for warm, vintage-inspired phasing, while the higher-stage settings provide a more pronounced and complex modulation effect.

The Rise and Fall modes are especially distinctive, creating the impression of a continuously moving tonal sweep.

For musicians interested in psychedelic sounds, progressive rock, alternative music or experimental guitar, these modes can be particularly inspiring.

The Step mode adds rhythmic movement, producing unusual patterns that work well with clean guitar, delay and ambient effects.

Tap tempo makes it easier to synchronise the effect with a live performance, while optional expression control allows additional movement and creativity.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Classic Phase Shifting

The BOSS PH-3 provides the familiar swirling modulation associated with classic phaser effects. By continuously altering the phase relationship of selected frequencies, the pedal creates a moving series of peaks and notches that produce its distinctive sweeping sound. This effect has been used extensively in funk, psychedelic rock, classic rock and contemporary music, making the PH-3 a versatile addition to a guitar effects setup.

Selectable 4, 8, 10 and 12-Stage Modes

The PH-3 provides four traditional phaser stage settings, each offering a different character and complexity. The 4-stage setting is particularly effective for smoother, vintage-style modulation, while the 8, 10 and 12-stage modes provide increasingly elaborate phase movement. This flexibility allows musicians to move between subtle tonal enhancement and more dramatic modulation without changing pedals.

Unique Rise Mode

The Rise mode creates the impression of phase movement continuously travelling upwards rather than cycling back and forth. This produces an unusual, almost endless sweeping effect that can add movement to sustained chords, atmospheric guitar passages and experimental sounds. It is particularly effective when combined with reverb and delay.

Distinctive Fall Mode

The Fall mode provides a continuously descending phase effect, offering a different tonal movement from the Rise setting. This creates a dramatic modulation texture that works well for psychedelic music, ambient arrangements and unconventional lead guitar sounds. Adjusting the pedal's controls allows the effect to move from subtle background movement to a more prominent tonal feature.

Rhythmic Step Mode

The Step mode produces a stepped modulation effect rather than a conventional smooth sweep. This creates rhythmic, sequencer-like sounds that can add an electronic character to guitar parts. It is especially effective for alternative, experimental and progressive music, where unusual rhythmic textures can become an important part of an arrangement.

Integrated Tap Tempo

The PH-3 incorporates tap tempo functionality, allowing the modulation speed to be matched to the tempo of a song. This is particularly useful during rehearsals and live performances, where synchronising effects with the rhythm of the music can help create more deliberate and controlled sounds.

Rate, Depth & Resonance Controls

The three principal control knobs provide detailed adjustment of the effect. Rate determines the speed of the modulation, Depth controls its intensity, and Resonance adjusts the emphasis of the phase effect. Together with the Stage selector, these controls make it possible to create everything from gentle movement to dramatic, highly pronounced modulation.

Optional Expression Pedal Control

The PH-3 features an EXP/CTL socket that supports compatible optional expression pedals and external footswitches. Expression control allows players to manipulate the phaser's movement in real time, adding another level of musical interaction. This is particularly appealing for musicians who use modulation as an expressive performance technique rather than simply leaving an effect running at a fixed setting.

Classic BOSS Compact Pedal Design

The PH-3 uses the familiar BOSS compact pedal format, designed to provide straightforward operation and practical integration into guitar effects setups. Its footswitch allows convenient effect activation, while the clearly arranged controls make adjustment accessible during rehearsals and performances.

Excellent for Guitar & Bass

Although commonly used with electric guitar, the PH-3 is also suitable for creative bass guitar effects. Its modulation can add movement to bass lines, particularly for funk, alternative and experimental music. Different stage settings and modulation depths allow players to tailor the effect to suit their instrument and arrangement.

Who Is It For?

Classic Rock Guitarists: Traditional phaser sounds for rhythm and lead playing.

Psychedelic Rock Musicians: Deep, swirling modulation and continuously moving phase effects.

Funk Players: Rhythmic modulation for clean chord work and expressive grooves.

Alternative & Indie Guitarists: Unusual phase textures for contemporary guitar sounds.

Ambient Musicians: Rise, Fall and Step modes provide creative modulation possibilities.

Bassists: A versatile effect for adding movement and character to bass lines.

Playing Styles & Applications

The BOSS PH-3 is suited to classic rock, psychedelic rock, funk, alternative, indie, progressive rock, ambient and experimental music.

The traditional stage settings provide warm, swirling phaser sounds that complement clean guitar and moderate overdrive.

Rise and Fall modes are particularly effective for extended chords, atmospheric passages and evolving soundscapes.

Step mode offers rhythmic movement for experimental arrangements, while tap tempo provides useful synchronisation during live performance.

The PH-3 also combines effectively with overdrive, distortion, chorus, delay and reverb.

How It Compares

BOSS PH-3 vs BOSS PH-2 Super Phaser

The BOSS PH-2 is an earlier phaser model featuring two distinctive phasing modes and traditional modulation controls.

The PH-3 expands the concept considerably, adding multiple selectable stages, Rise and Fall modes, Step modulation and tap tempo functionality.

Players seeking a straightforward vintage-style phaser may prefer the PH-2, while those wanting more creative options may favour the PH-3.

BOSS PH-3 vs MXR Phase 90

The MXR Phase 90 is celebrated for its simple single-knob design and classic phaser sound.

The BOSS PH-3 offers considerably more control, with multiple stages, adjustable depth and resonance, tap tempo and unconventional modulation modes.

The Phase 90 is particularly appealing to players who favour simplicity, while the PH-3 provides greater versatility.

BOSS PH-3 vs BOSS BF-3 Flanger

The PH-3 produces phase-shifting effects, creating smooth, swirling tonal movement.

The BF-3 Flanger uses a different modulation process, producing characteristic comb-filtering sounds that can range from subtle movement to more metallic, jet-like effects.

Both pedals are effective modulation tools, but they offer different tonal characteristics.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Guitar Effects Pedal
Brand	BOSS
Model	PH-3
Effect	Phase Shifter
Phasing Stages	4, 8, 10 and 12
Additional Modes	Rise, Fall, Step
Controls	Rate, Depth, Resonance, Stage Selector
Tempo Control	Tap Tempo
Bypass Type	Buffered
Input	¼" Mono Jack
Output	¼" Mono Jack
External Control	EXP/CTL ¼" TRS Jack
Power Connection	9V DC
Battery Operation	9V Alkaline Battery
Compatible Power Adaptor	BOSS PSA Series
Current Draw	50mA
Input Impedance	1 MΩ
Output Impedance	1 kΩ
Width	73mm
Depth	129mm
Height	59mm
Manufacturer Weight	Approx. 415g Including Battery
Condition	Good – Pre-Owned
Power Supply	Not Included

Power Requirements

The BOSS PH-3 requires 9V DC power and draws approximately 50mA.

It can be powered using either a suitable 9V alkaline battery or a compatible BOSS PSA-series mains adaptor.

When using a pedalboard power supply, use a regulated 9V DC, centre-negative output with sufficient current capacity and the appropriate barrel connector.

No power supply is included with this pedal.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

The BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter is an excellent choice for guitarists who want a versatile modulation pedal capable of covering both classic and unconventional phaser sounds.

Its multiple stage settings provide a broad range of traditional effects, while the Rise, Fall and Step modes offer creative opportunities beyond conventional phasing.

The addition of tap tempo and optional expression control makes it particularly useful for musicians who want their modulation effects to form an active part of a performance.

This particular example is presented in Good Pre-Owned Condition and is supplied without a power supply.

Best Suited For: Classic rock, funk, psychedelic, alternative, ambient and experimental musicians.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Basic single-control phasers and entry-level modulation pedals.

Most Commonly Paired With: Overdrive, distortion, chorus, delay, reverb and compatible expression pedals.

Our Tip: Start with the 4-stage setting and moderate Depth for a smooth, classic phaser sound. Then experiment with Rise and Fall for more dramatic modulation effects.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned BOSS PH-3 from Fair Deal Music provides an opportunity to add a versatile modulation pedal to your effects setup at an attractive alternative to purchasing new.

Our experienced team understands the importance of accurate condition descriptions and clear information about included accessories.

This particular pedal is presented in Good Pre-Owned Condition and is supplied without a power supply.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned guitar effects pedal, with its condition and confirmed accessories detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, keyboards and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers find equipment suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including BOSS effects pedals, electric guitars, acoustic guitars, basses, amplifiers and other musical equipment.

Your existing gear could help towards the cost of this BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this BOSS PH-3 in?

It is presented in Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating noticeable cosmetic wear consistent with previous ownership.

Does it come with a power supply?

No. A power supply is not included.

What power supply does the BOSS PH-3 need?

A compatible 9V DC, centre-negative power supply, such as a BOSS PSA-series adaptor.

How much current does it require?

Approximately 50mA.

Can it run on a battery?

Yes. It can be powered by a suitable 9V battery.

What type of effect is the PH-3?

It is a phase shifter, also known as a phaser.

What does a phaser pedal do?

It creates sweeping tonal movement by changing the phase relationship of selected frequencies.

What phasing stages are available?

4, 8, 10 and 12-stage modes.

What is Rise mode?

Rise creates the impression of continuously upward-moving phase modulation.

What is Fall mode?

Fall creates continuously downward-moving phase modulation.

What is Step mode?

Step provides rhythmic, stepped modulation rather than a conventional smooth sweep.

Does the BOSS PH-3 have tap tempo?

Yes. Tap tempo allows modulation speed to be synchronised with the music.

Can I connect an expression pedal?

Yes. The PH-3 supports compatible optional expression pedals through its EXP/CTL socket.

Is the BOSS PH-3 true bypass?

No. It uses buffered bypass.

Can it be used with bass guitar?

Yes. It can be used creatively with electric bass as well as electric guitar.

Is it suitable for psychedelic rock?

Yes. Its sweeping modulation and unusual Rise and Fall modes are particularly effective for psychedelic sounds.

Can it be used for funk?

Yes. The phasing effects are useful for rhythmic clean guitar and funk-inspired playing.

Does it work with distortion and overdrive?

Yes. It can be combined with other effects to create a wide range of sounds.

Is it suitable for a pedalboard?

Yes. Its compact BOSS enclosure makes it practical for conventional pedalboard setups.

Can I part-exchange another pedal towards this BOSS PH-3?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers selected musical equipment for part exchange.