In this article we’re going to be discussing the best flanger pedals for guitar players, that exist in 2023.
This is arguably one of the most important modulation effects in the history of guitar sound, which has been around for nearly 75 years. Allegedly, this effect was used for the first time in Les Paul’s song called “Mammie’s Boogie”, way back in 1946. Two decades later, it became an important ingredient of rock legends like Beatles or Jimi Hendrix.
By the 80s, this became one of the most popular type of modulation, mostly thanks to the legendary Eddie Van Halen and its famous tone. These days, we can’t imagine a decent pedalboard without a flanger. Therefore, we present to you some of the best flanger pedals you can find on the market these days.
What Is A Flanger Pedal?
A flanger is a pedal that produces an audio effect called flanging. Basically, what this effect does is taking a copy of the original signal and applying it with a minor delay. As the signal is going and going, this delay time varies, but always measures in milliseconds. As a result, this interference of two signals caused notable volume varieties of certain frequencies.
A flanger has a lot of similarities with other modulation effects. Although it has most things in common with the chorus, which is characterized by a little bit longer delay times, most beginners mix it with a phaser. However, a phaser works on a little bit different principle. Instead of copying the original signal, it splits it into two paths and one of them goes through a so-called all-pass filter.
In practice, the two effects do sound similar. More experienced players can easily notice the difference, as the phaser sounds more natural, more pronounced if you want. It delivers that genuine jet plane whoosh sound. On the other side, the phaser sounds more subtle and it works better for a so-called ambient-guitar tone.
Best Flanger Pedals
Boss BF-3 Flanger
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
One of the world’s biggest pedal makers has been improving its flanger for decades. The newest version comes as the BF-3. On one side, it features all the goodies that characterized the previous-generation BF-2 model. On the other, there are some brand-new features. Like any other Boss pedal, it is a no-nonsense unit, designed to be practical and durable.
In terms of sound quality, the Boss BF-3 stands pretty well. Keep in mind that we are talking about a digital unit, so the quality may not be at the level of vintage analog pedals. Still, the overall quality is good enough to satisfy the most demanding players. The strongest point of this great pedal is the versatility and easiness of use. Of course, this includes a wide range of flanger tones, but many additional features as well, which are critical for a convenient live performance. For example, you may count on Tap Tempo function, while there are separate Ins and Outs for guitars and bass guitars.
The Boss BF-3 comes in the company’s typical layout. Of course, we are talking about the company’s recognizable styling, as well as about typical dimensions, which can fit any pedalboard around. Still, the company has managed to pack a lot of controls into this small unit. On the left side, you can find a nicely designed knob that works both as Resonance and Manual control. In the middle, you will find a couple of typical flanger knobs – Depth and Rate. Finally, there is a mode selector knob, with two brand-new modes – Ultra and Gate/Pan. Of course, you can also count on the well-known Momentary mode, which keeps the pedal activated as long as your foot is on the switch. All in all, you will hardly find this number of features on other analog flanger pedals.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
The BF-3 is a real stage workhorse. It offers a huge range of flanging tones, as well as a variety of handy features, such as tap tempo, separate Ins and Outs for guitars and basses etc. Of course, you may count on typical Boss build quality, which is pretty much unparalleled when it comes to reliability and durability. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this pedal will do the job.
MXR Micro Flanger
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
You can find tons of amazing digital flanger and phaser pedals these days, but the MXR Micro Flanger is still here to remind us that nothing beats a genuine analog circuit. Simply, this pedal delivers such an impressive dose of warmth, which instantly makes you feel nostalgic. Vintage flanger and chorus tones are what you can expect from this unit, as it features the original all-analog algorithm with the legendary bucket brigade technology, which makes this pedal sound so warm.
While the sound quality brings you back to some other times, functionality and flexibility are the things that keep this pedal like it’s in the modern era. Despite the simplistic design, which includes just two knobs, this pedal offers a wide range of tones. The Rate knob lets you dial in the desired rate of cycling, while the Regen knob stands for regeneration, or feedback if you want. In any case, these two knobs are more than enough to provide a wide range of tones and level of flexibility that is typical for modern units.
Besides the authentic vintage flanger sound, the pedal also comes with authentic styling. Despite the MXR has been acquired by Dunlop, the management of California-based company has decided to keep the original design of the legendary MXR unit. Moreover, they have also improved some things, as the footswitch now works better, while you may also count on a true bypass.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Every tone purist wants the authentic sound of a vintage pedal, but also highly appreciates the flexibility of modern units. Therefore, the MXR Micro Flanger seems like a perfect match. Flanger freaks would probably look for something with a wider range of tones, but the rest of us are in love with the authentic tone this pedal delivers.
TC Electronic Vortek
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
Although it looks like any other flanger pedal on the market, the TC Electronic Vortek delivers a little bit more. This stereo flanger pedal comes with a full load of features, while its simplistic design makes it easy to use and practical in all situations. Typically for TC Electronic, the build quality is impressive, thanks to a bulletproof chassis and excellent knob quality.
The best thing about this pedal is the number of features you get. One one side, there are typical flanger knobs, Speed, Depth, Feedback and Delay Time. However, each of these knobs is extremely sensitive, which allows you to make some super-fine tweaks. We particularly like the Feedback knob, which allows you to dial both positive and negative feedback. That’s something you won’t find on many other pedals and definitely is something that has a highly positive effect on the overall tone diversity. Also, a true bypass keeps your tone untouched when the pedal isn’t in function.
Besides four familiar knobs, you will find a small toggle switch in the middle, which has three positions. The upper one is simply called Flanger, and it delivers a modern flanging effect. On the other side, if you switch down, you get a genuine tape flanger, which is perfect for those who look for a vintage tone. Finally, the middle position is reserved for the company’s well-known TonePrint model, where you can get instant custom artist tones.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
With this pedal, you get a wide range of flanging tones, while the sound quality is on a high level as well. Also, the price seems pretty affordable, which makes this pedal a perfect choice for those of you who are looking as many options as possible but don’t want to spend a fortune.
EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
If the flanger plays critical role in your playing, you will definitely love the EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids. This is one of the most capable unique flanger pedals, which comes loaded with a huge range of flanging tones, but also remains pretty simple and easy to use. The overall sound quality is impressive, while the ability to save favorite settings makes it an ultimate stage weapon when you need to quickly dial various flanger tones.
The first thing you’ll notice about this pedal is that there is a pretty big number of knobs. However, things aren’t as complicated as they may seem. The upper section of knobs includes four familiar flanger controls, while the second row makes this pedal super-versatile. There is a knob that allows you to choose 8 different modes, while the Modify knob controls different parameters, depending on the mode you’ve selected. You may count on both positive and negative feedback, while the Presets knob lets you choose between live mode or one of five saved presets. Furthermore, there are two footswitches, Activate and Tap/Trigger. We particularly like the tap tempo feature.
With such amount of controls and modes, the EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids delivers probably the widest range of flanger tones around. The even more impressive thing is that the quality of all these tones is at the same, very high level. This pedal can go further than any other pedal around, and it does it in such an amazing way.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This is a top-tier pedal and the best flanger on the list, in our humble opinion. Therefore, the price is pretty premium as well, so you may presume this unit is reserved for professionals. However, that doesn’t mean that others shouldn’t buy it. If you are not tight on a budget, this is an obvious choice, as this pedal will give you everything you’ll ever need when it comes to flanging effects.
Mooer Jet Engine
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
Mooer is one of those names that are still breaking through and a great thing about such companies is that they usually give more for the money compared to already established brands. Don’t be fooled by its affordable price, this isn’t a crappy-sounding pedal. This unit sounds great and it is pretty capable.
The Mooer Jet Engine is small but pretty capable. Although a digital flanger, it offers a pretty decent sound quality, which can do the job both in studio and on stage. The thing you will definitely like about it is its versatility and functionality. Despite the tiny dimensions, this pedal comes loaded with a wide range of flanger sounds. After all, there is a small switch in the middle, which lets you choose between two modes. The first one is called Hi-Fi and it is a modern flanger, which really shines in highs. The other mode is a classic flanger, which works great for those who prefer vintage tones.
In terms of the overall layout, you will notice that there is a lot of controls on this unit, despite the small size. The big knob in the middle lets you control the Rate, while three small knobs are also reserved for typical flanger controls – Depth, Width and Level. Finally, the Mooer Jet Engine features tap tempo function, so it seems impossible to complain about this pedal, given the number of features you get for the price tag.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Mooer is still a relatively new name in the business and although more experienced players may feel skeptical due to the fact that the product is designed in China, the truth is that the pedal sounds great and that it delivers an impressive amount of functionality and tonal diversity. Beginners will like it because of the affordable price, but experienced players won’t regret buying it either.
Aural Dream Super Flanger
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
No matter if you are a beginner or pro, you will like this unit, which practically packs three different pedals in a single housing. Of course, these are all flanger effects but you may count on three completely different algorithms. Add to these six different wave modes and typical flanger knobs, and you know that we are talking about a pretty capable and versatile unit. Finally, there is a true bypass.
All this looks amazing on paper but things are pretty good in practice as well. Don’t be fooled by the product’s affordable price, the sound quality is actually very good, good enough to satisfy even the most demanding flanger freaks. Speaking of the sound, this effects pedal packs three different algorithms. There is a Mix knob, which lets you choose between three flanger types – Digital, Analog and Thry_Zero, which actually simulates a good-old tape flanger. Moreover, you can also gradually adjust the ration of each flanger type.
The rest of the pedal feature pretty common controls. You can find typical flanger knobs like Rate, Depth and Feedback. It’s good to know that you may count on both positive and negative feedback. Finally, there is a knob in the middle, which lets you choose between six different waveforms – Sine, Tri1, Tri2, Saw Up, Saw Down and Trapezoid. Combined with three algorithms, these knobs give you a tonal diversity you will hardly find on another flanger pedal at this price range. As I’ve already mentioned, the pedal also features a true bypass, so your perfect tone will remain untouched when you don’t use the Aural Dream Super Flanger pedal.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
There is no doubt that even the most experienced players would find this pedal pretty useful. Still, we believe this is a perfect choice for beginners. For a very affordable price, you will get three different flangers packed in one unit, which is amazing if you don’t have experience with this effect and you still need to figure out what kind of flanging you actually need.
Our Number One Choice
In the end, it all comes to sound quality. You’ve probably heard this sentence too many times, but the phrase perfectly describes MXR Micro Flanger. Some other pedals may feature much more tonal options, while the others are more flexible. However, the experience of thousands of electric guitar players tells us that the most essential part of a flanger pedal is the tone. Simply, this is a quintessential flanger pedal and the first choice of most guitar pedal players.
Buy On AmazonOur Premium Choice
If you are a flanger freak, this pedal is your wet dream. With impressive sound quality and tonal diversity that no other pedal on the list can match, the EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids seems like an obvious premium choice. This is arguably one of the best sounding and most versatile flanger pedals around. It goes further than any other unit of this type, and it does it in a spectacular way. Therefore, there is no way you won’t find what you need in this pedal.
Buy On AmazonBest Value For Money
This pedal delivers everything you would expect from a typical Boss pedal. Although it’s a digital device, it features pretty good overall sound quality. Still, the main reason why this pedal stands out is spectacular versatility and functionality. Three different modes and four knobs are more than enough to find the tone you need. Furthermore, there is a tap tempo feature, as well as separate Ins and Outs for guitars and bass guitars. Finally, count on a Boss’ typical military-grade housing, which will last for ages.
Buy On Amazon
That concludes this full buyers guide on the best Flanger pedals for guitarists. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions regarding the products you have seen in this article. Check out our other buyers guide for reverb pedals and overdrive pedals.
Here at Guitar Effects Pedalz we also provide full reviews of the best online guitar services so you can learn guitar online
FAQ: Best Flanger Pedals for Guitarists
Q: What is a flanger pedal and how does it work?
A: A flanger pedal is an effects pedal used by guitarists to create a unique swirling sound effect. It works by splitting the guitar’s signal into two identical signals, altering the phase of one signal, and then combining them back together. This creates peaks and notches in the frequency spectrum, resulting in the characteristic “whooshing” sound.
Q: Why should I consider using a flanger pedal in my guitar playing?
A: Flanger pedals can add depth, movement, and character to your guitar tone. They are particularly useful for creating unique and atmospheric sounds in genres like rock, psychedelic, and experimental music. Flanger effects can be used subtly to add dimension to your playing or cranked up for more intense and dramatic sonic exploration.
Q: What are some notable features to look for in the best guitar flanger pedals?
A: When searching for the best flanger pedal, consider features such as sweep range, versatility, modulation options, user presets, control options (rate, depth), build quality, and the ability to integrate with other pedals or multi-effects units. It’s also important to consider the specific sound characteristics and tones you’re aiming to achieve.
Q: Which flanger pedals are popular choices in 2023?
A: In 2023, several flanger pedals have gained popularity among guitarists. Some notable options include the Boss MD-500, MXR M117R, TC Electronic Vortex Mini, and the Electric Mistress by Electro-Harmonix. These pedals offer a range of features, versatility, and sound quality to cater to different musical styles and preferences.
Q: Are mini pedals a good choice for flanger effects?
A: Yes, mini pedals can be a great choice for flanger effects. They provide a compact and space-saving solution while maintaining the essential features and sound quality of larger pedals. The TC Electronic Vortex Mini, for example, offers a flanger effect in a smaller form factor without compromising on tone and control.
Q: Can a flanger pedal produce chorus-like sounds?
A: Yes, a flanger pedal can produce chorus-like sounds. Flanger effects share some similarities with chorus effects, as both create modulation and movement in the audio signal. By adjusting the settings on a flanger pedal, such as the rate and depth controls, you can achieve chorus-like tones that sound lush and wide.
Q: How does the Electric Mistress pedal compare to the MXR M117R?
A: Both the Electric Mistress and the MXR M117R are classic analog flanger pedals known for their distinctive tones. The Electric Mistress is revered for its smooth and lush sound, while the MXR M117R offers a versatile range of flanger effects with various rhythmic modulation options. Choosing between the two depends on personal preference and the specific tone you’re seeking.
Q: Can the Boss MD-200 be a good multi-effects choice for flanger effects?
A: Yes, the Boss MD-200 is a multi-effects pedal that includes flanger effects among its many features. It offers a wide range of flanger sounds and allows for in-depth customization. If you’re looking for a versatile pedal that provides not only flanger effects but also other modulation and time-based effects, the Boss MD-200 can be an excellent choice.
Q: What are some tips for picking the right flanger pedal for my playing style?
A: To pick the best flanger pedal for your playing style, consider factors such as the genre of music you play, the specific flanger sound you’re after (subtle or intense), control options you prefer, and your budget. It’s also helpful to listen to audio samples or watch video demos to get a sense of how different pedals sound in different musical contexts.
Q: How does a flanger pedal differ from phasers and chorus pedals?
A: Flanger pedals, phaser pedals, and chorus pedals are all modulation effects, but they produce different sounds and have distinct characteristics. Flangers create a sweeping, jet-like effect with notches and peaks in the frequency spectrum. Phasers create a swirling, phase-shifting effect, while chorus pedals add a shimmering and thickening effect to the sound.
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API