Roland AP-2 Phase II Owned and Used by Tom Verlaine Model Phaser Effect, c. 1975, made in Japan, grey finish, aluminum.
In the mid-70's, the effect Pioneers at Roland thought to think a bit smaller (in stature at least) than some of its foundational offerings like the Space Echo t produce portable, stage or studio ready effects for the modern guitarist. This analog brick of a phaser is the not-very-little sibling of Roland's AP-5 and AP-7 Jet Phaser, based around the same FET-based phase circuit but with a leaner control panel. The AP-2 features just two knobs for rate and resonance to produce a more refined phase than you might assume from its workhorse exterior.
Preceding Roland's small enclosure boss pedals that have obviously stood the test of time, this big boy runs off of 18V with no wall wart adapter; you'll need two 9V batteries. Perhaps that is why (according to Tom's friend and bandmate Jimmy Ripp) Verlaine seldom used this one on stage, but rather broke it out more in studio settings for a versatile, straightforward phase.
Height is 8 in. (20.3 cm.), 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm.) width, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth at deepest point.
This generally well-preserved example is all original inside and out, seemingly including the battery snap as well. The furthest right slider for 'volume' is a little scratchy when in use, but you'd never know if you "set it and forget it." There's a bit of wear proportional to some stage and (mostly) studio use by Verlaine, and as with many of Tom's other effect pedals the battery cavity cover is missing for easier access to a quick 9V battery swap; no time to fiddle with screwdrivers when you're rushing to a packed-out gig at CBGB.. The pedal also comes with a letter of provenance from Jimmy Ripp (his co-guitarist on most projects since 1981). Overall Excellent - Condition.
