The mythos surrounding the original Yamaha FX500 is now well-traveled, but it was our own FX500B—the bass unit—that inspired the entire Ghost product line; one we bought on Reverb randomly switches patches, oftentimes to settings we had never heard before. That simple mechanical error gave way to the line, inserting new sounds within the architecture of forgotten gear. After some careful tweaking, we’ve summoned the spirits within the FX500 to bring you the Soft Focus Ghost.

The newest feature on the Soft Focus Ghost weaves a phase shifter into the mix, replacing the Symph knob that we originally added into the Soft Focus where once was none. The new Ghost control adds in a nontraditional phase shifting algorithm that serves as an enhancement tool rather than the gooey modulation that completely overtakes an entire signal. The rate and depth of this phase shifter are tied to the same knob, such that quicker speeds are deeper than the slower settings. The Mod knob now acts as a master depth control for all modulation, and the Ghost still includes chorus, plate reverb, input gain and full wet-dry mix capabilities.