The Palmer Custom FX Solarist SE is a limited-edition pedal that combines two of the most storied circuits in electric guitar history in one box: a Classic Fuzz and a Range Master boost. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson, writing when the pedal appeared in June 2025, called it "a limited-edition Classic Fuzz + Range Master" and judged that "It certainly looks magnificent and makes for a very attractive proposition all-round."1
What it is and where it came from
The Solarist family pairs a Fuzz Face style fuzz with a Rangemaster style boost. Karlsson described the earlier Solarist V2 as a "Swiss Army Fuzz Face and Rangemaster combo," combining A/B germanium/silicon Fuzz Face circuits with Rangemaster boost.2 The SE follows that formula. Its circuits and components are essentially the V2/V3 design, but the pedal itself is "sort of based on its original V1 enclosure type with a number of modifications," including the lightning bolt window that shows the key transistors onboard.1
At the time of the June 2025 report, no demos had appeared for the SE or the V3. Karlsson referenced the V1, which he described as mostly the same enclosure format, when writing about the pedal.1
Controls and footswitches
The fuzz section carries germanium/silicon Q1 and Q2 options (CT404B/BC108), dual Input and Bias controls, and Bass, Fuzz/Gain and Volume controls.1 The Range Master side has its own Bass, Gain and Tame controls.1
Three footswitches run the pedal:
- Red / Yellow Footswitch
- Fuzz Footswitch
- Range Master Footswitch1
The internal switch selects the Range Master transistor:
- Range Master SI / GE (BC108B / 2N1308): an internal switch choosing between a silicon BC108B and a germanium 2N1308 for the Range Master stage1
How the SE relates to the V2 and V3
The Solarist line has run through several versions, and the SE sits alongside them rather than replacing them. The Solarist V2 carries a long control surface: a RangeMaster Si/Ge toggle on the top edge, a Bass "B" mode alternative cap toggle, Volume, separate Input and Bias controls for the A and B fuzz modes, Fuzz/Gain, a RangeMaster input on the left edge, Boost Level, separate Q1 and Q2 Ge/Si switches, Bass Level, and three footswitches covering RM Boost, Mode A/B and Fuzz, plus a RangeMaster Range switch with Mid, Hi and Lo settings and a Pickup Simulator on/off.3 The SE condenses that layout into the V1-style enclosure while keeping the same underlying circuits and components.1
On size, the SE measures 4" x 5.5" x 2", against the V3's 4.7" x 3.7" x 2".1
Availability
Karlsson reported that the SE is sold direct from the Palmer Custom FX webstore, at $469, and that he did not expect it to come through to Joe's Pedals. The Solarist V3, by contrast, is stocked at Joe's Pedals in the UK.1
Questions
What is the Palmer Custom FX Solarist SE?
It is a limited-edition pedal from Palmer Custom FX that combines a Classic Fuzz circuit with a Range Master boost in a single enclosure. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson described it as a limited-edition Classic Fuzz plus Range Master, built on the original V1 enclosure type with a number of modifications, including a lightning bolt window that showcases the key transistors onboard. It was reported in June 2025 at $469 direct from the Palmer Custom FX webstore.
What does the Range Master do on the Solarist SE?
The Range Master side is a boost stage drawn from the Rangemaster circuit, with its own Bass, Gain and Tame controls and its own footswitch, so it can be switched independently of the fuzz. On the Solarist V2, the same side carries a RangeMaster input control, a boost level and a Range switch with Mid, Hi and Lo settings, which shows how the family treats the boost as a full second stage rather than a simple clean lift.
What does the internal SI/GE switch do?
Inside the Solarist SE there is a Range Master SI/GE switch that selects between a BC108B silicon transistor and a 2N1308 germanium transistor for the Range Master stage. Silicon tends to give a firmer, brighter boost character while germanium is softer and more vintage-leaning, so the switch lets you set the boost's voicing without opening the pedal further.
Is the Solarist SE a limited edition?
Yes. Guitar Pedal X reported the Solarist SE as a limited-edition Classic Fuzz plus Range Master pedal when it appeared in June 2025. It is based on the original V1 enclosure type with modifications, and its circuits and components are essentially the V2/V3 Solarist design.
Where can you buy the Palmer Solarist SE?
Guitar Pedal X reported that the Solarist SE is sold direct from the Palmer Custom FX webstore, and that the reviewer did not expect it to come through to Joe's Pedals. The Solarist V3, by contrast, is stocked at Joe's Pedals in the UK.
Sources (3)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-06-13
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2023-11-28
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-03-11
