The Saturnworks Saturn Fuzz is a fuzz pedal built by Saturnworks, a small builder working out of California. It is a hot-rodded take on the coveted, out-of-production "civil war" or green "tall font" Russian Big Muff from the late 1990s. Saturnworks says their version of the circuit adds higher quality components, hotter transistors, and true bypass switching to the original design, and describes the result as having "a smoother distortion than other Muff-type pedals and a massive low end."1
Each pedal is handcrafted and bench tested in California, USA, and is custom built to order, shipping in approximately 2 to 3 weeks.1
Versions: with and without Dry Blend
The Saturn Fuzz comes in two variations: the standard Saturn Fuzz, and the Saturn Fuzz with Dry Blend. A Dry Blend control lets you mix some of your clean, unaffected signal back in with the fuzz, which can help keep low-end definition under a heavy distortion. The two versions account for the price range: the pedal lists at $119.00 to $149.00 USD depending on which variation you choose.1
Saturn Fuzz pedals are custom built to order and ship in approximately 2 to 3 weeks, so it is not an off-the-shelf purchase.1
The circuit it comes from
The "civil war" Big Muff takes its nickname from the green Russian version of the Big Muff Pi produced in the late 1990s, also called the "tall font" Russian for the lettering on its enclosure. That pedal has been out of production for years, which is part of why builders make their own versions of the circuit. Saturnworks describes the original as coveted, and positions the Saturn Fuzz as a dressed-up version of it: the same Muff-type fuzz character, with hotter transistors and true bypass switching in place of the original's parts and switching.1
For players comparing Muff-style pedals, the maker's own description of the difference is worth quoting in full:
"Our fuzz has a smoother distortion than other Muff-type pedals and a massive low end."
Build, switching, and warranty
The Saturn Fuzz is housed in a 4.5" x 2.5" cast aluminum enclosure and uses a high quality true bypass switch, so your signal passes through untouched when the pedal is off. Saturnworks backs the pedal with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.1
Videos
Saturnworks
Questions
What is a civil war Big Muff?
The civil war Big Muff is the green Russian version of the Big Muff Pi from the late 1990s, sometimes called the tall font Russian because of the lettering on its enclosure. It has been out of production for years and is sought after by players. The Saturnworks Saturn Fuzz is a hot-rodded take on that circuit, adding higher quality components, hotter transistors, and true bypass switching.
Is the Saturnworks Saturn Fuzz true bypass?
Yes. Saturnworks describes the Saturn Fuzz as having a high quality true bypass switch, so the pedal is removed from your signal chain entirely when it is off.
Where is the Saturnworks Saturn Fuzz made?
Saturnworks builds the Saturn Fuzz in California, USA. Each pedal is handcrafted and bench tested before it ships.
How long does a Saturnworks Saturn Fuzz take to ship?
Saturn Fuzz pedals are custom built to order and ship in approximately 2 to 3 weeks, according to Saturnworks.
Does the Saturn Fuzz have a warranty?
Yes. Saturnworks covers the Saturn Fuzz with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
How much does the Saturnworks Saturn Fuzz cost?
The Saturn Fuzz lists for $119.00 to $149.00 USD, with the price depending on the version you choose.
Sources (1)
- The Saturn Fuzz Pedal, Saturnworks Pedals, 2023-08-31
