The Spaceman Effects Saturn V is a two-knob pedal that sits between a boost and a low-gain overdrive. Spaceman describes it as "a tone enhancer, a harmonic-laden boost, and low-gain overdrive," built on a classic Rangemaster-style treble booster circuit with enhanced flexibility and output12. Released in 2012, it was made in limited batches in Portland, Oregon, and its product page now lists it as sold out134.
What it does to your sound
The Saturn V has two controls, Boost and Drive. According to Spaceman, the Boost control alone delivers 18 dB of boost "with a hint of added sparkle," while the Drive control adds harmonic distortion and also increases the pedal's total output level. With both controls at maximum, the pedal yields 35 dB of boost full of complex harmonic character1. Premier Guitar's review confirms the same figures: 18 dB from the boost knob alone, and a summed 35 dB between the two5.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Boost | Up to 18 dB of boost with a hint of added sparkle15 |
| Drive | Adds harmonic distortion while increasing total output level1 |
| Both at max | 35 dB of boost with complex harmonic character15 |
The harmonic content is the heart of the design. Spaceman says the drive texture is a mix of odd and even harmonics: the Boost side is focused on even-order harmonics, while the Drive side increases even-order harmonics and noticeably adds odd-order harmonics1. Premier Guitar's reviewer found that, depending on pick attack, the Saturn V can almost work like a treble booster5.
Pedal of the Day's 2014 review put the pedal's character plainly:
"it's very different from a normal boost pedal, and it's not quite an overdrive, either"3
The same review described the boost signal as deep, clear and rich with a powerful presence, and the overdrive as warm and tube-y rather than metal-style distortion3.
A Rangemaster-style circuit in limited finishes
RockBoard's PedalPedia entry describes the Saturn V as based on a classic Rangemaster-style treble booster circuit, with enhanced flexibility and output over the original design, and lists the circuit as fully analog and true bypass2. Spaceman says the pedal uses true-bypass switching via what it calls the heaviest duty mechanical footswitch available1.
The pedal is produced in limited editions with various finishes2. Spaceman's product page shows multiple color finishes, including Ruined, Red, Pearl, Light Blue, Copper, Chrome, Blue Metallic, White and Silver1. Pedal of the Day noted in 2014 that the small batches make these pedals highly sought-after, which usually results in a price markup on the resale market3.
The build is a large part of the pedal's reputation. Pedal of the Day's reviewer wrote of the interior3:
"The craftsmanship inside is truly something to behold, so intricate and precise, all hand-wired"3
Spaceman says the Saturn V is completely hand soldered and handmade in Portland, Oregon, housed in a USA cast-aluminum enclosure with a durable, engraved vinyl faceplate and a red jewel indicator light, with signal carried through quality open-frame jacks1.
Bass, baritone and price
Spaceman states that the overall tone gives an openness to the top end of the frequency spectrum, and that the pedal works equally well with bass and baritone guitar, keeping bass frequencies present, tight and controlled1. Players shopping for bass pedals can therefore consider it alongside guitar use.
On price, Premier Guitar's 2023 review placed the Saturn V "on the expensive end of things"5. Spaceman's product page lists a price range of $229.00 to $299.00, varying with the finish1.
Versions and what came after
The Saturn V's controls are Level and Range, which shape frequency emphasis and gain structure together2. Spaceman has also extended the harmonic-boost concept into other pedals, including the Redstone 3-band EQ germanium preamp/overdrive.
The Saturn V is currently listed as sold out on Spaceman's product page, and it was made in limited editions, so finding one new may be difficult. The updated Saturn VI is the current version of the design.
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Questions
Is the Spaceman Saturn V based on a Rangemaster?
Yes. RockBoard's PedalPedia entry describes the Saturn V as based on a classic Rangemaster-style treble booster circuit, with enhanced flexibility and output compared to the original. Spaceman's own page describes the drive texture as a mix of odd and even harmonics rather than a straight treble boost.
How much boost can the Saturn V deliver?
According to Spaceman Effects, the Boost control alone delivers 18 dB of boost with a hint of added sparkle. With both the Boost and Drive controls cranked to maximum, the pedal yields 35 dB of boost full of complex harmonic character.
Does the Saturn V work with bass guitar?
Yes. Spaceman states that the Saturn V works equally well with bass and baritone guitar, keeping bass frequencies present, tight and controlled while giving an openness to the top end of the frequency spectrum.
Is the Saturn V true bypass?
Yes. Spaceman says the Saturn V uses true-bypass switching via what it calls the heaviest duty mechanical footswitch available. RockBoard's PedalPedia entry also lists the circuit as fully analog and true bypass.
Where is the Spaceman Saturn V made?
It is completely hand soldered and handmade in Portland, Oregon, according to Spaceman Effects. Pedal of the Day's 2014 review also notes the pedals are made in limited batches in Portland.
Is the Saturn V still in production?
The Saturn V is produced in limited editions with various finishes, and Spaceman's product page currently lists it as sold out. Pedal of the Day noted in 2014 that the small batches make them highly sought-after and often marked up in price on resale. An updated Saturn VI followed.
Sources (5)
- Saturn V: Harmonic Booster, Spaceman Effects
- Saturn V by Spaceman Effects, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Spaceman Effects Saturn V Harmonic Booster, Pedal of the Day (www.pedal-of-the-day.com), 2014-07-31
- Saturn VI: Harmonic Booster, Spaceman Effects
- Spaceman Saturn V Harmonic Booster Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2013-04-15
