The Spaceman Effects Sputnik II Deluxe Germanium Fuzz is a limited-release germanium fuzz pedal built around vintage Soviet transistors. Spaceman describes it as "a unique all-germanium fuzz featuring vintage Soviet transistors," and positions it as an expanded version of the original Sputnik: Germanium Fuzz, starting with the same germanium transistors but with slightly different specs, plus a second mode and additional controls1.
The Sputnik II was a very limited special release and is sold out1. Pedal of the Day reported that "the 125 or so that Spaceman Effects made sold out in a hurry"2.
What it is and where it came from
The Sputnik II takes the circuit from the original Sputnik fuzz and builds on it. Pedal of the Day put it this way: it "takes the already brilliant circuit from the original Sputnik Fuzz, and beefs it up even more"2. The original Sputnik is itself a germanium fuzz pedal, reviewed by the same outlet in 201431.
In Regular Mode, Pedal of the Day found the Sputnik II capable of "sounding like pretty much any fuzz you can think of, with some new original tones thrown in for good measure"2. The headline addition is Drift mode, engaged with a second footswitch on the left of the pedal, which the reviewer described as "adding in chaotic and corrupted overload fuzz like you've never heard before," loud, buzzy and harder to control than the Regular Mode tones2.
The controls
The Sputnik II carries over the original's Signal knob naming and adds mode and filter controls24.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Signal | Controls your overall output volume2 |
| Range | Controls your fuzz gain amount2 |
| Calibrate | Acts as a wide-ranging tonal control2 |
| Scan | Only works when Drift mode is activated; controls how much or how little of the Drift noise is added into your signal2 |
| High Filter switch | Three distinct tone options focused on the High and Mid-range frequencies2 |
| Low Filter switch | Normal, +1 and +2 bass enhancing selections2 |
| Second footswitch (left) | Selects Drift mode2 |
The Scan knob is the control tied to the pedal's second mode: it "only works when Drift mode is activated, and controls how much or how little of this powerhouse noise you want added into your signal"2.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's 2017 review called the Sputnik II "a fuzz lovers' dream pedal," and noted that given the limited build, "it's no shock that the Sputnik II comes with a high price tag," though no figure was given in that review2. Of the original Sputnik, reviewer Mike B wrote in 2014 that it produces "fuzz-tastic sustain and tone for days," and that "you'll pay for it, but it's worth the money if you're a lover of fuzz"4.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Questions
What does Drift mode do on the Spaceman Sputnik II?
Drift mode is selected with the second footswitch on the left of the pedal. Pedal of the Day described it as adding chaotic and corrupted overload fuzz to the Sputnik II's regular tones, loud and buzzy and harder to control than the Regular Mode. The Scan knob only works when Drift mode is activated, and it controls how much or how little of that noise is blended into your signal.
How many Sputnik II Deluxe pedals were made?
Spaceman Effects built the Sputnik II as a very limited special release. Pedal of the Day reported in June 2017 that about 125 units were made, and that they sold out in a hurry. Spaceman's own product page also lists the pedal as sold out.
What transistors does the Sputnik II Deluxe use?
The Sputnik II is an all-germanium fuzz built with vintage Soviet transistors. Spaceman says it starts with the same germanium transistors as the original Sputnik fuzz, but with slightly different specs, and pairs them with high-spec vintage components.
What does the Scan knob do?
The Scan knob is tied to Drift mode and does nothing until that mode is activated with the left footswitch. Once Drift is on, it controls how much or how little of the chaotic overload noise is added into your signal, from a little to a lot.
Is the Spaceman Sputnik II still available?
No. Spaceman Effects describes the Sputnik II as a very limited special release, and the pedal is listed as sold out on the maker's product page. Pedal of the Day reported that the roughly 125 units made sold out quickly after release.
Sources (4)
- Sputnik II: Deluxe Germanium Fuzz, Spaceman Effects
- Spaceman Effects Sputnik II Deluxe Germanium Fuzz, Pedal of the Day (www.pedal-of-the-day.com), 2017-06-30
- Spaceman Effects Sputnik Germanium Fuzz, Pedal of the Day, 2014-07-28
- Spaceman Effects Sputnik Germanium Fuzz, Pedal of the Day, 2014-08-19
