Palmer Custom FX's V3 Solarist 'Swiss Army' Classic Ge/Si Fuzz & Boost is now at Joe's Pedals

I’ve long championed Matt Palmer’s Solarist combined full-featured Classic Fuzz and Rangemaster Boost. I have the V2 edition of the Solarist alongside a simpler format Solarist Green. Those were both originally reviewed back in November of 2023. I was very lucky to get those at that time - as Matt wasn’t really shipping outside the USA at that time - while a family member was due to come to England - and they brought the pedals across with them!

The V3 edition takes its styling cues from the Solarist Green - with all-black appointments now with that sort of army green coloured enclosure - vs the Black and Yellow design of the V2.

The control topology looks identical to the V2 Model, while there have been some internal updates and enhancements. 

My V2 featured Silicon NTE123 and BC108 Transistors, alongside Germanium GT404B and 2N1308 types. You can obviously switch between Germanium and Silicon varieties for both the core Fuzz Face and Rangemaster voicing. And Matt is very precise on his transistor values sourcing - those are finely selected and matched.

In fact for the V3 edition you have those exact same superior quality transistors - for maximum impact. The changes between V2 and V3 are mostly about a more balanced output - with greater articulation - while I consider the V2 already perfect really.

There are some very slight differences in timbre between my Solarist V2 and Green Models - while it’s a relatively subtle difference!

Controls - RM Si/Ge Toggle Switch (top edge), Bass ’B’ Mode Alternative Cap Toggle Switch (top edge), Volume, Input A, Bias A, Input B, Bias B, Fuzz / Gain, RM Input (left edge), Boost Level, Q1 : Ge/Si switch, Q2 : Ge/Si switch, Bass Level, RM Boost Footswitch, RM Range switch : Mid / Hi / Lo, Mode A/B Footswitch, Pickup Simulator : On/Off, Fuzz Footswitch.

Everything about the pedal represents excellence - including the dual analog presets - where you can set different Bias and Impedance / Intensity per A/B Channel Option.

The project to get these to Joe’s Pedals has been somewhat long-ranging - while I’m delighted these are now in stock and within easy reach of UK and European customers - there will be restocks - but there are only a few in circulation for each batch.

This is a beautifully designed and balanced pedal - and is suitable for experts and beginners alike, while something like the Horrothia Lütz is more for experienced users.

This is one of the best combinations of Fuzz Face and RangeMaster you can get - and while it’s a little pricey at £399 / $400 - it’s actually really good value for what you’re getting - absolutely meticulously engineered and hand-made! Available now at Joe’s Pedals, and for those on the other side of the pond - they can of course get theirs from the Palmer Custom FX Webstore.

Highly highly recommended!