The Sputnik I revives the original Sputnik circuit in a compact enclosure, rebuilt around NOS silicon transistors. That swap keeps all the texture, warmth, and mojo the original is loved for, then adds rock solid stability, immunity to temperature drift, and more gain on tap than any Sputnik to date. Seven transistors working together, no input transformer, so it stays lively and wide open with a huge frequency range. It is hand soldered and wired in Portland, Oregon as part of Spaceman’s PDX Custom Series.

It rips. Range takes you from light overdrive to thick sustaining fuzz, and Calibrate interacts with it to open up a genuinely wide spread of voicings. The Filter toggle adds a bass cut and mid scoop for an instant second voice. Flip to Drift mode and the Scan control unlocks oscillation, pseudo octaves, 8 bit artifacts, and full synth style chaos, with everything including your guitar’s own knobs becoming interactive. Smooth and vintage at one end, completely off the rails at the other.

This is the special Olive Drab edition, with the Cyrillic engraved faceplate, custom knobs, and smooth glass indicator jewel. It is a perfect nod to the Sputnik’s namesake, the first satellite ever launched, and it is easily the coolest looking Sputnik in the lineup. This edition was priced above the standard colorways when new and is less common than them.

Do not let the Cyrillic labeling give you pause, it is actually a joy. It comes with the full manual that describes every control in plain English, so you always know exactly what each knob does. And dialing it in becomes more fun and more intuitive than a normal fuzz, because you tune purely by how the sound changes under your hands rather than chasing a preconceived idea of where gain or tone should sit. It frees you up to just listen.

Cosmetic notes: Excellent condition. Velcro on bottom. Olive Drab enclosure, Cyrillic faceplate.

Includes: Original manual, box, bag, documents and sticker.

Why I’m selling: Thinning out my fuzz collection.

Finding gear that helps you express yourself is part of the musician’s journey. Do some research to make sure this is the right tool for where you’re headed. As this gear is an important part of my own journey, I’m happy to answer any questions before you buy. Everything listed here has been well cared for, fully tested, and is ready for its next chapter.