Ok I'm also trying to clone a pedal I really like (but can't afford), and there's one diode I can't identify.  It looks like normal ol 1N914 or 1N4148 diode (orangish color, dark band on one end), but the only identification on it I can see is C1N on one side and V on the other.  I can't guarantee that there aren't more letters on the underside, but it really doesn't look like it.

Since it's not my pedal, I can't talk the guy into letting me just pull it, but I'm hesitant to call the maker and ask (it's a boutique pedal)...I'm just wondering if that sounds like a common diode anyone has seen in projects.  for example, I see hte 419s and 4148s all the time...

In the alternate, do you think it would be feasible just to use a 4148 or 419 and see if it works, or is that a complete shot in the dark?

Thanks for any suggestions!

ltt

A wonder what part of the circuit it is in?
Personally, I'd make the thing with an 'ordinary' diode in it, and then if it didn't work, start to think harder, based on the circuit.
It could be a zener, but you don't see too many of those in fx pedals..
try measuring across it with a multimeter, if you can't get a reading (either way) (while the pedal is turned off) then it is likely a zener.

I pulled 2 of those things that were exactly like you described (kindof a translucent orange)  off of an old dean headphone guitar amp and I believe they were Germanium diodes.  I can't tell you the value of them but I had some that I knew were Germaniums and they looked the same.  They were used in the clipping section of the distortion/od of the amp (sounded like Sh*t to me!)
hope that helps!

if its near a mosfet, its probably a zener :-D

I could also do with some help identifying diodes. I bought a huge bag of mixed types cheap from Maplins (£1.50) and a lot of them don't have numbers or makings on them, they are simply coloured like 1N4148 or other common units but different sizes. There are some that look like IN4001/2/3/ etc and some grey and black, silver etc. Some are oval or spherical in shape. I didn't notice any germanium units though. There are some that are orange and black glass but have the leads pre bent into various shapes as well. I made a test circuit with a single transistor and a six way switch to select between pairs of diodes and the difference between them is amazing, going from hard distortion to a kind of soft fuzz as they are switched between. The board is a bit chewed now as I have swapped a number around, especially if I didn't like a particular sound and I wish I'd socketed them instead of Keep re-soldering and de-soldering.
What I did notice was the difference in sound between different guitars and the diode choice, and if a booster was used before it.  A pair that sounded good with my SG sounded awful with my sons Charvel and vice-versa, and the use of a booster beforehand completely changed things again. Red 5mm LEDs sounded good with both guitars!
There are also some small packets of diode bodies with no leads as if they are made to plug into something. Can you buy the holders for these?

Col

why don't you use a DMM and check the diodes forward voltage?  that "could" at least help narrow things down, or get you "in the ballpark" for selecting a diode for your pedal.

Wow -- thanks guys!  That helps out a lot!  I'll tell ya what, this whole exercise also made me go get a magnifying glass -- that helped a LOT

When I get this thing built and tested, if I found a good match or the exact match, I'll post the info here.

Cheers!

ltt