Mixing different types of diodes

[LennyBrowntooth]

I've made a couple mods to my EQD Plumes, and one of them is replacing the LED clippers with sockets so I swap in different diodes. 

Right now I've got one original LED an one 1N4148 silicon diode.  Would this be sort of like having asymmetrical diodes since the silicon Vf is lower than the LED?  Do any other pedals use a similar arrangement?  It sounds good regardless.

[patrick398]

Yes it's pretty common to mix diodes like that. Prabably more so in 'boutique' pedals as it's an opportunity to spin some PR bull. A mix of silicone, germanium, leds, and even mosfets can be used for interesting clipping combinations

[DIY Bass]

Boss pretty commonly used 2 silicon diodes in one direction, and 1 in the other.  My son has a Marshall SS amp that uses LED clippers and uses 1 red and 1 green.  I used the same on my Guvnor clone (the original Guvnor had 2 red).  One was about 1.7V Vf and the other was 1.9V Vf.  I have to admit that I am not too sure that I can hear the difference, but I can smile smugly as I tell my guitarist mates that it has asymmetrical clipping :-)

[antonis]

I have to admit that I am not too sure that I can hear the difference

I can ensure you than I'm not able to hear the difference between a pair of Si diodes and a pair of low forward voltage drop LEDs..
(sad but true..)

[MaxPower]

Has anyone tried those ultrafast diodes for clipping purposes? I found an old thread where someone asked but never got a response.

[LennyBrowntooth]

I ended up going with 1N34a's, 3 on one side & 2 on the other for a higher headroom germanium thing (at least right now). 

I also took took out the 10M resistor that sets the input impedance and replaced it with a 470K & 1M pot in series.  It was just way too crispy on the high end with the original super high impedance.

[Phend]

Hard for me to hear much of a difference. But check this out.  (You probably have seen it)