2n5088 transistor substitions?

[tele_guitarist]

What can I use instead of this? Can I use a 2n3904?

Thanks.

[niftydog]

http://diystompboxes.com/sboxforum/viewtopic.php?t=19568&highlight=2n5088+substitute

maybe some basic transistor subs need to be added to the FAQ?

[donald stringer]

This is easier to obtain than the 5088, for a quick fix, but still doesnt have as high a gain. The 4401 is what I use[radio shack], the 3904 works also but I like 4401 better. 2n222 works[I think], You could try an 3053[tin can type]

[brett]

BC549C is a commonly available similar type. A 2N3904 has lower gain and more noise.  The PN100A is a bit closer than the 2N3904, and much closer than a 2N2222 (which is really in a different league).

[Paul Marossy]

2N2222's have a gain of only about 150-200. They are general purpose and are kind of noisy in audio circuits, but not too bad.

I have tried some 2N3053's in a fuzz face circuit, and they sound decent. They are medium gain, in a metal can.

2N3904's are a little bit higher, and are rather noisy for high gain audio circuits.

2N4401's are medium gain (I think around 300-350) and work satifactorily in audio circuits.

2N5088's are much higher gain than any of the above. (400-500?)

I have some 2N5089's that measure over 800!

[R.G.]

...sigh... you don't look for transistors to replace the 2N5088. The 2N5088 is what replaces *other* transistors. Remember Keen's Second Law -
"When in doubt, use a 2N5088."

;-)

[RDV]

I use a lot of 2N4401 because they are in the little circuit that's in the blinker lights on barricades here at work. They come in busted up and befaore thtrowing them out I snip the little circuit off which nets me:

2each 2N4401 NPN
1each 2N4403 PNP
1 LDR of indeterminate value

I use the 2N4401 though when I need a low/medium gain BJT though, not really as a sub for a 2N5808.

Regards

RDV

[GuitarLord5000]

I really like the 5088's.  Like R.G. says "when in doubt, use a 5088!".  They are serious transistors for distortion!  For the price, you can load up on them from small bear.

[humbuck]

In the UK: When in doubt use the BC108C - hFE 700 - 1000!

Is there some cross reference between 2Nxxxx series and BCxxx series somewhere?

H.

[zachary vex]

i've moved to MPSA18 transistors as a sub for 2N5088s and 2N3904s in a lot of my circuits especially where noise is a concern.  they are a highly-recommended Motorola low-noise transistor.

[brett]

i've moved to MPSA18 transistors

Right on the money, Z.  
Better noise figures and similar gain to the BC549C that I recommended above.