New to forum... Transistor question(s)

[andyhank]

Howdy! I want to build a FuzzRite for a pal who is a huge Steppenwolf fan.  I managed to get a bunch of old Ge transistors from my dad that he had kicking around from his telecom days, as well as a Sencore "Transi Master" transistor checker.  The bulk of the transistors are 2N1304 made by TI, which I understand to be NPN.  I beleive I can switch the polarity of the battery in the circuit to make these guys work, but will it sound the same as using PNP transistors, and will they be too raunchy for this circuit?  Also, has anyone used one of these transistor testers?  I'm not sure if it's readings are going to be usefull for matching, as the leakage readings are pretty vague - just a letter on the meter referring to the original manufacturers specs on a chart...  thanks in advance for any help, and this great forum too!

[KORGULL]

I don't know how much this helps, but, there is an article that you might be interested in here:
//www.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/FuzzFaceFAQ/FFFAQ.htm
It includes some good general info on germanium transistors and a  diagram of a circuit you can use to test them - maybe you can compare those results with the readings you get from your tester.

[andyhank]

maybe you can compare those results with the readings you get from your tester

A very good idea - thanks.  I hope it's worth using as it could speed up the matching/testing process quite a bit.  Plus it looks cool.   :wink:

[brett]

Hi.  NPN Ge transistors don't have a great reputation (esp. wrt noise and variable gain).  I've used AC127s with limited success.  Check out the info at geofex.com for much more helpful stuff.

cheers

[andyhank]

NPN Ge transistors don't have a great reputation

Really?  That sucks as they are mostly NPN.  I'll check of geofex - thanks.

[phillip]

I've had nothing but great experience with NPN Germaniums, especially the American-made 2N-series.  I've used the 2N388/2N388A, 2N1304 and 2N1306 with great results.  The ones I tested were very consistent, low noise and low leakage.

The 2N1304s that I had were fairly aggressive sounding NPN Germanium...works pretty good in a ToneBender MKII if you can get the gains and leakages right.  I can't remember the manufacturer of the ones that I had...it was a while back when I had a few to use in circuits.

Phillip

[andyhank]

I've had nothing but great experience with NPN Germaniums, especially the American-made 2N-series.

Hey, that's great to hear 'cause most of my germs are 2N1034s!  Thanks, I'll hopefully get a chance to breadboard my FuzzRite tomorrow and check 'em out.