OC44 question

mangonjb · July 15, 2005, 07:51:03 AM

Hi Guys, my first post here, I hope you don't mind me picking your brains.

I recently came across a batch of OC44s from a source who wasn't at all knowledgable about their rarity or value.

They are Mullards, it is stamped on the can, but I have never seen this style of can before. pictures are here: http://www.mango-amps.com/oc44.htm

Seems that the black glass ones are the most sought after, but has anyone had any experience with these or seen them before?

I have knocked up a Rangemaster and a Fuzzface style pedal and have to admit I was very impressed. I thought they would be useful as pedals for use by my amp customers.

Nigel

Peter Snowberg · July 15, 2005, 09:07:22 AM

Welcome to the forum.

I've never shopped for OC44s, but I have spent time around lots of vintage transistors and that case is new to me too.

They have that "gold mojo" thing going for them as well. :lol:

That's quite a find. Congratulations!

What gain and leakage figures are you seeing?

mangonjb · July 15, 2005, 09:41:55 AM

Of the ones I have tested so far, lowest 49, highest 120, vast majority range between 65 and 90. Leakage test, highest one at 160uA, a few at 90-120uA with the majority well under 60uA. By what I understand these figures are pretty much OK. At what point should I start rejecting for leakage, and do the majority as stated above fall into the optimum for rangemaster and fuzzface style pedals?

Yes fortunate indeed, I was talking to an old engineer I'd met about buying a few other components he had when he mentioned OC44s. The price he wanted for them was so low, I felt really guilty when I got home.

barret77 · July 15, 2005, 10:05:15 AM

well, you can sell me one if it will make you feel better!

spudulike · July 15, 2005, 10:11:30 AM

They are absolutely rubbish and no use for musical applications whatsoever. The gold cans mean they were made in a sweat-shop by 8 year old girls who had to pay for the privilege to work.

However, I would be prepared to assuage your guilt by taking them off your hands at a penny each and I'll even collect them. You'll feel better about it believe me. :wink:

I have seen gold cans like that on seriously high-spec military (aerospace) kit in the 70's. And those figures look good to me. Now, about collection times ... ... ...

mangonjb · July 15, 2005, 10:25:23 AM

Quote from: spudulikeHowever, I would be prepared to assuage your guilt by taking them off your hands at a penny each and I'll even collect them. You'll feel better about it believe me. :wink:

I feel better already. My guilt trip lasted just 3.7 nano-seconds.

spudulike · July 15, 2005, 10:45:00 AM

Nice find though. If those are ex-aerospace it would explain the fairly tight leakage and gain in the group you have. OC44s go for ridiculous amounts lately. Enjoy :wink:

birt · July 15, 2005, 03:12:48 PM

you can start a new mojo thing with those beauties :lol:

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OC44 question