TS-808 Bi-Pol Junct. Transistors options

[Blaze]

There are 2SC1815's in the original how would the sound change if I, for example, used: 2N3904's, 2N401's, 2N5088's or MPSA18's? I don't think it would make much of a difference do you?

[96ecss]

I just replaced the 2SC1815 on the input of a TS-9 for a friend of mine after doing a bunch of other mods to it. It really didn't make much difference at all but Robert Keeley seems to think it does. 

Dave

[Blaze]

Thanks Guy.

[wui223]

http://www003.upp.so-net.ne.jp/yochan/TS808analyzeE.htm

maybe u should take a look here, i change the diodes on SD-1 to the 1s1588 and i notice big difference. U might try and share ur idea later. thanks

[96ecss]

http://www003.upp.so-net.ne.jp/yochan/TS808analyzeE.htm

maybe u should take a look here, i change the diodes on SD-1 to the 1s1588 and i notice big difference. U might try and share ur idea later. thanks

Hi wui223,

I don't know if you're replying to me or to the original poster, but he asked about changing the transistors, not the diodes. I'm well aware of how different a TS type pedal can sound with diode changes as I'm sure he is too. In my opinion, the best info on TS pedals is here: http://www.geofex.com/. Click on Technology of The..., then click on Tube Screamer.
I forgot to mention that the transistor I replaced the 2SC1815 with was an MPSA18. I didn't really notice any difference with that change. However, if you change the series resistor and capacitor to ground in the clippng stage from 4.7K/.047mF to 2.2K/.15mF, you'll get more gain and change the frequency from 720Hz to 482Hz.
That made a noticable difference. I never really liked the stock sound of a TS, but with that change and a bunch of others that I learned about by reading the article at Geofex and posts on this forum, I really like the modded TS.   

Dave