Rat clone build

[makenxero]

Hi all,

Just built the La Rata layout from tonepad and I've got nothing. Before I go through all of the effort to post all the debug information, I think I might have the answer and I want to confirm. The layout calls for 1 2n5458 transistor, which upon looking up the spec sheet I believe to be a jfet (not that I know what this means.)  I didn't use this because I couldn't find it when I bought my parts and I ended up using a 2N5089 that I got from Aron's store. If I've read stuff correctly on here, I need to use a jfet type transistor to get it to work at all? If so, can anyone suggest a good place to grab a 2n5458 or something equivalent?

Thanks

[tonefreak]

Go to Mouser.com and look at the spec sheet for both.  Pay particular attention to the PIN outs... that could be a good place to start.

[makenxero]

yeah it looks like I was using the wrong type of transistor. Jfets to the rescue!

[ambulancevoice]

you can use any N Channel FET for it
just check the pin out to the 2n5458 and compare
small bear has a page for FETs on there stock list

[Minion]

I have used 2N5484 to replace the 2N5458 and also the J201 without much problem as long as the Bias is adjusted accordingly.....

[ambulancevoice]

i did a thread a little while back about a substitute for the FET
most of the replys were that its just for the buffer and that any N Channel FET can be used as long as the pin out is the same or similar

[makenxero]

I was ordering some switches from the store so i grabbed some of the jfets Aron has there...hopefully one of those will do fine

[ambulancevoice]

what ones?

[makenxero]

"Twenty J201 JFETs - Useful for many projects that require JFETs. Everything from the Shaka Series to the lastest multiple-cascaded overdrivers."

[slacker]

they'll work fine.

[makenxero]

Alright cool...I'll update when I get the stuff.

This is completely unrelated but I was also wondering if anyone knew the difference between brass and nickel plated plugs, specifically in regards to a george l's kit that I recently bought. Samedaymusic claims that all kits have the nickel plated plugs and mine clearly has unplated brass. My guess is that the unplated plugs will varnish/oxidize or something that will negatively effect the quality but I'd like to be sure before send the kit back.

[makenxero]

Alright...I popped in a j201 and it works. YAY. Now of course the question is does it sound right? Anybody have clips of the original or their tonepad rat that I can compare against?

Thanks for the help 

[makenxero]

Well I just won a "vintage" Rat on ebay for $36 so I guess I can find out for myself if the clone sounds like it