Green Ringer transistor question

[codog]

For the Q1 and Q3 is it suggested that a high-gain NPN transistor is used (2n5088 specifically). I don't have any of those, would a BC107/108 or 2N2904 work in a similar fashion? I think the BC107/108 are higher gain, right? And also, for Q2, the PNP transistor, I also do not have the recommended one(2N3906), but I have a 2N2907 instead. Looking at the datasheets it seems similar, other than the fact that it is an "epitaxial" transistor. Will that make any difference? Any other suggestions? (I also have a bunch of other BC series transistors if they might work)

       Thanks in advance,
                                  Clay

[shadowmaster]

Always make it a habit to socket all transistors and IC's for your build then just pop-in the devices that you presently have. Replace later with the recommended parts then try to hear the improvements if there are any. Who knows. Maybe the parts you have in hand may sound better to your ears than the recommended ones.

[Derringer]

any idea what the ideal gain should be for Q2 ?

I see that it's supposed to be "low" ... but low relative to what?

[Mark Hammer]

I don't know that it MUST be low.  Rather, given that it is simply being used as a phase splitter, at what I assume is unity gain, there is really no requirement for high gain.  I don't think something like a 2N5087 (a higher gain PNP) would necessarily undermine the functioning of the pedal.  The real need for higher gain, as you can see is at Q1, and Q3.

[codog]

any idea what the ideal gain should be for Q2 ?

I see that it's supposed to be "low" ... but low relative to what?

I'm not sure exactly what is ideal, but the 2N3906 transistor that is recommended has an hFE of around 100 so I would assume it's near that.

Always make it a habit to socket all transistors and IC's for your build then just pop-in the devices that you presently have. Replace later with the recommended parts then try to hear the improvements if there are any. Who knows. Maybe the parts you have in hand may sound better to your ears than the recommended ones.

I'll socket my transistors and test them out, thanks for the suggestion.

[Derringer]

Cool .. I've got a ringer breadboarded right now where I piggybacked a pair of 2n306's with a trim pot to adjust the gain.

I have a hard time hearing a difference at different gains.

[zeppelinchld]

i actually have the green ringer on my breadboard i tried 2n4401,2n2222, and bc107 for the npn and although the bc107's worked quite well i actually preferred the 2n2222 still dont know what to use for sure for the pnp cuz i dont have very many but i did have a 2n2907 and i definitely liked the sound so far

[petemoore]

  Not to try to hijack the thread, but 'something with' the Green Ringer is worth trying out anyway.
  At that point, Q1 gain might do well to be 'low-ish'.
  I use the GR alone, and with HB's it sounds Sitar-ish, put a Fuzz after, or something.. OD before it [even a boost] and the wildness + stronger octave begins.