genius buffer idea or complete stupidity?

[tempus]

Hey all;

I was wondering if it was possible to use a JFET like J176 as a buffer. This type of JFET is on unless it has a voltage applied to its gate (you see where this is going?) I know that I could connect the output of my guitar to the drain of the J176, and connect the source to the amp, and the signal would pass through uninhibited. But would it also give a low output impedance like a buffer would? If it is, then this would be a simple way to get a buffer onto a guitar without having to be concerned about powering issues.

Any thoughts?

[R.G.]

But would it also give a low output impedance like a buffer would?

Sorry, no. Without a power source to drive the cable, it only acts like a resistor in series with the guitar. At best.

[CynicalMan]

It would just act as a resistor, I'm afraid. The impedance would be more or less unaffected. You can do something like this with a transformer, using it as a DI, but it's difficult to get one with a high enough input impedance for guitar. See neatcircuits.com/audio/anatomy_of_a_direct_box.htm

[tempus]

Dang.

So since it wasn't a genius buffer, it must've been...

[MikeH]

Dang.

So since it wasn't a genius buffer, it must've been...

Have you ever heard the expression "The truth lies in the middle"? 

[GibsonGM]

Great ideas come from trying outlandish things.  Ben Franklin had many "ahh, crap" moments before he came up with some of HIS great moments!!    Thinking out of the box is great )