Odd transistors question

[Korni]

As a beginner I was thinking about experimenting with different transistors (OD808 is too much for me) and since sometimes i can't find datasheet, I wanted to know if there is any risk with 'unknown' transistors (to the circuit).
Let's say I build an overdrive with NPN transistor, can I put any NPN transistor (like I've never seen in any guitar circuit, soviet NOS or used, etc.)?
I think, that as long as transistor is over 16V and over 0.25W, it's ok to use it, right?

Thanks in advance for any response 

[PRR]

Try it.

What can happen? Universe implode? Sky fall down?

I would point out that "known" transistors are 4 for a buck, and that debugging a "doesn't work!" problem is easier if you use known parts. But if you want to fool around, just do it.

[Perrow]

4 for a buck? You're not buying online then

A few bucks on Tayda and you'll have enough transistors to experiment for a long time. You won't have any Russian but many "known".

[pinkjimiphoton]

pretty much an npn is an npn. don't get too hung up on numbers. if you can get it to bias, it WILL work.

and if in doubt, in a fuzz, just ground the emitter. you'll get max gain outta the transistor, and it's easier to get it to bias sometimes than floating it above ground potential (tho a smallish resistor can save ya a lotta grief with rfi and hash)