montreal diy-ers

[marc]

just went to addison's to pick up a few things. they've changed the layout of the store- both buildings are now connected. anyhow, they are selling the X-wing(the ones people here refer to as "taiwanese") dpdt stomp-switches for $1.99.  and they still have those germanium transistors in the cellophane wrapped cardboard on a spinning rack. i got a bunch of those and found what i needed  for a tonebender.

[sysexguy]

Thanks, Andy

[Rick]

Hi Marc, I've been visiting Addison for over 20 years, and never left the
store without dropping at least $100 in parts at least twice a year.
My last two visits were disappointing however ...don't know if there's new
owners there or what but it has changed for the worse. The prices jumped
dramatically on nearly everything and the selection has dwindled! No more bargain teflon wire or copper board etc. etc. I used to get a 4x8" piece of single sided copper board for 25 - 50 cents in the surplus section. If you can find one now try $2.99 or more.
They still have some germaniums, but the stuff I found on the rack is nowhere near as good as it once was (and pricier). Try asking the guy behind the counter for subs for your germs (NTE102a or whatever) and make him /
her look for them behind the counter. The better ones are now there and of course pricier too. What types did you have good success with. I can suggest some good ones I purchased from Addison's behind the counter selection.
...Rick

[jrc4558]

Can you post the address? I have a show to play there in september. And I am addicted to buying germanium transistors. lol

[marc]

http://www.addison-electronique.com/home.htm
for ic's and non- surplus items you have to stand at the counter and ask one of the clerks to get the stuff for you.

it's true that it ain't what it used to be. 1/4 watt resistors, copper clad and pots are not as ambundant anymore. i once went there with a shopping list of germanium transistors for them to find for me and they didn't have much. the ones on the rack come cellophaned in a piece of cardboard and are basicaly a grab bag of exotic japanese transistors that were probably common in old tv sets and radios. i just built a tonebender with transistor sockets and sat down with all the pnp's, tried every single one untill i found just the right sound.