Simple question about transistors

[Beros]

Hi.

I just have one simple/stupid question:

If I have a circuit that incorporates an NPN transistor of a certain kind, can I just swap that one out to whatever other NPN tranny I happen to have at home?

[newbie builder]

It should work assuming you have one with a similar pinout and HFE (gain).

[Beros]

It should work assuming you have one with a similar pinout and HFE (gain).

Great!
Thanks.

[ambulancevoice]

which transistors?
like, what is specified and what do you plan on replacing it with?

[petemoore]

  Would Probably Float, might not work good.
  A ball that size would probably float in a bowl, but might displace too much or not enough liquid, possibly spilling some liquid over the sides or hitting bottom.
  This depends exactly on the size/shape of the bowl [which circuits?], and the weight/size of the ball [which transistors?].
  Ask what circuit/which actives?... or use sockets.

[Beros]

The circuit is an NPN Rangemaster.

[Meanderthal]

 Ooooh, you are subbing another Germanium, right? If so, they are so inconsistant that part numbers are nothing to worry about, just gain, leakage, and personality.

[newbie builder]

Yeah, it's very common to try all sorts of different trannies in a Rangemaster- especially since it is a very simple circuit, so a change in any given component makes an effect on the sound to a larger degree than it might in some pedals.