new transistors for distortion/fuzz ... non-linear?

[Dr Ron]

Are there any non-linear devices that would make for a cool distortion, instead of the typical clipping diode or transistor.

Is this why NOS germanium transistors are favored (over new transistors)?

Are there any current production transistors that sound fantastic for guitar fuzz or distortion?
(i.e. something available from Mouser)

Thanks!

[earthtonesaudio]

Are there any non-linear devices that would make for a cool distortion, instead of the typical clipping diode or transistor.
Clipping is non-linearity, no matter how you make it happen.

Is this why NOS germanium transistors are favored (over new transistors)?
No.  Yes.  I don't know.  People like NOS germanium for many reasons, not all of them logical.

Are there any current production transistors that sound fantastic for guitar fuzz or distortion?
(i.e. something available from Mouser)
Sure.  But this is kind of like asking if there are any current production sunglasses that are fantastic for Tuesdays.  Depends on what you want.  Most people use "small signal general purpose" transistors for stompboxes.  Look for those.

Thanks!