germanium boosters?

[gutsofgold]

Looking to build a germanium booster. I haven't really given a Rangemaster a fair shot yet because I don't usually like treble boosters. Coming out of a Princeton Reverb they tend to sound ice-picky and shrill. Is there anything more full ranged and thicker sounding that still utilizes a germ?

[tiges_ tendres]

The Cream Pie was one germanium "Full range" Booster.

I think all the links got pulled though because the pedal went into production.  You might get lucky and find a layout though.

[SonicVI]

A Rangemaster with a larger input cap is full range and thicker.

[slideman82]

You could also try different Ge transistors, some sound not too trebly in the Rangemaster.

[B Tremblay]

If your heart isn't completely set on using germanium, Omega may meet your needs.

[petemoore]

  If you have NPN Ge, put an LM317 tunable between say 6 - 12 vdc supply, then also you'll have to have the bias knob so you can tune the circuit for more or less assymetric or intense clipping.
  Or look for a negative version of the adjustable voltage regulator [not sure I remember seeing one...

[AnalogPackrat]

I've not tried a Ge boost, but recently completed a modified ROG Omega (check the pictures thread for details).  Really nice pedal.  Relatively simple build, too.

A P

[cab42]

I tried Gus Smalleys NPN boost with a OC140 germanium transistor. Sounds great, although not dramatically different from the 2N2222 I used before.

Regards

Carsten

[MikeH]

If you email andy (dragonfly) he'd probably share the schematic for the cream pie with you, he's a pretty good chap.  Honestly though, the creampie is pretty similar to a rangemaster; a rangemaster can be modded to be a full range boost rather than just a treble boost.

And the Omega is totally awesome, even though it's not germanium.  It's prob my fav.

[frank_p]

Oh...  But a Rangemaster in a Princeton with a 12 in. speaker-cab sound good.
Even ordinary over-drive in a Priceton with their original 10in. speaker can sound harsh at some times.
When I say ordinary overdrive: It can come from the amp. (and sound harsh).
Sometimes I use the Rangemaster with a 15in. Traynor bass reflex: and it just sound sweet.

I think that the Rangemaster is well tuned up,: it just depend in the amp (and mostly, the Cab of the amp) to sound creamy.

But I must admit that the Princeton is a particular beast on his own...
This amp is well suited to mild breakup.
Mine, setted at 2.5 with a Rangemaster in a "big cab" will sound reeeeeeeaaaaliiiiy sweet.

+++

[Gus]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discrete_Bipolar_Transistor_Biasing

http://openbookproject.net//books/socratic/output/bjtbias.pdf

You can design your own.