LM741 vs. UA741 Op Amp Differences?

[Steve Mavronis]

What is the diference between LM741 and UA741 op amps? I'm building a "gray spec" DOD 250 Overdrive clone which used the LM741 op amp. Could I still truely call my clone "gray spec" if it had the UA741 op amp instead even though they may be functionally the same? I can get LM741CN's from several places but the once place that has everything else I need (to order at once) only carries the UA version. Just wondering what is different about LM vs UA?

Still Googling as I write this but the only info I found is historical about the prefix used by certain manufacturers. UA is Fairchild, LM is National Semiconductor, MC is Motorola, etc.

[Mark Hammer]

No difference.  They are both equally bad op-amps, and precede many of the sorts of innovations that led to different kinds of op-amps.

[Steve Mavronis]

Maybe so, but since the point is to clone a pedal to the same specs used in the original, would it be authentic if using a UA741 instead of a LM741? Just exploring options...

[slacker]

Like you said the different prefixes are just different manufacturers codes for the same thing. There may be slight differences between different manufacturers versions but they aren't going to make any difference worth worrying about.

This thread might be worth a read, it covers the same topic http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=82553.0 might just raise a few more issues for you though

[Steve Mavronis]

Thanks for that forum link with similar comcerns. I'll have to find an old datasheet internal schematic for the RCA 741 and compare for any minor differences in architecture, if any at all. Personally I don't care using one brand 741 over another. I'm just using a "Gray Spec" phrase on my 250 clone pedal and wondering if anyone would question that fact over a 741 brand difference. Of course can't get any vintage RCA op amps anyway either, unless I score some by blind chance at a local "Hamboree and Computerfest" flea market happening near the end of March.

[zombiwoof]

Why not get one of each, socket your board, try each one and see if you can hear any difference?  Maybe one will sound better to you.

Al

[petemoore]

  Oh yes.

[StephenGiles]

Well, this is a first - an argument over 741s!!!

"I'm just using a "Gray Spec" phrase on my 250 clone pedal and wondering if anyone would question that fact over a 741 brand difference"

Just keep it to yourself - murder has been committed for far less!