transistors in new zealand

[southtown]

so i look on these sites right and the transistor is called something like 2n5089 but then i go to the electronics shop and they have names like bc547 are these the sma ethings how do i knwo what ones to get?

[bryantabuteau]

which shops are you looking in?  I find substitutes based on their description in the dick smith/jaycar catalogues, ie hfe and things.  Often the schems have substitutes listed.  You can get alot of 2nxxxx transistors over here, you just have to look hard.  I also get specific ones i can't find in the local stores from http://www.rsnewzealand.com  which has very quick delivery, though its $7 courier so I tend to order a few things at a time.  They've got hammond boxes too at a reasonable price.  Other than that, I order from Mouser or Small Bear when theres something rare.

[octafish]

If it says 2n5089 then you can use BC549C.

Others should have better availability. With JFETs I find it easier to find the right part that to screw around with subs as they don't always work in some applications. Anything should work in a distortion/od/emulator/booster though they will just sound different.