Newbie question concerning Germanium transistors and sockets.

[NeedlessKane]

Hello everyone. I'm waiting for my shipment from Small Bear to begin making my fuzz face build *First attempt ever, wish me luck* and I've been doing some research on transistor sockets.  I already have my matched pair of Germanium transistors and the leads on them are really long.  The sockets dont' look very long at all, so do I just cut off the excess from the leads so they fit flush w/ the socket or do I leave the leads long? 

I know it's a dumb question but I dont' want to ruin anything.  Thanks in advance.

[bioroids]

I would try it first with the long leads. When everything is working just fine and there's no more troubleshooting, I'd cut the leads to the proper size and then mount the pedal in a box.

Good luck!

Miguel

[Mark Hammer]

Sound advice.

Note that Ge specs change with heat.  If you are forced to hold the transistor to keep it upright in the socket while testing before packaging, then it may be wise to clip at least a little bit off the leads to improve lead-stiffness just so your finger temperature is not part of why the built unit sounds the way it does.

[alteredsounds]

and Good Luck!