Common Transistors?

[enigmur]

I am going to a component shop on the weekend to get some trimpots, a multimeter ect.

Now I noticed by searching their site, I can find a lot of transistors mentioned on here.

I'd like to know a bunch I should look at picking up for my stocks at home.

I am currently making a Axis Face pedal, and i'll probably be messing around with fuzz, overdrive, boost ect a bit.

What are some commonly used trannies I could look for? What are your favourites and for what useages?

[R.G.]

You need about 3/4 small signal NPN and 1/4 small signal PNP. These can be many type numbers.

My preference is 2N5088 (look up "Keen's Second Law" in the archives) and 2N4250 for signal purposes.

You can also use 2N3904 NPN and 2N3906 PNP or 2N4401 NPN and 2N4402 PNP. I believe the BC549 NPN and BC559 PNP will fill the same purposes as will the 2SC1815 and 2SA1015.

You do not need to buy paired types; if you get a good deal on 2N3904's and BC559's, go for it. To a large extent, any of the NPNs and any of the PNPs will do whatever you need for effects.

The exceptions are:
germanium transistors of any kind
RF effects like perhaps a theremin
High current. For currents over about 20ma, use the 2N3904/3906 pair or the 2SC1815/SA1015 pair as these are rated up to 100ma or over. Good for relay driving.

[rockgardenlove]

While you're at it you might as well pick up some fets:
BS170 mosfets
J201/MPF102 jfets
Along with your standard 1n914/1n4148 diodes that are often needed for the pedal types you mentioned, a few opamps can't hurt.  I go by the NJM4588s and the TL072s for opamps.



This should keep you covered.

[enigmur]

Thnks guys.

I cant seem to find the transistors with this type of numbering system - 2N4401, but there are these on there (BC549 and BC559) , so I'll get these.

I can find the fets easily too which is good.

They stock this Germanium diode - OA-91 GERMANIUM DIODE, Any use?

Cheers guys, these suggestions will help me tomorrow

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Yeah, OA91 is a perfectly good Ge diode.
I guess you are in Europe if you can get the BC transistors and the OA diodes 

[mattpocket]

See if they have any of the ones we struggle to find, thats what you'll beneifit from at some point or another...

The common ones are pretty easy to get hold of...

Matt