Noob question: Transistors - to socket or not to socket?

[Just1More]

Hi

Firstly, this forum has been a great help.  Thanks to everyone for their input.  I'm currently doing my first build - a GGG BSIAB2.  I wouldn't have ever attempted something like this with out a great resource like this.  So far, so good though.

Just a couple of questions about the JFETs (2N5457 and J201).

1) The documentation says they can be inconsistent in sound and that you might need to try some different ones.  How likely is this?  I'm OK with a soldering iron, but don't fancy soldering and removing transistors too many times until it sounds right.

2) Is it possible to buy transistor sockets or do you just cut up IC sockets for this?  I've searched a couple of likely suppliers but can't find any transistor sockets.

I'm itching to start painting the enclosure, but it's been raining here for about a week now and has been really humid - not good painting conditions   

Thanks

John

[5thumbs]

Mill-Max snap-off sockets work great for socketing transistors, resistors, diodes, etc.  Just snap off the number of sockets you need and solder in place.

Both Small Bear and Mouser carry them (links below):

Small Bear Electronics:  http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=101
Mouser Electronics:  http://beta.mouser.com//search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=310-43-120-41-001000virtualkey57510000virtualkey575-143120

[Just1More]

Thanks for that.  They stock them down at the local electronics store so I'll grab some tomorrow.  Always helps when you know what you're looking for.

Cheers

[joegagan]

if you want to gig with your pedals that have socketed trannies, it can be a good idea to physically strap them in so they can't fall out.

once you have found the tranny or trannies that sound good etc,

make a little plastic strip that you can glue across to a nearby cap or something of the same height as the tranny, put a little duco cement on both trans and cap to hold it down. if you need to remove the trans later, just xacto across the glue to remove

i prefer this to trying to solder into the sockets, i don't like plastic touching my soldering iron tip, it is pretty hard to solder in the contacts in those sockets.

[Just1More]

Once I get it sounding good I might just desolder the sockets and soldering them in permanently.  Thanks for the tip.

J

[Dai H.]

-the snap off kind (single in-line) do seem to break off more cleanly if you break them instead of cut w/nippers, i've noticed

-if you do many repeated insertions/removal little bits of the legs can come off into the socket hole jamming it up somewhat, then it isn't quite as smooth

-they can also go loose (and thus you can lose contact--this can drive you nuts if you don't know it is the socket)

[numpty]

you could apply a blob of hot melt glue to hold them in - I think the heat should be low enough not affect the transistor and it is electrically non conducting

[petemoore]

  8 pin IC sockets, whole = strong, rugged construction.
  8 pin sockets cut in half = invites copper pad or socket problems [IME], socket leans over etc.
  6 pin IC socket...perfect for 2 transistor build.
  A bit of otherwise wasted space 'can' be used, see the holes through the center hole of the socket.
  A bit surprizing there aren't more layouts which utilize full sockets, the idea came up when I was piggybacking a FF, 8 pin socket is perfect for that..I was told I could cut sockets to make for transistor socket, that's what I always did until I thought it through better.