Replacements for SFT337, SFT363E and OC76 Germanium Transistors

[andershp]

Hi

I trying to find two transistors for my VOX Tone Bender Clone. It should be either SFT337-SFT363E or SFT337-OC76 or perhaps OC76-OC76 combinations, however SFT337 and OC76 would be preferable.

I can't seem to find the original ones anywhere, but I think that it anyway is better getting new (tested) ones.

Which would fit as replacements and what is there to check for, except for the name and number?

Is it possible to find replacements in NPN or would that create a different result?

I would much appreciate store links if possible.

Thanks

[Kearns892]

I've been looking for some NPN Germaniums lately too. Due to the difficulties of making reliable NPN transistors with germanium it seems they are not made much and either new ones or old stock ones fetch a fair price. It seems the only place that has them is ebay which opens another can of worms about buying presorted devices.

Similar woe I suppose, unfortunately no advice.

[LucifersTrip]

I think the biggest problem is that DIYers think they have to use the exact transistor in the original or use a transistor that is listed as a sub.
Unless you're building for a museum or want to show off/sell a pedal that has the exact components as the original, it's best to go by your own ear and listen to what you like best.

It's hard for me to believe that the exact transistors in the original circuit would sound the best to you out of the thousands of possible combinations made from various transistors around the world.

I find it best to simply stock up on a variety of germaniums and try as many combos till you get a fuzz that really gets you off!

Is it possible to find replacements in NPN or would that create a different result?

no diff result...just neg ground instead of pos

I would much appreciate store links if possible.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OC76-MULLARD-GERMANIUM-TRANSISTOR-/260645116857

[LucifersTrip]

[deleted & added to above post]

[andershp]

I think the biggest problem is that DIYers think they have to use the exact transistor in the original or use a transistor that is listed as a sub.
Unless you're building for a museum or want to show off/sell a pedal that has the exact components as the original, it's best to go by your own ear and listen to what you like best.

It's hard for me to believe that the exact transistors in the original circuit would sound the best to you out of the thousands of possible combinations made from various transistors around the world.

I find it best to simply stock up on a variety of germaniums and try as many combos till you get a fuzz that really gets you off!

I get our point, but I am however trying to recreate a specific sound I've heard from the VOX Tone Bender, which I think used SFT337 and OC76. Therefore I'm trying to find transistors with the same specifications as those. What is there to check for then? HFE and what else? And can I new replacements for those in NPN?

Is HFE the only important thing and what does the name and number mean then?

[LucifersTrip]

I think the biggest problem is that DIYers think they have to use the exact transistor in the original or use a transistor that is listed as a sub.
Unless you're building for a museum or want to show off/sell a pedal that has the exact components as the original, it's best to go by your own ear and listen to what you like best.

It's hard for me to believe that the exact transistors in the original circuit would sound the best to you out of the thousands of possible combinations made from various transistors around the world.

I find it best to simply stock up on a variety of germaniums and try as many combos till you get a fuzz that really gets you off!

I get our point, but I am however trying to recreate a specific sound I've heard from the VOX Tone Bender, which I think used SFT337 and OC76. Therefore I'm trying to find transistors with the same specifications as those. What is there to check for then? HFE and what else? And can I new replacements for those in NPN?

Is HFE the only important thing and what does the name and number mean then?

If you use any germanium with a similar hfe & leakage to what the original used, you will get a Tone Bender sound...but there will definitely be variations in fuzz, harshness, sustain, bass/treble, etc...Hfe & leakage are probably the 2 most important attributes of a transistor, but I can tell you that there are many attributes of a transistor that can effect sound...One of them, being the psychological effect of using the "correct" one.  

I'm only a novice with electronic theory, so maybe some else can tell you, after hfe & leakage, what are the next most important attributes of a transistor that effect sound.

You can most likely find replacements in NPN. It's common that companies make a compatible NPN when they manufacture a PNP, but I don't know the UK stuff.

[smallbearelec]

Hi--

My FFFAQ:

http://www.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/FuzzFaceFAQ/FFFAQ.htm

might help you. If you choose to do some breadboarding in order to get the tone you want, here are a couple of related How-Tos:

http://www.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/Breadboarding/BreadboardIntro.htm

http://www.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/BreadboardSiFF/BreadboardSiFF.htm

If you have other questions, please drop a message to smallbearelec@ix.netcom.com

Regards
SD