BA482 diode equivalent for Bootleg?

[jeffwhitfield]

Lord knows I’ve got plenty of those!

The circuit also has a 1N4002 instead of a 1N4001 for clipping for seemingly no reason; I’m starting to think that mayhaps this JHS design is full of arbitrary component decisions...

Arbitrary decisions? Wha? No way!

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

Not much difference in the 1N400x diodes at the low currents we run in pedals. I think JHS applied the EHX rule: put in whatever you have, it'll be good enough.

 

[darwin999]

Just adding an update to this old thread, to help others looking for BA482 alternatives.
The BA482 is a desirable diode for the Bootleg as well as for the Mojito Deluxe OD.
The NOS alternatives to the BA482 - such as MA859, MA858 or 1SS168 - are all expensive and hard to find. Plus, buyer beware for fakes...

Looking at Thomasbe86's excellent diode data**, there seem to be 2 other low cost alternatives for the BA482 worth checking out:

1. 2SC945P transistor, measured B to E (Tayda & Nightfire Electronics both carry the 2SC945) - this measures extremely close to the BA482.
2. ITTZBP9V1 Zener diode - although this specific ITT Zener is no longer available, it suggests other 9.1V Zeners *might* work well, although it should be measured first to be sure. But I'll note that Diotex 9.1V Zeners are stock at Mouser for $0.12/ea, or 10 for $0.59. So it's a low-cost thing to try.

And of course, as @Chuck D. Bones notes in comment #20 above, the 2N5952 is another excellent alternative. And the 2N5457 apparently also is a good option.

** https://thomasbe86.github.io/plotly-plot/Diodes_Avg_Plotly.html

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

Zeners have higher capacitance that other diodes, which could make a difference at higher DRIVE settings.
Try a 1N4148 & a GE diode in series, that gets pretty close.
Most Si transistor E-B junctions should work well. The B-C junction has a higher Vf, if you want that.