Can you prolong a germanium transistor's life?

[gonzo]

So I've had these AF106 transistors for many years sitting in a bag. The other day I decided to just make some rangemasters out of them. Might sell a few, but I'm worried about their lifespan. One was low gain a year ago and now it's dead. The other two are fine. I was reading these are a mesa bjts(defused junction transistors). Because of the manufacturing methods, some of the leg connections corrode. I thought about adding some hot glue to the bottom to keep air and the humid weather here on Japan out. But that might be a dumb idea. Does anyone have pointers or ideas on how to improve the lifespan or future wear on old transistors like these?

 

[drgonzo1969]

I dont have any advice but that is a beautiful photograph... I like the depth of field and angle.

 

[jwin615]

Not sure about longevity but I think they were in damn near every export radio that came out of Japan in the 60s.
Probably boxes on boxes of them around.

 

[gonzo]

They sound the same as my nicer ac 108's. They came in what looked like a pipe bomb in the mail from some eastern block country off eBay 10 years ago. It was a mixed bunch of random stuff. Just hope I can get some years out of them. Trying to make these rangemasters look like artwork. The world can always use more treble boosters.

 

[HamishR]

I didn't know that some transistors wear out. I wish tubes didn't.