Completely new to this! Build calling for GR diodes.

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NicB115

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Update: should I get these 3 items (pictured) on eBay if seller combines shipping

Aion non Mouser parts questions. Looking to hopefully only have to buy from one other site (Tayda) Builds for Klon and Foxx Tone Machine call for 1n34a Germanium diode. I’ve read that they can be substituted with BAT41 and that they are actually better? Also this is my entry into DIY. I’m not sure how I am going to build (PCB or Vero board) either way I do not plan on putting these in the enclosure that is recommended. So I don’t want PCB mounted pots, switches and power. So looking for a one stop shop for these other parts and other opinions on 1n34a GE diode vs bat41. And if worth it should I get the 1n34a GE on eBay and if you could recommend a seller. THANK YOU!! I also have many questions on PCBs it seams to be the easiest layout. I would like to get into breadboarding to really understand the circuits and components
 

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Do any of your builds require Germanium transistors? I would normally have a circuit in mind before buying them. If you just want them in hand fair enough. The BAT diodes will sound pretty much the same in those circuits, you can even add a small resistor in series to make them a bit more "germanium like". Sovcom is the ebay accout I get all my germanium stuff from.
 
+1 for sovcom, the russian D9(x) diodes work in a lot of places that call for a Ge diode. But yeah the BAT41 diodes have a pretty similar voltage curve as the Ge diodes, and they're a lot easier to come by. When it comes to diodes/transistors, the original part number is generally kind of a guideline for the parameters that the circuit requires, most of the time you can substitute something close. I've had pretty good luck just googling for 'equivalent of X'. (which 80% of the time just links to a thread on this forum or stompbox forum)
 
rossbalch said:
Do any of your builds require Germanium transistors? I would normally have a circuit in mind before buying them. If you just want them in hand fair enough. The BAT diodes will sound pretty much the same in those circuits, you can even add a small resistor in series to make them a bit more "germanium like". Sovcom is the ebay accout I get all my germanium stuff from.
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2 of them. I’m sure there will be more in the future But it’s good to know it’s not necessary. But I wouldn’t mind having on hand do you think it’s worth picking these up or would you suggest something else’s?
-20x Germanium Transistors PNP GT320B /1T320B,
-20x Germanium Transistor PNP P416A (2N2089 2N604 T316)
- 18- Germanium Diodes 2x D9 B,D,E,G,i,J,K,L,M,V
 
Having 9 different germanium diodes pairs is less helpful to you than having a good number of the one specification IMO. D9E is probably the most "average" amongst them. Germanium can be a little fragile being made with glass so if you break one better to have backups of the same type.

As for the transistors, it really comes down to the expected hFe for the circuit you're making. Both those options will probably work, as with most germanium circuits you may need to tweak the bias resistors to get the best sound.
 
Also there are not a large number of circuits that use PNP transistors, which is why they're fairly plentiful relative to the NPN varieties.
(I think a couple of fuzz face types, but even those have largely been adapted to use NPN)
 
rossbalch said:
Having 9 different germanium diodes pairs is less helpful to you than having a good number of the one specification IMO. D9E is probably the most "average" amongst them. Germanium can be a little fragile being made with glass so if you break one better to have backups of the same type.

As for the transistors, it really comes down to the expected hFe for the circuit you're making. Both those options will probably work, as with most germanium circuits you may need to tweak the bias resistors to get the best sound.
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Good info on the D9E! I think I’m going to hold off on the eBay order. I made a mouser BOM Aion order with
z2amiller said:
Also there are not a large number of circuits that use PNP transistors, which is why they're fairly plentiful relative to the NPN varieties.
(I think a couple of fuzz face types, but even those have largely been adapted to use NPN)
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also good to know. Thanks now I’m definitely not wasting $40ish. I appreciate the advice and info. Sourcing and getting to know parts is probably the hardest thing about this. If it’s not, I’m really in for it. I’ve been a electrician for 18 years with the past 10 specifically in low voltage controls work. Thought audio electronics is definitely not what I do. All I do is layout work with a with a ruler, drill holes, terminate and troubleshoot wire. I can imagine getting into this not knowing how to turn a screwdriver. There are DEFINITELY people like that getting in to this
 
I use BAT41s instead of Ge all the time. They're a lot more robust. I like to pair a single BAT41 with a 1N4148 or 1N4001 as clipping diodes too. Experimenting with clipping diodes in a circuit you know well can be eye opening.
 
NicB115 said:
Good info on the D9E! I think I’m going to hold off on the eBay order. I made a mouser BOM Aion order…
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An easy way to build up some stock of stuff that’ll probably be useful is to start with one of those BOMs then up the quantities of all the resistors, capacitors, transistors, and diodes to wherever the first price break is (usually either 10 or 25 at Mouser).

Also, Mouser doesn’t have very good prices on hardware type stuff: jacks, switches, pots, enclosures, etc.
Aside from Tayda, StompBoxParts.com and LoveMySwitches.com will be better places for those. StompBoxParts is also good for some semi-obsolete/guitar-specific ICs and such.
 
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