Through-hole to SMD, or SMD J201 for SMD 2N5487

[iamjackslackof]

Hi all,

Working on my second spring reverb driver pedal, this time from Scientific Guitarist. It seems somewhat similar to the Hooke/Spaceman Orion I built recently, but with enough changes/additions (like an EP-3 style preamp) to make it worth building. I have another full-sized reverb tank driver build coming up too, seems like I can't help but build lots a certain effect at the same time.

My questions has 2 3 parts.

1. This reverb driver uses a MMBFJ201 for the preamp. I only have the through-hole version of J201s. Does anyone have any experience/know if it's possible to adapt the THT J201 to the SMD J201? Seems tricky, and google shows most people do the opposite. I only have the Gerbers, so I don't think I can modify the footprint to THT. Plus I already got the PCB in from JLCPCB and would like to build soon.

2. I do happen to have some SMD 2N5457s. I think they might provide less gain in the preamp, which would probably be OK, so can I get away with swapping in one of those for the J201?

Thanks!

EDIT:
3. I also realized I have some SMD J201s, already soldered to an adapter board by AionFX. Is it crazy to try to desolder them? Seems like it...

 

[iamjackslackof]

Update: It is possible to desolder a tiny-ass SMD J201! I actually spent more time on my hands and knees with a flashlight looking for it on the carpet than I did desoldering it

The question now it, did I fry it, and should I try to use it in the circuit? Only SMD soldering I've done other than just now is a single FV-1.

 

[iamjackslackof]

Final update: I was able to test the J201. I rigged up a tester using my DCA75, test leads, a SMD to THT adapter PCB I forgot I had, and some tweezers. So I didn't fry it when I removed it, most likely.

So I went ahead and soldered it in place! Hopefully I'll be able to finish it up tomorrow and see if it really is good...