Recently I wrote about my Vero layout Broadcast which doesn't use the transformer. It sounds a lot like a Broadcast with a transformer. I socketed the Ge transistor - a Russian MP20, hfe around 52 - just in case I had to experiment with transistors. Well the first MP20 I tried sounded spot-on so I didn't go any further.
Then I read here that the Ariel Posen version of the Broadcast was the same but used a 2N4033 silicon PNP transistor, so I ordered some from Mouser. The 2N4033 almost looks like a Ge transistor. It looks a lot like a 2N1308. Anyway, I popped in a 2N4033 and I like it! it has more gain (hfe 147) and this seems to make the breakup smoother, rather than cruder as I had expected. So at low gain it's an excellent booster but at medium gain it sounds more like a OD. at the highest gain levels it goes fuzzy but not as crude, brutal fuzzy as the Ge.
It's also a little brighter the more you add gain so again, I wish the Broadcast had a tone pot. But I really like the silicon tranny in this one. Well I like both! The tones are similar but not identical. I think the Ge has slightly more mid honk but the Si is no slouch at pretending to be a treble booster. I'll have to play some more.
I tested it with a 335 and a Casino, both USA made. I tried it straight into a beefed-up 5E3 Deluxe and also with a light OD into the same amp.
Then I read here that the Ariel Posen version of the Broadcast was the same but used a 2N4033 silicon PNP transistor, so I ordered some from Mouser. The 2N4033 almost looks like a Ge transistor. It looks a lot like a 2N1308. Anyway, I popped in a 2N4033 and I like it! it has more gain (hfe 147) and this seems to make the breakup smoother, rather than cruder as I had expected. So at low gain it's an excellent booster but at medium gain it sounds more like a OD. at the highest gain levels it goes fuzzy but not as crude, brutal fuzzy as the Ge.
It's also a little brighter the more you add gain so again, I wish the Broadcast had a tone pot. But I really like the silicon tranny in this one. Well I like both! The tones are similar but not identical. I think the Ge has slightly more mid honk but the Si is no slouch at pretending to be a treble booster. I'll have to play some more.
I tested it with a 335 and a Casino, both USA made. I tried it straight into a beefed-up 5E3 Deluxe and also with a light OD into the same amp.
