What is up with those “1n34a Ge” diodes that look like regular Si diodes?

soggybag

New member
What is the deal with those diodes that I see listed everywhere as 1n34a but look similar to regular 1n914 types. Are these total fakes, work alike Silicon, or legit germanium?
 
They are schottky diodes that fit the bill as modern 1n34a substitutes for crystal radio detector diodes. They are not germanium and do not posses the correct forward voltage and leakage properties for most popular germanium diode pedal applications. It depends on what you are using them for. Clipping diode specs matter, gating diodes, not so much.
 
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