Germanium transistors , any good?

[Luthin You]

Im new here, any opinions on germanium transistors in guitar effects?

[bobsamps]

Transistors

Im new here, any opinions on germanium transistors in guitar effects?

In most, if not all (that I have have seen) old effects (1960's era) germaniums were used. Later silicon types (70's)were the mainstay before op amps. The germanium types give a different sound to distortion circuits than silicon. But many that were around then are not now ( there are not any cross referenced types available), and the ones that are don't seem to have the same characteristics (in the end - sound) that the original manufactured types did. You may run a cross reference for one , but in my experience they are not the same as originals. I have been doing some building with a couple that are available but am disappointed with the results. If you search electronic swapmeets you may run across some old style types that may be a good bargain. I have found a few HEP devices (and some early Radio Shack) that work well for vintage replcements.

[Sweetfinger]

Im new here, any opinions on germanium transistors in guitar effects?

That's like asking if anyone thinks habanero peppers are any good in food. Certainly necessary for a smokin' hot salsa, but not so good diced on your frosted flakes in the morning. The two effects that need Ge transistors because nothing else will do are the Rangemaster, and the Fuzz-Face. For the majority of effect applications, Si is preferred for low noise, reliability, and price.