Looking to build a germanium booster. I haven't really given a Rangemaster a fair shot yet because I don't usually like treble boosters. Coming out of a Princeton Reverb they tend to sound ice-picky and shrill. Is there anything more full ranged and thicker sounding that still utilizes a germ?
The Cream Pie was one germanium "Full range" Booster.
I think all the links got pulled though because the pedal went into production. You might get lucky and find a layout though.
A Rangemaster with a larger input cap is full range and thicker.
You could also try different Ge transistors, some sound not too trebly in the Rangemaster.
If your heart isn't completely set on using germanium, Omega (http://runoffgroove.com/omega.html) may meet your needs.
If you have NPN Ge, put an LM317 tunable between say 6 - 12 vdc supply, then also you'll have to have the bias knob so you can tune the circuit for more or less assymetric or intense clipping.
Or look for a negative version of the adjustable voltage regulator [not sure I remember seeing one...
I've not tried a Ge boost, but recently completed a modified ROG Omega (check the pictures thread for details). Really nice pedal. Relatively simple build, too.
A P
I tried Gus Smalleys NPN boost with a OC140 germanium transistor. Sounds great, although not dramatically different from the 2N2222 I used before.
Regards
Carsten
If you email andy (dragonfly) he'd probably share the schematic for the cream pie with you, he's a pretty good chap. Honestly though, the creampie is pretty similar to a rangemaster; a rangemaster can be modded to be a full range boost rather than just a treble boost.
And the Omega is totally awesome, even though it's not germanium. It's prob my fav.
Oh... But a Rangemaster in a Princeton with a 12 in. speaker-cab sound good.
Even ordinary over-drive in a Priceton with their original 10in. speaker can sound harsh at some times.
When I say ordinary overdrive: It can come from the amp. (and sound harsh).
Sometimes I use the Rangemaster with a 15in. Traynor bass reflex: and it just sound sweet.
I think that the Rangemaster is well tuned up,: it just depend in the amp (and mostly, the Cab of the amp) to sound creamy.
But I must admit that the Princeton is a particular beast on his own...
This amp is well suited to mild breakup.
Mine, setted at 2.5 with a Rangemaster in a "big cab" will sound reeeeeeeaaaaliiiiy sweet.
+++
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discrete_Bipolar_Transistor_Biasing
http://openbookproject.net//books/socratic/output/bjtbias.pdf
You can design your own.