Fuzz factory clone, silicon transistor recommendations?

[iforgot]

Hey!

This is my first post here.  I'm looking forward to getting to know the forum better.

I'm about to build a Flare fuzz factory clone (https://aionelectronics.com/project/flare-fuzz-factory/).   I will be using sockets for the transistors to allow for easier experimentation. 

My question is about what silicon transistors you think are worth trying out in the q2 and q3 positions.  Aion electronics recommends trying dual 2n3906, which I will be ordering. (Note, on typical fuzz factory clones, as well as the original, these are the two germanium transistors.)  But I was wondering if people could recommend other silicon transistors to try to get a different flavor from the pedal.  (Note: down the road if I find different transistors that I like I might want to add switches to go back and forth between them..)

Thanks a lot!

[iforgot]

Hmm, perhaps I should be more specific.  I understand that the 2N3906 is a medium gain PNP transistor.  I'm looking to experiment with transistors with gain lower than the 2n3906.  What would you guys suggest?

[smallbearelec]

I'm about to build a Flare fuzz factory clone (https://aionelectronics.com/project/flare-fuzz-factory/).   I will be using sockets for the transistors to allow for easier experimentation. 

Rather than adding sockets to the PCB, I'd suggest breadboarding the thing first, do your tweaking, and so know what you want to commit to solder. You will definitely get a different palette with silicon, and PNP silicon in the 200 range is not hard to come by:

http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/to-106-to-109-and-to-110-dots-1/?sort=featured&page=3

but I suspect that different silicon devices with similar gains won't give you dramatic differences in tone.

[LightSoundGeometry]

I recommend small bear to ! you know what you will be getting; noticed the tropical fish from small bear are like new condition as well..some of the ones on ebay are ready to crumble into dust 

[iforgot]

Thanks!

Just to clarify, I'm looking for recommendations on lower gain transistors, not medium gain.  Thanks!

[smallbearelec]

http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/transistor-pnp-2n3640/

http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/transistor-2n4402/

http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/transistor-2n4403/

[Gus]

Maybe you should ask Aion electronics.

[peterg]

All Transistors is a great site for searching for transistors and alternatives:

http://alltransistors.com/transistor.php?transistor=3751

[Elijah-Baley]

Pretty similar topic: http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=101179.0

[iforgot]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback!  I had looked into similar posts - and countless posts about the transistors used in other fuzz circuits - but still felt like there were relatively few options ever being brought up so I wanted to hear people's thoughts. 

The alltransistors sites seems like a boon!

Thanks for the links smallbearelec.  I will eventually want to try germanium transistors in the circuit, and I was planning on getting those from you guys.  So I'll be sure to give those a shot as well.

Having done more reading on the topic, I'm starting to get the sense that there is enough variability in hFE for models like the 2N3906 (0.02$ from tayda!) that it might be worth sticking to dirt cheap options at first: ordering a large batch, measuring each individually and see what I like best. 

One more question:  Specs suggest that the 2n3906 hFE can go from 100 to 300.  Within, say, a 20 pieces batch, would you guys expect to see a wide spread of hFE, or would you expect the majority of them to fall within a similar range, with a few exceptions?

Thanks!

[samhay]

If you want to tune the HFE of Si transistors, search for "piggyback transistor".

[marmora]

I've built it with 2N3906 and 2N3905. I think the very first one I did used 2N5087
I've heard of people having success with 2N2907
I don't know, or frankly care, how close to the original mine sounds. It sounds fuzzy/distorted and oscillates when I play with the Stab control. Makes me happy! 

[duck_arse]

a batch of 20 or 200 will probably all come from the same manufacturers batch, if you order them from the one supplier. they don't want to go mixing and matching, they just want your parts outta their hair. you'd be better to order 10 of each of 3 or so types, from 3 or 4 different parts houses. that way, you might get some differing brands and batches.

BC549A, BC548A, BC5xxA will all be in the lowest gain buckets for those part numbers.

[digi2t]

2N2904
2N2905
2N2907

I personally like the 2N2904. It's low gain, and works great in my Skyripper.

[petey twofinger]

you may end up going thru some trial and error on this one but hats off , you picked a good circuit .

BC183 is what the analog man sunface used

i did a few ge FF pedals , got the transistors from CZ thru ebay

http://stores.ebay.com/elebcz

if you have an exceptional attention span or comprehend how to operate the fast forward control on youtube you may find this demo helpful as an example of what they sounded like in my unit .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j71AZXPkyhs

[iforgot]

Thanks for the further replies everyone!  I will look further into piggybacking transistors - started reading about it a little and it looks very interesting.  I will also definitely try to get my hands on the 2n290x transistors you recommend digi2t.   This demo is cool petey!

[iforgot]

Seriously Petey, this demo is SOOOO coool!!

[digi2t]

Thanks for the further replies everyone!  I will look further into piggybacking transistors - started reading about it a little and it looks very interesting.  I will also definitely try to get my hands on the 2n290x transistors you recommend digi2t.   This demo is cool petey!

I used the piggybacking thing on a silicon version of a Burns Buzzaround. Didn't turn out too bad, the piggybacked transistor helped tame down the silicon gain quite a bit.