Synth & Eurorack Parts / DIY

This is a set of two 2N1309 germanium transistors that have been hand-selected to work in the germanium Fuzz Face circuit. Also included are 4 metal film resistors to use in the circuit. In most cases, the values have been modified from the stock values slightly to ensure that the collector of Q2 biases to roughly -4.5V. A data sheet containing the schematic and the resistor values is included so that you can use your own resistor type if you would prefer. There is a range of bias voltages that can sound nice in a Fuzz Face, and voltages in original units varied. These transistors have been tested with bias voltage, sound, and noise level in mind. Note that due to a variety of factors such as battery/PSU voltage, temperature, and component tolerance, the voltage on the collector of Q2 may not measure at exactly -4.5V, but it should be close in a properly-built circuit.

2N5457 N-Channel JFET in a TO-92 package. The 2N5457 is designed primarily for audio and switching applications.

• Max drain to gate voltage = 25 V
• Max gate to source voltage = -25 V
• Max forward gate current = 10 mA

New old stock 2N3565 transistors manufactured by Micro Electronics. The 2N3565 is a silicon NPN transistor in a TO-106 case. The 2N3565 is primarily intended for general purpose and low level applications. 2N3565 transistors were used in the original Harmonic Percolator, Foxx Tone Machine and the Sam Ash Fuzzz Boxx.

New old stock 2N404A PNP germanium transistors manufactured by Texas Instruments. These TI 2N404A feature gold plated leads. The 2N404A is used in many fuzz pedals along with other effects. The 2N404A is the same as the 2N404 but with a higher voltage rating. This transistor is in a TO-5 package with long leads commonly found on germanium transistors.

SFT353 PNP germanium transistors. The SFT353 is a popular PNP for fuzz pedals and other effects. This transistor is in a 18B4 package with long leads commonly found on germanium transistors. This style of package can be found in Italian built Vox Tonebenders.

NPN Darlington transistor (TO-92 package) - designed for high gain, low noise general purpose amplifier applications.

• Max collector to emitter voltage = 45 V
• Max collector to base voltage = 45 V
• Max emitter to base voltage = 6.5 V
• Max collector current = 0.2 A (continuous)

The 2N3392 is a general purpose NPN transistor in a TO-92 case. The 2N3392 is used in some original silicon Fuzz Face pedals as well as the Brassmaster fuzz.

2N1303 PNP germanium transistors. The 2N1303 is a popular PNP for fuzz pedals and other effects. This transistor is in a TO-5 package with long leads commonly found on germanium transistors.

General purpose low-power PNP bipolar junction transistor, used frequently in hobbyist electronic projects. For the NPN 2N3904 see P-Q2N3904

2N797 NPN germanium transistors. The 2N797 is a popular NPN for fuzz pedals and other effects. The NPN polarity allows for use with standard pedal power supplies. The 2N797 is a fairly unique germanium transistor since it is in a TO-18 package.

The BC184 is a general purpose NPN transistor in a TO-92 case. The BC184 is commonly used in fuzz pedals and has a reputation as a warm sounding silicon transistor for fuzz. BC184 was used in various Colorsound pedals - Jumbo Tone Bender, Supa Tone Bender, Power Boost, etc. It was also used in the Schaller Fuzz, and has been used in fuzz pedals from well-known builders such as Skreddy Pedals, D*A*M, and Stu Castledine.

The 2N3704 is a general purpose silicon NPN transistor in a TO-92 case. The 2N3704 is primarily intended for general purpose amplification and switching applications.

2N1307 PNP germanium transistors. The 2N1307 is a popular PNP for fuzz pedals and other effects. This transistor is in a TO-5 package with long leads commonly found on germanium transistors.

High quality TO package transistor sockets by Mill-Max. These machine pin sockets make swapping transistors in pedals and other projects a simple process. These use a standard TO footprint so they are ready for use on PCBs with matching footprints.

J201 N-Channel JFET in a TO-92 package. The J201 is designed primarily for low level audio and general purpose applications with high impedance signal sources.

• Max drain to gate voltage = 40 V
• Max gate to source voltage = -40 V
• Max forward gate current = 50 mA

The BC338 is a silicon general purpose NPN transistor in a TO-92 package. The BC338’s typical applications include signal processing, amplification, and switching. The BC338 is available in three different gain ranges: BC338-16, BC338-25, and BC338-40. Type hFE Range (IC=100mA, VCE=1V) Typical hFE (IC=100mA, VCE=1V) BC338-16 100-250 160 BC338-25 160-400 250 BC338-40 250-630 400

The 2N4125 is a general purpose silicon NPN transistor in a TO-92 case. The 2N4125 is primarily intended for general purpose amplification. It is a popular choice for silicon fuzz pedals due to its low hFE specifications. It has also been used in a variety of classic pedals such as the Phase 90.

2N404 PNP germanium transistors. The 2N404 is used in many fuzz pedals along with other effects. This transistor is in a TO-5 package with long leads commonly found on germanium transistors. For a higher voltage version of this transistor, see P-Q2N404A.

J113 N-Channel Switch (TO-92 package) - designed for low level analog switching, sample and hold circuits and chopper stabilized amplifiers.

• Max drain to gate voltage = 35 V
• Max gate to source voltage = -35 V
• Max forward gate current = 50 mA

The BC182 is a general purpose NPN transistor in a TO-92 case. The BC182 is commonly used in fuzz pedals and has a reputation as a warm sounding silicon transistor for fuzz. The BC182 has a more narrow hFE range than the BC183 which can be helpful for certain builds.

The BC547 is a silicon general purpose NPN transistor in a TO-92 package. The BC547’s typical applications include signal processing, amplification, and switching. The BC547 is available in two different gain ranges: BC547B and BC547C. Type hFE (IC=2mA, VCE=5V) BC547B 200-450 BC547C 420-800

Surface mount MMBFJ201 JFET. Commonly used in place of the discontinued through-hole J201. These JFETs can be found in many effects pedals, synthesizers, and other projects. The MMBFJ201 is an N-Channel general purpose amplifier JFET. This device is designed primarily for low level audio and general purpose applications with high impedance signal sources.

2N527 PNP germanium transistors. The 2N527 is a popular PNP for fuzz pedals and other effects. It can be found in modern classics such as the Sunface and Benson Fuzz. This transistor is in a TO-5 package with long leads commonly found on germanium transistors.

2N4061 PNP transistors. This is a silicon PNP transistor in a TO-92 package. The 2N4061 has been used in a variety of effects pedals and is most notably used in the Zonk Machine II.