You guys all probably know this already but, Fairchild through hole jFet's are not going to be manufactured anymore.
Therefore, if you want any J201's, 2N5457's or 2N5458's, stock up now.
Prices are gonna go up in the next few years (maybe as ridiculous as Germanium in 10 to 20 years time).
Thats a shame. Hopefully another company starts producing them, if thats even possible.
Its worth stocking up I guess if you use them.
SMD Fet's are still easily available; but aren't much use to us Madbeaner's!
I was probably being a bit over the top saying they might be going for as much as Germ Trannies in 20 years time :D!
Yeah, those aren't 'old' tech, which is what Germ transistors are. However, it may be worth stocking up. But chances are that there are soooo many out there, it's not like Germ trannies at all.
Jacob
I imagine most will still be available from National Semiconductor.
Josh
I think if Fairchild stop making through hole then most of the others will as well.
It won't be long before most through hole components are phased out IMO.
Surface mount technology gained popularity in the 80's. I think there is still a big enough demand for through-hole components. Often I pull apart electronics stuff that is non guitar related because I'm a nerd like that. Many times there is both SMD and through hole components in even mass produced electronics.
Who know's what the future holds though. It will all depend on who's shelling out the money. $$$ :o
Josh
Imagine that... no more through hole parts! Unlikely, but I guess if they get phased down prices may go up which is a bummer... 'carpe ironum' and solder away while you can peeps ;)
if stashes of ge transistors are still turning up I think we will be able to get our hands on them for quite some time. there is still probably billions of them floatin around. you'll know they are gettin scarce when youy start seeing chinese fakes poppin up on ebay. :P