Noob Mangler questions...

[Goatofmendes]

Okay, this is my first pedal build and I've only recently got into electronic builds. My question is in regards to the trim pot. The info sheet says for a 20k trim pot but I acidently purchased a 24k. How much of a difference will this make? Will that be okay to use?

Also, would these germaniums be decent?
http://www.pedalpartsplus.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PPP&Product_Code=4100&Category_Code=GTRANS

I couldn't find much info on them.

Thanks in advance!!

[midwayfair]

The trim is a variable resistor, which will need to be set to a final value of approximately 5K to 15K for most transistors. As you can see, your trimpot can still make those values. The actual value of the trimpot isn't critical, though it might be a little harder to dial in the bias with a larger value.

OC44 is a little high gain for the first transistor. Also, those aren't measured. You're far better getting a matched set from Smallbear or Chromosphere (his shop is www.diyguitarpedals.com.au).

To get information on any particular transistor part number, Google the name of the transistor and "Datasheet". Always check the datasheet. Most older stuff is on http://alltransistors.com/.

For what works in this specific circuit, read "The Technology of the Fuzz Face" -- it has a section on testing transistors as well. Or you can just get the matched set from Smallbear or www.diyguitarpedals.com.au.

[twin1965]

As midwayfair has suggested go for the matched transistors. Especially as its your first build. Untested germaniums are very hit and miss and you probably won't get satisfactory results. You'll end up spending a lot of money before you find a set that works.

Happy building

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

[Goatofmendes]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate it! I have been looking at the matched sets on Smallbear since my initial purchase. After my purchase I started looking into them more and realized that I jumped a little too soon on those. And that's the last thing I wanted for my first build was to be disappointed due to not checking on the transistors.

Thanks again!