Pedal Parts / DIY

The AS3046 is Alfa’s version of the CA3046 (LM3046) IC. The AS3046 consists of five general purpose silicon NPN transistors on a common monolithic substrate. Two of the transistors are internally connected to form a differentially-connected pair. The transistors are well suited to a wide variety of applications in low power systems. They may be used as discrete transistors in conventional circuits however, in addition, they provide the very significant inherent integrated circuit advantages of close electrical and thermal matching. The AS3046 is available in a 14-pin DIP package. Features

• Matched pair of npn transistors
• VBE matched less than ±1 mV
• 5 general purpose monolithic transistors
• Wide operating current range

Applications

• Filters
• Custom designed differential amplifiers
• Temperature compensated amplifiers

TI377 PNP germanium transistors from Texas Instruments. The TI377 is a great PNP for fuzz pedals and other effects. This transistor is in a metal SO-2 package with long leads commonly found on germanium transistors. This package with the gold leads visually matches the 2G308, 2G309, and 2G381 transistors found in Zonk and Tonebender MKI fuzz pedals.

The BC560 is a silicon general purpose PNP transistor in a TO-92 package. The BC560’s typical applications include signal processing, amplification, and switching.

Low noise transistor for audio frequency amplifier applications.

MPSA63 PNP Darlington transistor (TO-92 package) - designed for high gain, low noise general purpose amplifier applications.

• Max collector to emitter voltage = -30V
• Max collector to base voltage = -30 V
• Max emitter to base voltage = -10 V
• Max collector current = -0.5 A (continuous)

The 2N2484 is a silicon planar epitaxial NPN transistor in a TO-18 metal case type. The 2N2484 is primarily intended for use in high performance, low level, low noise amplifier applications.

2N5458 N-channel JFET in a TO-92 package. The 2N5458 is an N−channel junction field effect transistors, depletion mode (Type A), designed for audio and switching applications. Features

• N−Channel for Higher Gain
• Drain and Source Interchangeable
• High AC Input Impedance
• High DC Input Resistance
• Low Transfer and Input Capacitance
• Low Cross−Modulation and Intermodulation Distortion

The AS394CH is a junction isolated ultra well-matched monolithic NPN transistor pair with an order of magnitude improvement in matching over conventional transistor pairs. Electrical characteristics of these devices such as drift versus initial offset voltage, noise, and the exponential relationship of base-emitter voltage to collector current closely approach those of a theoretical transistor. Extrinsic base and emitter resistances are very low, giving very low noise and operating over a wide current range. To guarantee long term stability of matching parameters, internal clamp diodes have been added across the emitter-base junction of each transistor. These prevent degradation due to reverse biased emitter current, the most common cause of field failures in matched devices.

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.

General purpose low-power NPN bipolar junction transistor, used frequently in hobbyist electronic projects. This version is lead free.
For a lead free 2N3906 see P-Q2N3906-LF.

The 2N5135 is a silicon NPN transistor in a TO-105 case. This transistor is a close match to the rare 2N5133 but with higher voltage ratings and is in a larger package. The hFE range is less wide than the 2N5133 with more values in the range found in the batches used on vintage Big Muff pedals. The lower hFE range also makes these a great option for silicon fuzz pedals.

The 2N4401 is a silicon general purpose NPN transistor in a TO-92 package. The 2N4401’s typical applications include signal processing, amplification, and switching.

The 2N2369 is a silicon NPN transistor in a TO-18 metal case type. The 2N2369 is primarily intended for use in high speed switching and VHF amplification applications.

The AS395 dual monolithic PNP transistor offers excellent parametric matching and high frequency performance. Low noise characteristics (1 nV/√Hz typ @ 1 kHz), high bandwidth (190 MHz typical), and low offset voltage (100 µV max), makes the AS395 an excellent choice for demanding preamplifier applications.Tight current gain matching (3% max mismatch) and high current gain (100 min), over a wide range of collector current, makes the AS395 an excellent choice for current mirrors. A low value of bulk resistance makes the AS395 an ideal component for applications requiring accurate logarithmic conformance. To ensure the long-term stability of the matching parameters, internal protection diodes across the base-emitter junction clamp any reverse base-emitter junction potential.

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

2N5087 PNP Bipolar Junction Transistor in TO-92 package. For the NPN 2N5087 see P-Q2N5088

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 2N5172 is a silicon general purpose NPN transistor in a TO-92 package. The 2N5172’s typical applications include general purpose amplification and switching.

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.

2N1305 PNP germanium transistors. The 2N1305 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.

J201 N-Channel JFET in a TO-92 package made by Siliconix. 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

2N7000 N-channel enhancement mode field effect transistors. 2N7000 MOSFETs are used in many DIY projects such as boost and distortion effects pedals.
Features:

• Voltage Controlled Small Signal Switch
• High Saturation Current Capability
• Rugged and Reliable
• High Density Cell Design for Low RDS(ON)
  

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 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.