Fuzz pedals with germanium transistors tend to be a little more amp overdrive like . They’re smoother and warmer and can have a mid range boost. ... Fuzz pedals with silicon transistors tend to have more top end treble. They’re good at cutting through mixes and are a little more full band friendly because of this.
Is germanium better than silicon?
Ge has higher electron and hole mobility and because of this Ge devices can function up to a higher frequency than Si devices. The germanium diode is also superior to silicon diode in terms of energy loss, current loss, etc. The Ge diode loses only 0.3-0.4 a volt while a silicon diode loses about 0.6-0.7 volts.
What is germanium fuzz?
The Germanium Fuzz is a fuzz pedal . The knobs change the sounds. ... This pedal is designed around two germanium 2N527 OR 2N404 Germanium Transistors. They have been graded for gain and leakage and carefully matched to sound their best.
Does silicon fuzz clean up?
Silicon Fuzz Faces tend to not have the beautiful clean up from your guitars volume knob like their germanium cousins. You can get varying amounts of fuzz by lowering your guitar’s volume knob, but they don’t completely clean up .
Do germanium transistors sound better?
Re: The Sound Characteristics of Germanium Transistors
Germanium and Silicon are different in this regard, but the difference is not as large as the difference compared to the equivalent effect in tubes, In fact, crossover distortion is often cited by audiophiles as one reason tubes sound better .
Are fuzz pedals good?
Best fuzz pedal: Our top picks
With its careful balance of gnarly fuzz on tap, as well as the ability to be dialed back to suit many styles of playing, the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff has to be our top recommendation – and the affordable price makes it even easier to recommend.
Is the fuzz factory a fuzz face?
The core of the Fuzz Factory is superficially pretty similar to a modded Fuzz Face , and the Fuzz Factory likewise uses NOS germanium transistors to get its unique sound.
Why do we prefer silicon over Germanium?
Why is silicon usually preferred to germanium in the manufacture of semiconductor devices? Silicon is abundant on the earth’s surface and therefore cheaper than germanium . The PIV (Peak Inverse Voltage) rating of silicon is much higher than germanium and therefore can withstand much higher temperatures than germanium.
What is the advantages of silicon over Germanium?
The structure of Germanium crystals will be destroyed at higher temperature . However, Silicon crystals are not easily damaged by excess heat. Peak Inverse Voltage ratings of Silicon diodes are greater than Germanium diodes. Si is less expensive due to the greater abundance of element.
Is Germanium more expensive than silicon?
With the research open to the public, commercial entities discovered that Silicon worked very well in consumer items such as portable transistor radios. Thus Silicon, which is more abundant and less expensive than Germanium became the standard material and is still being used today and for the foreseable future.
Is the fuzz face silicon or germanium?
Our Dark Horse fuzz pedal uses silicon transistors , but is hardly a Rat style pedal. I think a lot of people get caught up on certain things because of origins. Like fuzz pedals originally used germanium transistors, so therefore they’re superior.
Are germanium transistors good?
Though both types of transistors are popularly used in fuzz pedals to improve the quality of sound but germanium transistors are considered better than silicon transistors due to various reasons discussed in brief here under. The type of metal used effects pedals working abilities.
What is a germanium overdrive?
In addition to a Gain control, the EHX Germanium OD allows the user to control Bias for attack and the circuit Volts for that sweet spot found when a battery’s voltage dips. Dial up that slightly torn speaker sound OR dial in total Germanium Satisfaction. Gain control.
What pedals did Jimi Hendrix use?
- Vox V847A Wah. It’s fair to say that this particular pedal became an instant classic once Hendrix got his hands on one. ...
- Dunlop Hendrix Fuzz Face. ...
- MXR M68 Univibe. ...
- Tone City Tape Machine. ...
- Electro Harmonix Octavix.
What type of Fuzz is a Fuzz Face?
The Fuzz Face is known for its grainy, spitty sound ; akin to an amp that is pushed near its breaking point. While original and time-honoured Fuzz Face pedals feature germanium transistors, most modern iterations boast silicon transistors that are more stable and consistent-sounding.
