Germanium vs silicon transistors, when do you actually need germanium?
Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2026 5:00 am
Younger folks ask: bakit pa nag-bother sa germanium kung silicon mas durable, mas mura, mas available?
Where Ge still matters:
Sourcing tip: NOS 2SB54 still available from old TV repair shops. Mga PHP 100-300 each. Test before buy, leakage current high pag matanda na yung box.
Guitar pedal builders here? Worth the search for original Mullard OC75?
Where Ge still matters:
- Vintage fuzz pedals, that specific warm clipping sound
- Restoring 50s-60s gear, original spec
- Low Vbe drop (0.2V vs 0.7V), niche analog detection circuits
Sourcing tip: NOS 2SB54 still available from old TV repair shops. Mga PHP 100-300 each. Test before buy, leakage current high pag matanda na yung box.
Guitar pedal builders here? Worth the search for original Mullard OC75?