Modern OC44 alternatives?

[JohnnyCrash]

Finished my Rangemaster treble boost clone build, a thread and photos coming soon...

In the meantime, I used a NTE126A. It's a germanium PNP that came up as a modern "replacement" on a local electronic's store inventory computer.

Not that I don't trust the guys - a NTE126 (with NO "A") even popped up on an '03 GeneralGuitarGadgets Rangemaster parts list as an alternative...

Anyway:
1. Is the NTE126A a suitable replacement until I get my NOS OC44 in the mail?
2. Are there better OC44 alternatives?

[caffeinate_ed]

The NTE126A looks to have the same (or close) Hfe, voltage and current specs as the OC44, so you should be OK.

cv7003 are mil-spec equivalents and are what I use in my Rangemaster clones. I've had great success with the AC128 as well. Of course, these are also NOS items but a bit easier to find.

[JohnnyCrash]

Originally Posted by caffeinate_ed

cv7003 are mil-spec equivalents and are what I use in my Rangemaster clones. I've had great success with the AC128 as well. Of course, these are also NOS items but a bit easier to find.

The CV7003 is the exact same as the OC44, just in a metal canister instead of a glass/epoxy one, right?

How does the AC128 differ and does it sound any different than OC44's to your ears?

[caffeinate_ed]

Originally Posted by JohnnyCrash

The CV7003 is the exact same as the OC44, just in a metal canister instead of a glass/epoxy one, right?

How does the AC128 differ and does it sound any different than OC44's to your ears?

I believe the CV7003 are made to higher tolerances.

The AC128 sounds different but good in its own right. Keep in mind that germanium transistors vary a good deal. A good AC128 may sound much better than a bad OC44.

I highly recommend the Geofex article on the rangemaster. The secret to making these pedals sound good is biasing the transistor.

[JohnnyCrash]

Damn, I just realized... I built mine as a Negative Ground version... I need an entirely different transistor (NPN).

Oh well.

I'm thinking a 2N388A should do it...

[caffeinate_ed]

Originally Posted by JohnnyCrash

Damn, I just realized... I built mine as a Negative Ground version... I need an entirely different transistor (NPN).

Oh well.

I'm thinking a 2N388A should do it...

Not necessarily, you can have a negative ground rangemaster using a PNP transistor. If you want, contact me offline and I'll walk you through it.

[JohnnyCrash]

Originally Posted by caffeinate_ed

Not necessarily, you can have a negative ground rangemaster using a PNP transistor. If you want, contact me offline and I'll walk you through it.

I PM'ed you.

Any help you can offer is awesome - I'm not the shiniest tool in the shed :)