Page 1 of 1

Germanium Diodes

Posted: 18 Sep 2009, 03:46
by gght
Was browsing at the local elect. surplus place and saw some 1N60A and 1n270 germ. diodes. Found the specs here:

http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datashe ... N60A.shtml

Can anyone tell if they are worthwhile, or are they run of the mill stuff? :scratch:

Thanks!

Dave

Re: Germanium Diodes

Posted: 18 Sep 2009, 03:51
by culturejam
I have some 1N60s. For effects pedal purposes, they are nearly identical to 1N34A. I would guess the other type you listed is also pretty much the same when used as a clipper. So go ahead and get them, especially if they're cheap. 8)

Re: Germanium Diodes

Posted: 18 Sep 2009, 05:41
by RnFR
i've heard some people actually like the 1n60's for clipping better. but unfortunately, they can't handle as much abuse. i've never personally tried them. i do like me some Ge diodes though! they've got some cool, weird characteristics that you can capitalize on. PM me if you can get some 1n60s for cheap. :wink:

Re: Germanium Diodes

Posted: 19 Sep 2009, 01:52
by gght
Will let you know, I'll be there next week.

Re: Germanium Diodes

Posted: 02 Oct 2009, 00:10
by gght
RnFR you have a PM.

Re: Germanium Diodes

Posted: 18 Sep 2011, 21:11
by matt239
RnFR wrote:i've heard some people actually like the 1n60's for clipping better. but unfortunately, they can't handle as much abuse. i've never personally tried them. i do like me some Ge diodes though! they've got some cool, weird characteristics that you can capitalize on. PM me if you can get some 1n60s for cheap. :wink:
Why are they not able to handle as much abuse?
Thanks. :)

Re: Germanium Diodes

Posted: 18 Sep 2011, 21:28
by RnFR
I can't remember where I was coming from with that. it was a long time ago! I'm assuming they have a lower breakdown voltage.

Re: Germanium Diodes

Posted: 19 Sep 2011, 17:13
by agoldoor
I've used the 270's in a number of pedals, and they're grrreat. One trick a friend of mine did was to build a rat with a switch going between germanium and silicon diodes. I was surprised at what a huge difference they make. D*A*M also uses the 270 in one (maybe more?) of his pedals.