Fuzzbox, Distortion, Phaser, Chorus, Echo and other Guitar Effects Info

I bought these on Ebay and they were actually shipped from Lithuania. These germanium transistors were supposed to be a replacement for the 2N404 device. I used my Peak Electronics transistor tester on a random selection of parts from the bag and got the following results:

HFE	Leakage (uA)	Vbe
34	150	0.33
30	150	0.31
47	270	0.31
39	190	0.33
36	170	0.31
29	150	0.31
34	170	0.31
32	150	0.30
46	250	0.35
36	170	0.31

The pins are the common C-B-E configuration. These transistors are not quite as good as the real 2N404A transistors that I have for sale, whose HFEs ran from 50 to 90, but they are consistent in performance, low leakage, and a good value for the money. Note that the metal can is connected to the base lead of the transistor so you have to insulate it from any stray wires or other parts. The black can devices are the same part number, but look to have an insulative coating on the housing.