Are Elusive Magic Diodes REAL? Germanium Diode Overdrive Tone With 9 Vintage Japanese Diodes [1N34]

The diodes used: Hitachi 1N34, ED60, ROHM 1K34, NEC SD46, NEC SD13, JRC 1S1008, Hitachi 1S79, Sanyo 1S426, Sanyo 1S188

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Today we are comparing 9 germanium diodes in a hard clipping overdrive circuit to see if we can find the "special one," or if there is any difference at all to begin with. This is just a fun comparison born out of simple curiosity and my love for experimentation.

About a year ago, I uploaded a video comparing different diodes while matching their forward voltages. The general consensus in the comment section was that there was a difference between silicon and germanium, and most people seemed to prefer germanium. So then, my next question was: is there any difference among different germanium diodes? Which leads us to today's video.

The diodes are all NOS vintage Japanese germanium diodes. I took several samples from each batch, measured their forward voltages, and chose the pair with the most in-between average value. With a range from 0.27v to 0.49v, I think this represents a good spread for testing tonal variations.

I hope you enjoy the comparison, and please cast your vote in the comment section!

Chapter links:
0:00 Intro
3:20 The schematic & first step
4:40 Op amp breakup & clean tone
9:02 Mod to make it hard clipping
10:46 Circuit playthrough with diodes
14:36 About the diodes
15:40 Loop 1
16:05 Loop 2
16:27 Loop 3
16:48 Loop 4
17:48 Loop 5
18:49 Loop 6
19:38 Cast your vote!

The signal chain: 1983 Fender Japan Squier Stratocaster (loop samples) - breadboard - 70's Japanese "BF Princeton inspired" tube amp - analog cab sim - computer

#aritone #germanium #diode #overdrive #guitar #tone