Quick: While I'm gassy (Pharaoh question: hypothetical)

[guitarslinger21]

I REALLY hate the sound of Germanium. I prefer silicon 100% of the time.

Theoretically, would the simpler circuit (non-deluxe, standard model, sans germanium) sound "better" since I intend never to use the germanium side?

It seems the lack of wires/switch/diodes/etc. would leave an easier path for the signal.

Thoughts?

[cajone5]

It will sound the same IMHO. The switch takes the GE diodes out of the signal path so if the switch is set on SI it won't matter if the GE side is there or not. If you'd like to save some money ($10) go without the GE option. I'd recommend just getting it as it's standard now and if you ever decide to sell it (which we all seem to do more often than not) there's no downside for a potential buyer.

:aok

[guitarslinger21]

It will sound the same IMHO. The switch takes the GE diodes out of the signal path so if the switch is set on SI it won't matter if the GE side is there or not. If you'd like to save some money ($10) go without the GE option. I'd recommend just getting it as it's standard now and if you ever decide to sell it (which we all seem to do more often than not) there's no downside for a potential buyer.

:aok

I understand how a switch works, I'm just saying, it has more components in the signal path to suck away the tone.

Lol, I think I came in here knowing my own answer.

I will NOT buy Germanium. It wouldn't be right. :mob:band:drool

[critter74]

I understand how a switch works, I'm just saying, it has more components in the signal path to suck away the tone.

Lol, I think I came in here knowing my own answer.

I will NOT buy Germanium. It wouldn't be right. :mob:band:drool

You got to keep in mind it not JUST Germanium transistors that make the circuit sound the way it does. It depends on the rating of the transistor, the circuit type, etc.

For example, I too am not crazy about Germanium in certain circuits, like Fuzz Faces. High gain Germanium are better but still not as great as silicon for me.

however in a Tonebender circuit, I don't think silicone sounds the same. It makes it.. IDK just different. Too harsh, without the right Tonebender character.

I'm not a pedal builder so I'm sure somebody else can explain the science and reasons behind it. But don't just blindly rule out Germanium. There are plenty of other factors that go into why the pedal sounds the way it does. Especially in simpler circuits like a fuzz.

[kwaping]

OP, also consider this: the germanium option probably won't affect the silicon sound to a noticeable degree, BUT it probably will have a large impact on resale desirability (if not value) should you ever decide to sell the pedal.

[Holy Schnikes]

There is no audible difference in the two, really doesn't matter. I'd go for a standard due to the lower price tag if you don't intend to use the germ setting. Then again, germ is a must on resale...

New Standard includes germ, just find an earlier model.

[soli528]

Whether you choose to include the germanium diodes or not doesn't change the fact that it is a silicon transistor based fuzz. It's not the common difference between Si or Ge fuzz.
The added circuitry is only inline if you choose it to be, when switched to either no diode clippers or silicon diode clippers it performs exactly as the (old) standard model.

[cj_wattage]

You got to keep in mind it not JUST Germanium transistors that make the circuit sound the way it does. It depends on the rating of the transistor, the circuit type, etc.
I'm pretty sure that the "germanium option" in the Pharaoh is in reference to the clipping diodes, not transistors.

Swapping out transistors with a switch is doable, but it's much harder with germanium because you'd have to rebias every time you switched between silicon and germanium. It's also very hard (and expensive) to find germaniums with high enough gain to be remotely close drop ins for a Muff circuit. I actually put aside a set of four Ge trannies that I will be putting into a bomb-ass all germanium Muff build, but it I had to sort through about 350 trannies to find those four.


But to answer the OP's question: no, you will not hear a difference. When the diodes are switched out of the circuit, they are literally OUT of the circuit and can not cause "tone suck".

[Black Arts Mark]

helllloooooo baaaaaaaaaabay.


FAQ:

The Diode switch can chose to put the second set of clipping diodes in or out of the circuit. If you have a Ge. Equipped Pharaoh, and chose to use the silicon setting, the asymmetrical germaniums are not in the circuit at all, or vice versa.

Also, if you chose the middle setting, it is a diode bypass setting. NO clipping diodes. It has been widely reported that this is a blend switch. Not so.

If you chose a Pharaoh without the germanium option on the diode switch, check with either Prymaxe or Tonefactor, I believe either has few left of the Original version, conversely, if you have the original version without the Ge. setting, I can update that for you.

Fanks Maite.

[guitarslinger21]

I used the 15% 4th of july coupon at Tone Factor.

$119 shipped for a non-GE Pharaoh.

Rock & Roll!