What are Germanium Semiconductors anyways?

[judsonabts]

I am thinking about getting a TELENORDIA TA-100 Overdrive

Why do I want germanium semiconductors?

 

[JLee]

Another way of saying germanium transistors.

 

[judsonabts]

Another way of saying germanium transistors.

and those are/? lol

 

[JLee]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germanium

 

[Fatso Forgotso]

Transistors that are used in Fuzz Faces. They're known for being unreliable. Well, back in the 60s at least. They sound smoother and have less gain than Silicon transistors, which are more reliable than germaniums. Jimi Hendrix used to use a Germanium Fuzz Face modded by Roger Mayer. He started using a Silicon on Axis: Bold as Love, until the end of his career.

 

[Ronsonic]

The phrase "germanium semiconductors" also includes diodes, typically used in clipping circuits in OD, fuzz and distortion pedals. Different diode drop voltage than silicon.

It really isn't a feature so much as something the ad writer wanted to throw in there. Might as well just say "we selected parts that we think sound good."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtuqjFf7-N4