Components

4096-stage bucket brigade delay (BBD) with maximum delay time of 204.8ms. Reissue of the original Panasonic MN3005 and a direct replacement for repairs or clones. Most often seen in analog delay circuits such as the EHX Memory Man and BOSS® DM-2 Delay (first version).

1024-stage bucket brigade delay (BBD) with maximum delay time of 51.2ms. Reissue of the original Panasonic MN3007 and a direct replacement for repairs or clones. Most often seen in analog chorus circuits such as the BOSS® CE-2 Chorus and EHX Small Clone.

Two-phase CMOS clock generator designed for simple driving of the V32XX/MN32XX series of BBDs. Direct replacement for the Panasonic MN3102.

Note: The V3102D is not compatible with MN30XX-series BBDs because the polarity is inverted.

4096-stage bucket brigade delay (BBD) with maximum delay time of 204.8ms. Direct replacement for the Panasonic MN3205. Used in many delay effects such as the BOSS® DM-2 (second version) and DM-3. The V3102D is a companion clock generator that is also found in many 3205-based circuits.

Note: The V3205D fits a standard DIP-14 footprint, but it omits the middle 3 pins on each side, so there are only 8 pins in total. Presumably the “SD” suffix stands for “special DIP” since the “D” normally refers to a standard DIP package.

1024-stage bucket brigade delay (BBD) with maximum delay time of 51.2ms. Direct replacement for the Panasonic MN3207. Used in many chorus and flanger effects such as the BOSS® DC-2 Dimension C and Lovetone Flange With No Name. Some MN3007-based circuits can also be tweaked to use the 3207, such as the BOSS® CE-2 Chorus.

The V3102D is a companion clock generator that is also found in many 3207-based circuits.

Dual op-amp used in many Japanese pedals in the late 1970s and 1980s, most famously the Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer. The official part number is NJM4558D due to companies changing ownership, but the chip itself is marked JRC4558D as they have been since it was originally released.

Dual op-amp with improved specifications over the more common JRC4558D. Most notably used in the Timmy. The official part number is NJM4559D due to companies changing ownership, but the chip itself is marked JRC4559D as they have been since it was originally released.

Dual op-amp that lands somewhere between the JRC4558 and TL072 in performance. Most notably used in the Analogman King of Tone and Prince of Tone, but also used in the BOSS® DS-1 Distortion (2016-present) and the Suhr Riot. Near-exact equivalent of LM833N and NEC4570C.

Note: The actual part number from the manufacturer is NJM4580D, but the devices are physically marked JRC4580D as they have been since they were first produced by Japan Radio Corporation. JRC later became New Japan Radio (NJR), which was more recently absorbed by Nisshinbo Micro Devices, but the chip itself is the same today as it has always been. In the DIY community, they are still universally referred to as the JRC4580D, so that’s how we’ve listed it here.

Dual operational amplifier in DIP-8 format. Dual version of the LM741 with the same specifications, and equivalent to the MC1458, μPC1458 and CA1458. Used in the Maxon OD-808 (the original version of the Tube Screamer) and some versions of the Timmy and Lovepedal Eternity. Also an exact substitute for the HA1457W in the BOSS® FA-1 FET Amplifier.

Dual operational amplifier optimized for low-current applications. Commonly used for LFOs in circuits like the EHX Small Clone and for envelope detectors in circuits like the Lovetone Meatball and Cornish OC-1 Optical Compressor.

Note: LM358P and LM358N are the same chip, both manufactured by Texas Instruments. The “P” suffix was the original TI part while the “N” suffix was the second-source from National. When TI absorbed National, they kept both part numbers active.

Single op-amp in DIP-8 format, internally compensated. One of the first widely-available op-amps, dating back to 1968. MC741 and μA741 are equivalents. Most notably used in the MXR Distortion+ as well as the Maxon OD-880 and TC Electronic Integrated Preamp.

Dual op-amp that lands somewhere between the JRC4558 and TL072 in performance. Used in the Way Huge Green Rhino and Xotic Soul Driven as well as some versions of the Lovepedal Eternity. Near-exact equivalent of JRC4580D (Analogman King of Tone) and NEC4570C (Ibanez EM5 Echomachine).

Dual operational amplifier in DIP-8 format. Similar in performance to the TL072, but much higher current draw in exchange for much lower noise. Most notably used in the Lovepedal/Hermida Zendrive as well as the Runoffgroove Tri-Vibe.

Quad operational amplifier in DIP-14 format, most notably used in the BOSS® OD-1 OverDrive and SP-1 Spectrum. Those pedals used the Raytheon version (RC3403A), but this is a second-source equivalent with identical specifications.

Single op-amp in DIP-8 package. Best known as the IC used in the Proco RAT since the mid-2000s, replacing the discontinued LM308. The datasheet specs are almost exactly the same as the LM308. The main difference is that the OP07 is internally compensated, so it does not need the 30pF capacitor between pins 1 and 8.

JHS has a great RAT article that includes a myth-busting section about the LM308 vs. OP07, measuring frequency responses to prove that the two chips do in fact sound identical in the RAT circuit.

Alternate version of the JRC4558D with slightly improved specifications. Used in the Nobels ODR-1 and Nordland ODR-C, Lab Series® L5 Preamp, and many Electro-Harmonix® circuits.

Dual operational amplifier optimized for low-current operations. Works great for LFOs in circuits like the CE-2, PH-1r, Tri-Vibe and Tremulus Lune and is usually an improvement over other common LFO chips like the LM358.

Dual operational amplifier optimized for low-current operations. Better audio handling than the LM1458, JRC4558D with comparable noise figures, but significantly lower current draw. Used for the phase stages in the Phase 90 and Phase 45 and the wave shaper in the Runoffgroove Tri-Vibe.

Single JFET-input operational amplifier in DIP-8 format. Good medium-fidelity choice, with a better slew rate than the LM741 but not as low-noise as the NE5534 or OPA134. Most notably used in the Crowther Hot Cake and also several Pete Cornish designs such as the SS-3, ST-2 and CC-1.

Dual JFET-input operational amplifier in DIP-8 format. Good medium-fidelity choice, with a better slew rate than the LM741 or JRC4558 but not as low-noise as the NE5532 or OPA2134. Used in the Klon Centaur, Marshall Bluesbreaker, and countless others.

Dual JFET-input operational amplifier in DIP-8 format. Good medium-fidelity choice, similar to the TL072. Most notably used in the Fulltone OCD.

Six CMOS hex inverters on a chip. Used for many CMOS-based drive circuits including the Darkglass® Microtubes and Duality and the Way Huge® Red Llama.

Switched-capacitor voltage converter or charge pump. In guitar pedal circuits, it’s most commonly used as a voltage doubler (+9V to +18V) or inverter (+9V to -9V). A higher-end replacement for the MAX1044, TC1044 or ICL7660 with better voltage ratings and the potential for lower noise. Used in the Klon Centaur as well as many modernized versions of vintage germanium circuits such as the Fuzz Face, Tone Bender Mk. II and Rangemaster.

Delay/echo processor IC with onboard ADC/DAC. Most notably used in the Ibanez EM5 Echomachine. These are unused old-stock chips with the Mitsubishi logo, in original factory packaging, and sourced from a reputable distributor.

Dual transconductance amplifier with optional Darlington buffers. Used in phasers such as the Blackout Whetstone and EHX Small Stone, compressors such as the Ross/Dyna Comp, and the Lab Series® L5. Nearly any circuit using the CA3080 or CA3094 can be reworked to use this instead.

Note: The NE5517 is a second-source equivalent of the LM13700, meaning it’s an identical chip produced by a different manufacturer and will perform the same in any application.

Delay/echo processor IC with onboard ADC/DAC and internal VCO clock, so it requires only commonly-available analog components to run. Most notably used in the Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay and Tonepad Rebote 2.5, both known for their warm BBD-like repeats.

Note: Our PT2399s are sourced directly from the manufacturer, so there is no risk of factory rejects or counterfeits as with some cheaper options.

Dual-channel dynamic range compandor (compressor & expander) in a DIP-16 package, identical to NE571 and SA571 and functionally equivalent to NE570 and SA570. Used for noise reduction, particularly in modulation effects such as the BOSS DM-2 Delay and DC-2 Dimension C.

We have included both the original datasheet and application notes document from Philips for reference since all of the information and sample circuits apply to this chip as well.

The 2N5457 is perhaps the most commonly-used general purpose JFET for audio. It works great for buffers and clean boosts, yet its Vgs(off) value is low enough that it can also be overdriven easily, particularly in a mu-amp configuration such as Jack Orman’s Mini Booster. It’s a cross-reference for nearly everything.

These are genuine MMBF5457 (SMD equivalent) parts from ONSemi that have been pre-soldered onto an adapter so they can be used in through-hole layouts. Nearly all of them are within the Vgs(off) range of -1.0V to -1.5V (average: 1.21V) and will perform exactly the same as the through-hole 2N5457. They also have a blank white screenprint on the reverse side so that you can write in the Vgs(off) value, for example if you need to match them for a specific application.

The 2N5484 JFET is best known for the Randall RG100 preamp. It’s also a close substitute for the type used in the Echoplex EP-3 preamp. However, it has been discontinued in through-hole format for many years and old-stock parts are difficult to find.

These are genuine MMBF5484 (SMD equivalent) parts from ON Semiconductor that have been pre-soldered onto an adapter so they can be used in through-hole layouts. Nearly all of them are within the Vgs(off) range of -1V to -1.5V (average: -1.33V) and will perform exactly the same as the through-hole 2N5485. They also have a blank white screenprint on the reverse side so that you can write in the Vgs(off) value, for example if you need to match them for a specific application.

You’ll have to solder in the legs yourself (clipped leads from resistors or diodes work great). The JFETs are panelized, so they will need to be manually broken apart and tabs removed before use.

Note: Per the datasheet, the source (S) and drain (D) pins are interchangeable and can be used in either direction. Cheap component testers will sometimes show the D and S reversed from the silkscreen, but a Peak DCA75 will correctly label them as interchangeable.

The 2N5485 JFET is similar to the 2N5484 and 2N5457 but with a higher Vgs(off) value. It’s used for the second stage in the ClinchFX EP-Pre. However, it has been discontinued in through-hole format for many years and old-stock parts are difficult to find.

These are genuine MMBF5485 (SMD equivalent) parts from ON Semiconductor that have been pre-soldered onto an adapter so they can be used in through-hole layouts. Nearly all of them are within the Vgs(off) range of -2.2V to -2.7V (average: -2.51V) and will perform exactly the same as the through-hole 2N5485. They also have a blank white screenprint on the reverse side so that you can write in the Vgs(off) value, for example if you need to match them for a specific application.

You’ll have to solder in the legs yourself (clipped leads from resistors or diodes work great). The JFETs are panelized, so they will need to be manually broken apart and tabs removed before use.

Note: Per the datasheet, the source (S) and drain (D) pins are interchangeable and can be used in either direction. Cheap component testers will sometimes show the D and S reversed from the silkscreen, but a Peak DCA75 will correctly label them as interchangeable.

N-channel enhancement mode MOSFET, commonly used as an amplifier in circuits like the Zvex SHO and Catalinbread RAH and as a diode clipper in circuits like the Zendrive and OCD. TO-92 with formed leads on cut tape.

Note: MOSFETs are very static sensitive. They will be shipped in ESD-proof bags, but use care in handling them after they are removed.

Unmatched 2SK208-GR JFETs left over from our phaser matching process. This is an exact replacement for the obsolete 2SK30A-GR, most known for use in Boss/Roland phasers but also used in the SG-1 Slow Gear and NF-1 Noise Gate.

Please note that since they were tested for use in phasers, they may have a measured value written on the back. This is the Vgs(10k) value, not the more standard Vgs(off). It may also be blank.

This is a matched set of 2SK208-GR JFETs for use in phasers such as the Emerald (BOSS PH-1r) and Phase 90, pre-soldered to adapter boards for through-hole applications.

Each set is matched according to their Vgs(10k) parameter and are guaranteed to be within 0.05V of each other, although most sets are within 0.01V. The Vgs(10k) value has been written on one of them, but all four have been tested as part of our quality control process.

They can be ordered in increments of 2 for use in circuits such as the Phase 45. Each set of four is matched, so if you order 6, it will be one quad and one pair, not a matched set of six. Likewise, a quantity of 8 means two sets of four, not necessarily with the same spec.

These are genuine 2SK209-GR parts from Toshiba that have been pre-soldered onto an adapter so they can be used in through-hole layouts. They test within the same ranges as the obsolete 2SK117 and 2SK184 and will perform identically. They also have a blank white screenprint on the reverse side so that you can write in the Vgs(off) value, for example if you need to match them for a specific application.

You’ll have to solder in the legs yourself (clipped leads from resistors or diodes work great)—but this will get you most of the way there.

The JFETs are panelized, so they will need to be manually broken apart and tabs removed before use.

The J201 is one of the most interesting and studied components in the pedalbuilding community. Its low Vgs(off) value makes it a great low-voltage emulator of a vacuum tube. These are genuine MMBFJ201 (SMD equivalent) parts from ON Semiconductor that have been pre-soldered onto an adapter so they can be used in through-hole layouts.

Nearly all of them are within the Vgs(off) range of -0.60V to -0.90V and will perform exactly the same as the through-hole J201 that most circuits are designed around. They also have a blank white screenprint on the reverse side so that you can write in the Vgs(off) value if you want.

N-channel JFET in TO-92 format. Most notable within the DIY community for being the primary JFET used in Catalinbread^® pedals from 2013 onward. While the MPF4393 is categorized by the manufacturer as a switching JFET due to its low “on” resistance (Rdson), it’s perfectly suited for audio, and its Vgs(off) specification is right in the sweet spot for JFET-based overdrives.

General-purpose NPN silicon transistor with low gain. Great choice for a Univox Superfuzz or silicon Fuzz Face. TO-92 with formed leads on cut tape.

General-purpose NPN silicon transistor with low to medium gain. Used in the ZVEX Fuzz Factory, and an exact substitute for types found in the fOXX Tone Machine and EHX Big Muff Pi among countless others. TO-92 with formed leads on cut tape.

General-purpose PNP silicon transistor with low to medium gain. Complementary to 2N3904 (NPN). TO-92 with formed leads on cut tape.

PNP general-purpose silicon transistor, complementary to 2N5088 with similar noise specs. Higher gain than the 2N3906. TO-92 with formed leads on cut tape.

NPN general-purpose silicon transistor, complementary to 2N5087 with similar noise specs. Higher gain than the 2N3904. TO-92 with formed leads on cut tape.

NPN general-purpose silicon transistor with low noise. Higher gain than 2N5088, comparable to BC549C or MPSA18. TO-92 with formed leads on cut tape.

Note that these are old-stock parts, so there may be a small amount of corrosion on the leads.

General-purpose NPN silicon transistor with low noise and medium to high gain. Used in many British circuits such as the Lovetone Big Cheese and nearly every Cornish pedal. TO-92 with formed leads on cut tape.

A direct substitute for 2N5088, but be aware that the pinout is mirrored so it needs to be rotated 180 degrees if used in a layout with the USA “E-B-C” convention.

General-purpose PNP silicon transistor with low noise and medium to high gain. Counterpart to BC549C (NPN). Used in many British circuits such as the Lovetone Big Cheese. TO-92 with formed leads on cut tape.

A direct substitute for 2N5087, but be aware that the pinout is mirrored so it needs to be rotated 180 degrees if used in a layout with the USA “E-B-C” convention.

General-purpose NPN silicon transistor with low noise. Higher gain than 2N5088 and BC549C. TO-92 with formed leads on cut tape.

General-purpose NPN silicon transistor with low to medium gain, very similar to the 2N3904. Used in many Catalinbread circuits such as the Manx Loaghtan, Naga Viper and Sabbra Cadabra. Equivalent to the metal can (TO-18) 2N2222. TO-92 with formed leads on cut tape.

The PN2222 is also called the P2N2222. There is also a version called the PN2222A, but the “A” suffix only designates higher max voltage and temperature and has identical electrical properties otherwise.

Optocoupler (also called a vactrol) used in many tremolo and compressor circuits such as the Tremulus Lune and Flatline Compressor for more consistent performance than discrete LED & LDR pairs. Response time, on resistance and off resistance are fairly average, making it the most versatile among the VTL5C series. This is the Xvive reissue of the part formerly manufactured by Perkins-Elmer, Excelitas and Vactec under the same name.

Note: These are marked with a yellow dot, but are not otherwise labeled in a way that differentiates them from others of the VTL series such as the VTL5C6.

Optocoupler best known for use in the Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone. Very fast response time (3.5ms). This is the Xvive reissue of the part formerly manufactured by Perkins-Elmer, Excelitas and Vactec under the same name, and the exact part used in the current Philosopher’s Tone Micro.

Note: These are unmarked (no dot). The VTL5C3 has a yellow dot, which is the only way the two types can be visually distinguished.

Premium-quality latching 3PDT footswitch rated for 30,000 cycles. 3-kilogram (100 oz) actuation force. Silver-plated contacts and terminals. Includes 2 mounting nuts, 1 washer and 1 lock washer. These are identical in spec to the GØRVA Mechano switches, but without the extra-soft actuation force.

Note: The switches used in our kits are very similar to these, but have gold-plated contacts and 1-kg actuation.

High-quality machine-tooled DIP-8 sockets for standard single and dual op-amps. These are all 1U gold-plated, which is an upgrade from most other types of sockets where only the inside contact is gold and the rest is standard tin.

The Eagle P631M transformer (formerly called the LT44) is a 20k:1k CT transformer that is commonly used for audio applications, particularly as an inter-stage push-pull driver. The LT44 first appeared in electronics catalogs in the mid-1960s and was commonly sold at electronic hobbyist shops in the UK. For our purposes, it’s best known as the transformer used in the Lovetone Ring Stinger ring modulator, which uses two of them.

1k Bourns 3362P 1/4″ trimmer, 0.5W, 10% tolerance. Part number 3362P-1-102LF. Standard pin configuration for all Aion FX projects. This particular value is used in the BOSS® SP-1 Spectrum and Lovetone Big Cheese.

5k Bourns 3362P 1/4″ trimmer, 0.5W, 10% tolerance. Part number 3362P-1-502LF. Standard pin configuration for all Aion FX projects. This particular value is used in our versions of the Dallas Rangemaster, Washburn Stack in a Box , and Hot Silicon.

10k Bourns 3362P 1/4″ trimmer, 0.5W, 10% tolerance. Part number 3362P-1-103LF. Standard pin configuration for all Aion FX projects. This particular value is used in the Ibanez® EM-5 Echomachine, BOSS® CE-2 Chorus, Univox® Superfuzz and many others.

20k Bourns 3362P 1/4″ trimmer, 0.5W, 10% tolerance. Part number 3362P-1-203LF. Standard pin configuration for all Aion FX projects. This particular value is used in the L5 Preamp, Suhr® Riot, and Cornish OC-1 compressor.

22k Bourns 3362P 1/4″ trimmer, 0.5W, 10% tolerance. Part number 3362P-1-223LF. Standard pin configuration for all Aion FX projects. This particular value is used in the BOSS® DM-2 and Lovetone Flange With No Name among others.

25k Bourns 3362P 1/4″ trimmer, 0.5W, 10% tolerance. Part number 3362P-1-253LF. Standard pin configuration for all Aion FX projects. This value is used in the MI Audio Crunch Box and Roland AF-100 Bee Baa, and can also be used as a substitute in circuits that specify a 22k trimmer.

50k Bourns 3362P 1/4″ trimmer, 0.5W, 10% tolerance. Part number 3362P-1-503LF. Standard pin configuration for all Aion FX projects. This particular value is used in the King of Tone, Prince of Tone, and Ibanez EM-5 Echomachine among several others.

100k Bourns 3362P 1/4″ trimmer, 0.5W, 10% tolerance. Part number 3362P-1-104LF. Standard pin configuration for all Aion FX projects. This particular value is used in the Fuzz Face, BOSS® PH-1r Phaser, and EHX Small Clone among many others.

250k Bourns 3362P 1/4″ trimmer, 0.5W, 10% tolerance. Part number 3362P-1-254LF. Standard pin configuration for all Aion FX projects. This value is used in MXR Phase 90 and Phase 45 and Catalinbread WIIO and RAH.

1M (1 megaohm) Bourns 3362P 1/4″ trimmer, 0.5W, 10% tolerance. Part number 3362P-1-105LF. Standard pin configuration for all Aion FX projects. This particular value is used in the BOSS® DM-2 Delay for the clock bias trimmer.