I'm also looking at options for clipping too.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1N4148_signal_diode
This gives an interesting, empirical and objective view on diodes. I'm also looking at the options for running BJT based clipping (tying the based to either collector or emitter turns the BJT into a diode - this is the highlighted point with CB-connected) but it requires a little more design.
I also came across this which has a nice summary of pedal based distortion using the respective diodes:
What is interesting is the germanium diode has a non-linear response whereas the silicon and others have much more of a linear response - as you can see in the graph above where the line bends denoting non-linearity, vs the straight line showing more linear response. So I would expect the germanium diodes to sound different at different amplitude of string vibration and, oddly, this indicates that there's more clipping/compression in the centre of the waveform with less outside.
A shallow line means there's a slower distortion. This is why you have an aggressive Schottky sound (steep), vs the something like the 1N4148 that has a shallow line that allows it to be used in the Marshall blues breaker pedal or BOSS DS1 etc to get that clarity but even break up.
Additionally this page also does the same, a survey of diodes: https://therepaircafe.wordpress.com/2019/10/24/forward-voltage-of-various-diodes/
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1N4148_signal_diode
This gives an interesting, empirical and objective view on diodes. I'm also looking at the options for running BJT based clipping (tying the based to either collector or emitter turns the BJT into a diode - this is the highlighted point with CB-connected) but it requires a little more design.
I also came across this which has a nice summary of pedal based distortion using the respective diodes:
A Brief Hobbyist Primer on Clipping Diodes
A general reference guide on how Clipping Diodes Work
www.guitarpedalx.com
What is interesting is the germanium diode has a non-linear response whereas the silicon and others have much more of a linear response - as you can see in the graph above where the line bends denoting non-linearity, vs the straight line showing more linear response. So I would expect the germanium diodes to sound different at different amplitude of string vibration and, oddly, this indicates that there's more clipping/compression in the centre of the waveform with less outside.
A shallow line means there's a slower distortion. This is why you have an aggressive Schottky sound (steep), vs the something like the 1N4148 that has a shallow line that allows it to be used in the Marshall blues breaker pedal or BOSS DS1 etc to get that clarity but even break up.
Additionally this page also does the same, a survey of diodes: https://therepaircafe.wordpress.com/2019/10/24/forward-voltage-of-various-diodes/
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