PNP

PNP is a type of transistor polarity used in many classic fuzz and boost circuits, most often in germanium form¹². PNP germanium transistors are associated with a soft attack and warmth, contrasted with the harder edges and sustain of silicon NPN types³. The original Arbiter and Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face designs from 1966 used PNP germanium NKT275 or AC128 transistors⁴⁵, and Dunlop notes the original circuit's PNP configuration required a center-positive supply, unlike modern center-negative power⁶. PNP germanium circuits are typically positive ground, so some pedals add a polarity inverter IC to work with standard power supplies⁷⁸. PNP transistors also appear in silicon form, such as the PNP 2N5087 in Big Muff Pi V3 units⁹.