[sdiy] IN400X diodes (was: 1N914 vs. 1N4148)

[Seb Francis]

Harry Bissell Jr wrote:

>That what the 1N4004 is for.  I usually buy only the
>1N4007 (1000V) and I don't worry about any voltage
>I usually find in a synth.
>
>  
>
I've often wondered why they make so many different voltage rated 
versions of 1N400X diodes and whether there is in fact some disadvantage 
in using for example a 1N4007 where a 1N4002 would do?

Seb