Pop Top Boost -- Reduce gain?

[steelplayer]

I just finished the Pop Top Boost and once again, I'm beyond pleased with the end result -- I'm really loving the PedalPCB boards! So, with that in mind, this is more about advice and tweaking and not about a troubleshooting or quality issue.

I use all the pedals I build with Pedal Steel, and since Pedal Steel pickups are way hotter than 6-string counterparts, the Pop Top is a bit gainy. The pedal sounds terrific, great hi-fi chime, but with a little more gain than I would like when used with Steel.

Any advice on the best thing to do in order to reduce the gain? Should I be looking for a lower hFE on the 2n708s? Sadly, I didn't think to throw them onto the Peak to check. Other parts I may be able to change?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Mcknib]

Not being an authority on Darlington pairs from the below article I think the 100R on Q2s emitter is where I'd start

Here's the link
https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/analogue_circuits/transistor/darlington-pair.php

 

[steelplayer]

Thanks for the reply! Good info on the Darlington pairs --may give that a shot.

Although, it sounds great for 6 string, just may pass it over to a guitar player buddy.