Squiward transistor hfe? Not important? Just matching the vf of the diodes?

[Overgrown Chimp]

I made a squidward with hfe q1-758 (2n5089), q2-190 (2n3906) and q3-620(2n5089). I didn't socket the transistors and it sounds good on its own
i think on its own and better with a big muff with a mids control. I just matched the diodess 1n4148 with both diodes havingng vf 0.696 and 0.698. Any recomendatuo to try an0ther transistor configuration ? it has a very small volume drop when engaged without any dirt pedal just on its own

 

[Aleph Null]

Q1 would be the only transistor that could make a difference. That said, the gain is set by the resistor network to about 9dB before the signal gets folded in half. So the end result should be close to unity. You could reduce R4 to maybe 5.1k or 4.7k and see if that helps. You could also try a pair of diodes with lower forward voltage (1N60p, BAT46, 1N5817) so that less of the signal is lost to crossover distortion. The latter option has the benefit of producing more sustain and sometimes a stronger octave, but will have less effect on the output volume.

 

[Overgrown Chimp]

Q1 would be the only transistor that could make a difference. That said, the gain is set by the resistor network to about 9dB before the signal gets folded in half. So the end result should be close to unity. You could reduce R4 to maybe 5.1k or 4.7k and see if that helps. You could also try a pair of diodes with lower forward voltage (1N60p, BAT46, 1N5817) so that less of the signal is lost to crossover distortion. The latter option has the benefit of producing more sustain and sometimes a stronger octave, but will have less effect on the output volume.

Thanks, I will try it!