Looking to add more gain to a Madbean Krankosaurus.

[Vivi]

I'll start by admitting that I don't know much about the technical side of guitar effects, but I assume that replacing the transistors would be the best way to try and squeeze some more gain out of the pedal.

Assuming that is correct, what would be some appropriate transistors to try?  Right now it still has the recommended BS170s.  Or is there another part/other parts in the pedal that could also change the gain available?

[LucifersTrip]

I'll start by admitting that I don't know much about the technical side of guitar effects, but I assume that replacing the transistors would be the best way to try and squeeze some more gain out of the pedal.

Assuming that is correct, what would be some appropriate transistors to try?  Right now it still has the recommended BS170s.  Or is there another part/other parts in the pedal that could also change the gain available?

changing transistors may give you a bit more volume but will usually just change the tone or amount of distortion. you'd usually want to start tweaking resistors.

if you increase the volume pot, you should get more volume, but you'll probably get more bass, too...so, you'd have to decrease the output and or input cap(s) to compensate.

I just saw the schematic (you should always post a link to it when asking a question) and I would first see what reducing those 2 resistors  (16,17) at the output would do:
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/Krankosaurus/docs/Krankosaurus_ver3.pdf

[PRR]

The gain is mostly resistor ratios and practical transistors.

The "Dirt" channel should have a butt-load of gain! If not, something's wrong.

The "Boost" channel has reasonable gain. If not enough, build another "Boost" circuit after it.

[ubersam]

@OP -  i've never heard the circuit so i don't know how it sounds, but, maybe you're looking for more distortion? maybe some diode clippers to ground would help.

[J0K3RX]

Throw a tube screamer in front of it and keep it on the low side... Sounds like a beast!

[DavenPaget]

Like PRR said , boost stages , if not enough , add another one !
Like the common saying "When all else fails , all hell breaks loose"

[Maik]

As far as I know it's a kind of "Krank Distortus Maximus". Check out "more gain dist max" or something like this...

[Mark Hammer]

When people say "gain", and confess to not knowing much about pedals, then there is a high likelihood (though not a certainty), that they confuse "gain", sustain, and "distortion".  One person may want more output level when they say "gain", with no particular change in the tone achieved.  Another may be fine with the output level but want a more ragged hard-clipped tone.  Still another may want no major change in tone, and is fine with the output level, but is really aiming for longer sustain.  I don't blame the person for the misunderstanding, but point my finger at the misleading ad copy, poor understanding of music store staff, and frequently inarticulate demo videos.

So, it is possible to get a more ragged harder-clipped sound from the unit by using diodes, as others have suggested.  For example, if you replaced C8 with a back-to-back pair of silicon diodes, you'd likely get a more clipped harsh sound.  The diodes would clip what has already been clipped, and the removal of C8 would let some of the treble back in.  If you find that too harsh, leave C8 in and stick the diodes in parallel with it.

The diode clipping will necessarily impose a ceiling on the output level, that will create the illusion of sustain.  However, those same diodes will also reduce the maximum output level such that it may not drive your amp as hard as you want.

Another approach is to stick a bypass cap in parallel with R13.  Try 10uf-22uf.  That will goose the gain from that stage.  It may not elicit more distortion from the circuit itself, but will certain push your amp harder.  If you are in desperate search of sizzle, stick that cap in AND replace C8 with diodes.

If that's too much, but you still want more, you could stick in the suggested cap, but place a 47-100R resistor in series with it, and maybe replace C8 with a 2+1 diode complement.