Thanks for the ideas for reducing the gain! The difference between using diodes and just driving the opamp over its rails is output level and diodes are a bit softer, right?
I will simulate a bit more, I think!
Seeing the post about Kassutronics wavefolder , I am wondering again if I should replace the transistor VCA in my 808 schematic with a OTA (LM13700), I could then simply use the kassutronics values for getting my clipping 
But what else would I get by using a OTA? it’s somewhat cleaner? more “hi-fi”? Do I notice that in a drum module? The mutant hihat does have OTAs, but is it worth it?