GGG MXR Distortion + issue

[Mawstlund]

I recently assembled a General Guitar Gadgets Dist box, and did the MXR Distortion + layout.  My issue is that it has low output, and not much gain.  In fact,  in front of a clean amp, its almost a completely clean boost of maybe 4db.  This is my first kit build,  does anyone know what I did wrong?

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150806347718079.513956.639408078&type=1

[Mark Hammer]

does anyone know what I did wrong?

Probably a lot! 

Sorry, I shouldn't make fun.  It's just that getting that circuit to be "clean" in ANY setting is difficult.  You usually don't even need the diodes or high gain settings to get it to clip.  So getting it to be clean may well involve having done several things.

What that suggests to me is to first confirm that you have continuity from the inverting pin on the op-amp, through to ground.  If the path from that pin to ground is a noticeably higher resistance than the feedback resistance, then your gai will be low.  And what could be a higher resistance than open circuit?

So check to verify that the wires running to your gain pot are fine, that the gain pot itself has interruptions in its continuity (e.g., bad solder joints at the lugs, loose rivets, etc., and that the 4k7 resistor and .047uf cap are also properly soldered.

Not to worry.  You'll learn from this, and build more effectively next time round.  The Dist+ is a nice circuit to learn with; plenty of opportunities for interesting and simple mods.

[Electron Tornado]

does anyone know what I did wrong?

Probably a lot! 

And don't worry, we've all been there. (And sometimes we go back for a visit once in a while.  )

Even though you might be feeling confused and frustrated, Mark is right, this is an opportunity to learn.

[Mawstlund]

Pin 4 on the LM741 has continuity with ground.  I checked the pot wiring, and they are right.  I checked the 4k7 and .047uf cap and they are both in there good.  The thing I think is weird, is that R1 which is 1m5, doesn't read when I touch both leads with my multimeter.  It shows 0.00 which should mean its got continuity, however it won't read 1m5.  I tried reading the other resistors, and they are all fine.  So,  I replaced that 1m5 with another one that I had lying around,  thinking maybe I did something wrong, but this one does it too.   I think this may have something to do with it.