Distortion + problems!

[Vincent Volta]

Hello! hello!
I ve been using a dist+ clone for 2 years now. It was my fave distortion pedal but... it died two weeks ago.
The doctor said "sudden death", when I opened the case it had that typical "burnt silicon" smell coming right from the 741 chip. For now I replaced it with a Rat clone but Ill get back at it. I wanna build a new, bulletproof version since the original had no ic socket and Id like to build it with the skills I have now ( the former unit is somewhat... raw). When I first tried the circuit I remember another 741 dying on the protoboard the same way this one did, and I read somewhere that this chip is highly prone to sudden death. So the question is, can I do something to avoid this on my new pedal ( short of using a different chip altogether)? I will put a socket but I wouldnt like to swap ICs like it was a battery ( even if it actually costs five times cheaper than a battery  :wink:  )
Thanx in advance for your patience and help!

[petemoore]

Strange Behaviour...happens sometimes I hear.
 I've never had a 741 smoke smolder or fry before, at least that I recall with 'normal' use. Also I haven't actually used one for quite some either. I have a Dist+ clone with one in it, used to buld D+'s 741 style alot, then tried with half of dual 4558 or NE5532, or single OA..NE5534.
 Then I tried:
 http://fuzzcentral.tripod.com/liquid.html
 The Box has a Leather coat, a Green and a red LED, [one or other is on when the input jack makes ground to Cct. board]. Nice Box..has a 'secret' knob 'n booster on the front end of the L.D.  Makes it - :twisted: ----->l Hard Clip real nice.