Fuzzrite Build - Is this the right diagnosis?

[terryward]

Hi all,

I'm building a Fuzzrite pedal using the kit from General Guitar Gadgets.  I've made no substitutions or modifications to the schematic.  The project page is here:  http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/projects/73-fuzz-tones/257-mosrite-fuzzrite

Schematic:
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_secf_sc_mrfr_si.pdf?phpMyAdmin=78482479fd7e7fc3768044a841b3e85a

Layout:
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_secf_lo_mrfr_si.pdf?phpMyAdmin=78482479fd7e7fc3768044a841b3e85a

I'll be perfectly honest and admit I followed the layout over the schematic, this being only my second pedal build.

After wiring it all up, I had power, but when I engaged the pedal, the output volume dropped at least in half, and there was barely any fuzz to be had.  To get any amount of fuzz I really had to dig into the strings, and that was with volume and fuzz controls turned up all the way.

The transistors that came with the kit were 2N2369A, with a pinout of 1-Emitter, 2-Base, 3-Collector.

Here are the voltages on the transistors:

Q1
1       3.40
2       0.55
3       0.00

Q2
1       3.39
2       0.55
3       0.00

Now, based on Fuzzrite transistor readings I've found by searching the forum, it seems like my transistors are in backwards.  That is my readings should be


Q1
1       0.00
2       0.55
3       3.40

Q2
1       0.00
2       0.55
3       3.39

SO, does the problem I described seem to correlate with my diagnosis of reversed transistors?  I want to be sure before rotating the transistors, in case that's not actually the true problem.

Thanks!

[John Lyons]

The collector should show the most voltage.
So yes, looks like you have them in backwards.

[terryward]

Thanks for the reply!  I switched them around and it seems to be working properly now.

[John Lyons]

Cool!