MkII Tonebender issues - Output below unity

[MalcolmStewart]

I've finished this tonebender but the output is below unity gain even with the vol maxed. Also the attack pot seems to do nothing. I am using matched AC125s I got off ebay from LIC pedals. 
layout: http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2012/02/sola-sound-tone-bender-professional.html

q1
E:0.00v
B: -0.76v
C: -8.73v
q2
E:  0.00v
B: -0.08v
C: -0.16v
q3:
E: -0.13v
B: -0.15
C: -8.55

[GGBB]

It's not clear from either the layout or your pics which transistors are 1, 2, and 3. That said, did you take notice that the pinout for the top transistor (on the layout - nearest one to the input) is different than the other two?

[MalcolmStewart]

I did notice whoever made that layout neglected to label the transistors. The same person made this layout, which does have labels on the transistors. I noticed this layout with charge pump was based off the original so I used it to infer the positions of the transistors.  However, I used the pinout indicated by the original (sans charge pump) layout
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RiO66Qlir8/T2cOMCXl6AI/AAAAAAAABFY/VN6IQU3mcK0/s1600/Tonebender+MkII+-+PNP+Negative+Ground.png

so, yes I have taken care to make sure the pinouts are correct. However, I am wondering if the attack pot not working correctly is because I have the q1 and q2 swapped (they appear to be in different places on their respective layouts)

edit: just swapped q1 and q2 and the attack pot works but volume is still way below unity

Edit2: If I run my audio probe to the 100k's 2nd lug (the output) it appears to work properly. Strangely however it's not a bad wire or joint though as running a alligator test lead from 2nd lug to the output doesn't solve the problem. That's right, I'm reading continuity and at the same time it won't work without the probe there

[antonis]

Probably a cold joint.
(it works OK when pressed down..)

[MalcolmStewart]

Its not a bad joint or wire- once again, if I jumper the lugs with test leads it doesn't solve the issue. Only with the audio probe. I've redone the joints and replaced the wire, even though my continuity meter says they're good. Am I going nuts?

[GGBB]

There's only one component after lug 2 - the output jack itself. Could it be acting up when a cable is plugged in? Also, as Antonis was trying to suggest - the pressure you are applying when using the probe might be changing conditions and making the problem go away. That suggests a solder problem or possibly a bad pot (loose wiper?). We don't know what you are doing mechanically, so it's not possible to know whether or not the jumper affects things mechanically the same way as the probe.

[MalcolmStewart]

Well, I'm using a test box that I use every time I build a pedal. It takes the output jack out of the equation-
https://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2014/09/test-box-20.html



I don't think it's mechanical because even if I run the audio probe to the wire I have soldered to lug 2 it will start to work properly. But not if I take that saame wire and run it to the output terminal on my test box. I just used the test box to complete several other builds so I don't think thats it either. Could this be a loop related to the reversed polarity? Please excuse the silly questions and my easily frustrated nature. I really appreciate the help!

[GGBB]

Could this be a loop related to the reversed polarity?

Possibly. Test without your test box.

[MalcolmStewart]

It works without out the test box. I have it wired up in an enclosure and it's all groovy, baby. Sounds like zeppelin. Thanks so much for your help, Antonis and GGBB!