Prototyping rig: simulating the final build...

[earthtonesaudio]

In my quest to prototype and try out as many pedal circuits as possible (which is a continuation of my quest for "perfect" tone), I feel that I've made a big step forward with the completion of this thing:

My made-from-junk prototyping rig...


It's has the power supply on the left (Polarity switch for different wall warts, banana jacks for monitoring voltages, and Vadjust, Vref, and "sag" pots), 7 control pots in the middle, and guitar in/out plus bypass on the right.  The wires coming out the middle go to the pots, and the pair on the right is the signal in/out (bonded pair salvaged from a surround sound speaker).


My goals for this device are to prototype effects quickly, easily, and accurately.  The quick and easy part is taken care of, but now I want to get it to more closely simulate the finished product.

My ideas are: shielded signal input cable, and maybe a metal bottom and "lid" so I can fully shield the thing, breadboard and all.  After building some high-gain opamp circuits, and noticing the howling whine with the gain fully up, I consulted the FAQ and I figure the in/out leads are probably the main problem. 


Opinions/suggestions?  Do you all think I'm headed in the right direction?  I want to be able to simulate the final product as best I can while still using the breadboard.


Thanks!