3 Knob Boutique Tonebender -no unity gain

[glenn.b]

      Hello all!  I am just now getting the final de-bugging done on the 3 Knob boutique Tone Bender.  This is the first time I have done all this with all parts having been sourced, instead of buying a complete kit.  Proud to say I made my own PCB as well- I checked it for continuity as soon as it was done, and it passed with ease.  I even upgraded from the original scheme / layout-put in a 3pdt switch w/ LED,instead of the 2pdt.   After correcting some errors on my part ( pot not wired correct ,et al....) I have it now performing like a pedal.  The light is operating brightly, and I can play through it.  The only trouble now is that it seems very quiet, I have all pots maxed out, and still a good bit beneath unity gain.  I have biased it as best I can, seems turning it full clockwise is the best for now.   In the back of my mind I'm thinking 'too much resistance', but I am not ready to go mindlessly replacing things.  I have checked, and re-checked my resistors, and caps, and they are all spot on in value.   Q1 is a 2sb77, and Q2 & Q3 are both 2n404's.  On the first one, had a hard time finding out where the arrow goes; found it can go in two ways, but I settled on putting the triangle on the emitter side( yes, it will go on the collector side, but values are just a bit better with arrow on emitter.   Anyway my values are as follows:  Batt.  8.67      Q1-E132.2mv, B.206v, C136.5mv,  Q2-E71.6mv, B132.5mv, C136.5mv. Lastly, Q3 E000, B101.4mv, and C199.5mv.   If you have any ideas, or speculations, I and all ears!!       Thank you ahead of time, and if I have left out a whole pile of things, Please let me know!  again, thanks...
                                                                                                                                                 

[glenn.b]

    What I am thinking is, shouldn't I be able to substitute  resistors of lesser value, to achieve higher output from the trannies? Or maybe don't swap resistors, but install trimpots instead...?  Before I think about trimpots 'tho, I ought just change out resistors-question is which resistor(s), and decrease value by how much??  Once again, thanks up front !     

[ode2no1]

did you get a matched set of transistors from small bear? if not one or more could possibly be dead or just really really low gain or really leaky. i built a soul bender clone a few months ago and if everything is the correct value and functional then it should have tons of volume. did you check your switch wiring and triple check that all of your resistors and caps are the correct value? honestly i'd bet it's the transistors.

[glenn.b]

Thank you for the reply!  Yes, I did purchase the transistors from small bear. Each one came in a small zip lock bag, and marked"Q1,Q2..." I have checked both resistors and caps enough that I've near went cross eyed, 'tho... Lol.  Also, I failed to mention it in my beginning post, but I have re-flowed all joints since the original part placement....I have not lost my sense of humor, though... ...

[ode2no1]

youre not using super high output humbuckers are you? also post the schematic and a layout of your pcb so the guys around here can have a better idea of how to help you. unfortunately my skills are nowhere near where the point where i could be of a whole lot of assistance.

[petemoore]

  Buncha different Tonebenders so hard to say without a schematic reference.
  Q2E supposed to be grounded ?