Calling pedal building experts (or even non-experts...)

[jrgtr42]

so I got a Klone kit off ebay a ways back, and finally got around to building it.
It seemed to go well - I've had soldering experience, but no pedal building experience, so I don't know exactly what each component does, except in the most broad terms.
So it powered up fine on first shot, (woohoo!) but when I plugged it in, the sound is muffled / muted (not completely, but much quieter than without the pedal in line, even with it off. It seems to work, though again much quieter than without - I can hear some distortion when I turn the pedal and the amp up when on versus bypassed.
What should I be looking at first for troubleshooting? I did go though and i believe all the solder joints look good, there aren't any bridged joints that I can tell. There may be a couple not filled all the way, but they don't move at all when I jiggle the component.
I also have a Stew-Mac King of Tone clone kit waiting in the wings, but I want to get this running first. (assuming I didn't destroy something inadvertantly in building.)

[Bill Moore]

Pics?

[jrgtr42]

Here's a couple pics - as good as I can get.

[Offshore Angler]

Second pin from bottom left is not soldered. Also check polarity correct on electrolytics.


Finally, the Klon should be called the "Con" because it basically does nothing. It's a true testament to the power of the internet. As far as I can tell all it is a highly de-featured volume and tone control.

Chuck

[tugboat]

Second pin from bottom left is not soldered. Also check polarity correct on electrolytics.


Finally, the Klon should be called the "Con" because it basically does nothing. It's a true testament to the power of the internet. As far as I can tell all it is a highly de-featured volume and tone control.

Chuck

I saw a YouTube video where JHS Pedals switched between an original Klon (gain maxed) and a Digitech Bad Monkey with an A/B pedal. Couldn’t tell a difference. 😂

Building pedals can be fun though. I built a Rat clone years ago and it sounds great.

[Offshore Angler]

I saw a YouTube video where JHS Pedals switched between an original Klon (gain maxed) and a Digitech Bad Monkey with an A/B pedal. Couldn’t tell a difference. 😂

Building pedals can be fun though. I built a Rat clone years ago and it sounds great.

All guitar players should be issued a RAT at birth.

[Don]

I see quite a few joints that are either lacking solder or have very little solder. I'd look at each joint with a loupe or magnifier and a bright light and make sure they're all complete and shiny.

[phantomman]

I see quite a few joints that are either lacking solder or have very little solder. I'd look at each joint with a loupe or magnifier and a bright light and make sure they're all complete and shiny.

+1

Double-check each with a multimeter.