Pedal Problem

[J_Hemphill]

I just built a Tube Screamer form a kit by general guitar gadgets, and I am having some issues with it. It only makes sound when it is bypassed. I read that this can happen for two reasons. Either the Bypass switch itself is broken or the effects board is completely dead. Do I have a a malfunctioning part/board, or did I just do something wrong. I built it once and it didn't work so I took it apart and built it again and got the same results. It lights up and works in Bypass mode, but not when engaged.
Thank you very much.

HE will listen to you!

Joe

[LooseChange]

Is it true bypass? If it is, did you try switching the input and output cables?  And who is HE??

Dan

[12bz7]

You may have miswired the bypass switch as LC suggested. Can't work out if you meant that it 'lights up' in bypass mode. Could be a possible faulty component ( too much heat when soldering). Make yourself a signal tracer and check the circuit while it's operating to find out where the signal stops.

[hotguit]

Hi
quote 12bz7
check input and output wiring and use an audio probe to test the circuit.
if led is on when pedal's off test 9V wiring too.
Bye
Hot

[thermion]

by "works in bypass mode" do you mean it distorts, or just bypasses clean signal? the operation of the switch can be verified quickly with your multimeter, set to ohms, to map the switch contacts. look for continuity on the poles that go to the effect circuit. a completely dead board (when you say this i think every component torched) is highly unlikely. test the switch, that's probably the issue. did you use a chip socket for the op-amp? if you soldered it yourself directly to the board then you've got a dead opamp. if not the chip, do the circuit probe technique mentioned above.