AM Radio -> Guitar Amp debugging

[bean]

I recently tried to build the MA-1 amp listed on this page:

http://www.kirtland.com/guitar1/MA1.html

It was built into an AM radio chassis using the output transformer from the radio.

When I try to play a guitar through it, I get low output and severe distortion. It sounds like it's adding other notes... The added notes are somewhat in tune with the original. Like a 5th higher or something.

I've tried other tubes, and did replace one coupling capacitor that was letting DC current into the second plate of the 12AX7.

Also, I had a few of the electrolytic filter capacitors wired backwards on my first startup. There was some components smoking before I caught it and unplugged it. But once reversed, the B+ voltages all seemed to be fine.

Where should I start debugging this thing?

[Andy Le Blanc]

powerside.

[Structo]

Sounds like ghosting.
That can usually be fixed by making the first filter higher in value.