You should not be reading negative voltages. Something is obviously very wrong here. Not sure what, though.
Are your transistors socketed, by any chance? If using 2n3565, the flat side of the transistor should be the emitter. For example, from left to right, the flat side of Q1 should be on the left.
What is your reading on both sides of R9? One side should be about 9v, the other somewhat less.
I had the same problem when I first plugged in my wolfshirt. Apparently I had them socketed in reverse. I flipped them 180 degrees and BINGO! The 2n3565s are a little confusing at first to sort out compared to most trannies.
This forum is awesome! It has saved me so many debugging headaches!
Thanks to all!
-Rick