Tone Report Weekly Issue 103 | Page 12

3. MOD Kits Designed for both novice and experienced players alike, MOD Kits come with a predrilled enclosure and all the parts needed to build your own effects pedal. Basic soldering skills and a few tools are required, but the easyto-follow instructions will have you rocking a hand-built pedal in no time. Kits range from a $25 clean boost to a $110 wah, but nearly half the kits fall into the $50-or-less price range. All the pedal kits are designed to run off a ninevolt battery, but DC power jacks can be added to a variety of pedals and, though parts are not included with the kit, schematics with modified layout drawings are available online. To check out MOD Kits, go to modkitsdiy.com. 4. Divine Noise Cables As the former guitar tech for bands like The White Stripes and Yo La Tengo, Gil Divine gets it—cables will always fail at the least opportune moments. So, what sets his cables apart? Simple. They’re built not to fail. And if one does quit working for any reason other than abuse, he’ll replace it—for free. At Divine Noise, every cable is hand soldered, carefully inspected and tested several different ways to ensure the best tone possible. And judging by the list of artists using these cables—as impressive as it is long— Gil’s unwavering commitment to first-rate cable construction has paid off. Cables range in range, length, color and style. Find out more at thedivinenoise.com. 12 TONE TALK // Top 20 Gifts for Guitarists Under $100