Interesting development: The Bleep.com store, which introduced legal music downloads to the UK almost a decade ago (launched by IDM-powerhouse record label Warp Records), will now offer three DIY electronics kits related to music in their store, including this Electro Synth Kit from Technology Will Save Us:

What is it?
This DIY kit includes all of the components you need, including the world famous 556 Integrated Circuit, jumper wires and prototyping breadboard as well as a speaker to create your very own DIY Synth.  In building the circuit you gain an understanding into how the various components combined can create a whole plethora of wonderful noises.

How does it work?
The DIY Synth Kit takes about an hour to build using the breadboard and jumper wires and provided.  It is important that you download the handy how–to manual from the link below to ensure all the components go in the right places.  Once constructed and the battery is connected the circuit creates stable square waves. Then, using the two control potentiometers you can alter the wave’s frequency and width giving you a whole array of fantastic noises….

Read more.