[sdiy] surface mount sans PCB?

[MED]

Hey all,
I've been thinking. I'd like to start a surface mount part accumulation so
as to use them (the parts) in some random stuff. (synth-related!) Now, I
know that for through-holes there's solderless breadboard,
veroboard/vectorboard, etc for developing designs without committing them to
a PCB (and the expense thereof). So my question is, does a similar concept
exist for surface mount parts? It would be optimal if I could connect a
mixture of SMD and thru-holes, so as to be able to do panel wires and such.
'Cause i've noticed that amongst 'ease of obtaining' and 'less risk of
discontinuing' there is often a 'lower price' benefit. Now, i'm moderately
young/good with my hands so if soldering these buggers is needed i'll be
able to pull it off (*carefully*, i know) but i like the ease and simplicity
of being able to tear something down and slightly change it.
SMD is a new beast to me and i'm thinking i should get the skills down
because that seems to be the 'wave of the future' (meaning: nothing but
discretes in through-hole form unless you start up your own damned fab).
One guy described though-hole as being 'like valves' -- he prolly meant
'obsolete' but i took it as 'slightly different, and one of several
possibilities to weigh when choosing a design'. With that in mind, any
chance of SMD tube holders? :)

-MED "the heaters reflow the solder with every powercycle! just don't move
it or turn it upside down..."