I think that it would be wise to start with the kit. For one thing,
getting the pots out of the assembled board is not for a beginner.
You might also consider the Blacet/MOTM converter panel as a pretty
painless way to go. You could start with an assembled MW, easily add a
few 1/4" jacks and be done.
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Regards,
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John Blacet
Blacet Research
http://www.blacet.com