The Trill is a tremolo pedal kit from Mod Electronics, sold as a solder-it-yourself project rather than a finished pedal. The maker describes it as offering "classic tremolo tones in an easy-to-build kit," and says that modern, low-noise transistors make its operation quiet, with no signal drop when the pedal is engaged1. For players who want a build-it-yourself project and a straightforward tremolo on the board, it sits in the tremolo pedals category as a kit form of the effect.
What it does
The Trill produces tremolo, the effect that varies the volume of your signal rhythmically to create a pulsing, wave-like motion. Mod Electronics says the pedal offers classic tremolo tones, and that its single Speed knob "provides a wide range from a very slow to rapid-fire effect," covering everything from a slow sway to a fast stutter1.
The low-noise design is the maker's other headline claim. According to the product page, "Using modern, low-noise transistors makes operation of The Trill quiet with no signal drop when engaged," which addresses the volume drop that some simpler tremolo circuits introduce when switched in1.
Building the kit
The Trill is sold as a kit, and Mod Electronics rates its build difficulty at 3 on its own scale1. The maker's pitch is accessibility: the kit includes all the components needed to complete the pedal, and the builder supplies only solder and tools. "All you need to provide is solder and tools!" the product page says1.
What that means in practice:
- All components needed for the build are included in the kit1
- The builder provides solder and tools1
- Build difficulty is rated 3 by the maker1
- A build instruction PDF for the kit is available from Mod Electronics1
Power and bypass
The Trill runs on a 9 volt battery, which is not included with the kit, so plan to have one on hand before you play it1. Guitar World's announcement of the kit, published on August 11, 2011, confirms the same arrangement, noting that the effect pedals operate on 9V batteries which are not included2.
The kit does not include a 9 volt battery. You will need to supply your own.
For bypass, the pedal uses true-bypass footswitching. Mod Electronics states that "The Trill uses true-bypass footswitching so it is out of the signal path when not engaged," meaning your guitar's signal passes through the pedal untouched when it is off1.
Where it came from
Guitar World reported the kit's announcement on August 11, 2011, describing it as a new tremolo pedal kit from MOD Kits DIY that "offers classic tremolo tones in an easy-to-build kit"2. The same design is sold today under the Mod Electronics name on the maker's product page1.
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Questions
Does The Trill take a battery?
Yes. The Trill runs on a 9 volt battery, which is not included with the kit, so you will need to supply your own. Mod Electronics lists battery power as the pedal's power source on its product page, and Guitar World's announcement of the kit also notes that the effect pedals operate on 9V batteries that are not included.
Is The Trill true bypass?
Yes. Mod Electronics states that The Trill uses true-bypass footswitching, so the pedal is out of the signal path when it is not engaged. Guitar World's 2011 announcement of the kit describes the same true bypass foot switching arrangement.
How hard is The Trill kit to build?
Mod Electronics rates The Trill at 3 on its build difficulty scale on the product page. The kit is described as easy to build, and the maker says all you need to provide is solder and tools, with everything else included in the kit.
What do I need to build The Trill kit?
The kit includes everything needed to assemble the pedal except solder and tools, which the builder provides. Mod Electronics puts it plainly on the product page: 'All you need to provide is solder and tools!' A build instruction PDF for the kit is available from the maker.
Does The Trill cause volume drop when engaged?
No. Mod Electronics says that using modern, low-noise transistors makes operation of The Trill quiet with no signal drop when engaged. The pedal is also true bypass, so it sits out of the signal path entirely when it is not switched on.
Sources (2)
- The Trill, Mod Electronics (modkitsdiy.com), 2026
- MOD Kits DIY Announces Trill Tremolo Pedal Kit, Guitar World, 2011-08-11