i've noticed there's been a lot of talk going on about where to find info on how circuits work, what parts do, etc. so i thought it might be a good idea to build a resource that provides links and books that can provide electronics information to help people with building and understanding circuits, which can help with modding effects. so here's what i've read and use often.
here are some books i've found and read that have been a great resource. some of them i've been able to find a pdf online, not sure if i can post a download link or not, so all the links are the amazon.
Electronics for Guitarists - this is the first electronics book i bought that deals with electronics and music. covers everything stompbox related, instrument wiring, and even tube amp building. can be found reasonably priced too. it's the book that got me thinking i could build stompboxes and amps, a must IMHO
Tab Electronics Guide to Understanding Electricity and Electronics - general electronics, and covers nearly everything you could need. there's a lot you can skip, but a great resource to have.
Practical Electronics for Inventors - general electronics, and covers nearly everything you could need. there's a lot you can skip, but a great resource to have.
Beginners Guide to Reading Schematics - just about reading schematics and how to make your own. can be found real cheap and a good quick read to help if you have trouble with schematics
Active Filter Cookbook - this was suggested by R.G. Keen to me and is only about filters and designing them. he said it's in his personal library and he couldn't do without it. if you want/need to design different filters it's awesome.
Electronic Projects for Musicians - a classic as far as pedal building, still a great informative read and has a bunch of projects to build.
Sinclair Practical Electronics Handbook - a good read, with some great projects.
online resources
GeoFex - long running site of R.G. Keen. an unbelievable amount of information. i can not tell you how many times i've read through his site.
DIYSB Wiki - contains some of the most clear explanations for some basic concepts like what different parts do, basic mods and how they work (ex: changing clipping diodes), and more. plus if you're not a member of the DIYSB forum, which you should be IMHO, you can use the wiki all you want.
AMZFx - similar to R.G. Keen's GeoFex but has different info. a great read and resource.
DIYSB Forum - another diy pedal building community. tons of info, lots of help.
FSB Forum - another diy pedal building community. tons of info, lots of help.
beavis audio research - no longer updated, unfortunately, but contains a wealth of information and projects. one of the first sites i found and read over and over when i was first starting. still go back for tech info. there's a great pdf he made called "Hackers Guide to The BeavisBoard" which is basically on using a breadboard. anyone that is interested in bread boarding this is a must read. he gives step by step instructions and has images of what your breadboard should look like.
smallbear - they don't just have great parts at good prices, steve, the owner, also has a section on how to's, which will take you through certain builds, breadboard projects, mods, etc.
i left off the Wampler books, for a few reasons. the main reason is that Brian Wampler has made if clear that there are many mistakes in them, in the way he explained many concepts. i've read them, and while they do contain a lot of info, and are good i wouldn't suggest them for someone just starting with very little knowledge as it can cause some confusion later on when you learn the correct concepts.
so come on guys, add the resources you use so everyone can learn as much as they want and we can all have a ton of resources at our fingertips.
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