Resources
Tools of the trade
The shops are the point of this guide, but a handful of makers, tools, and references earn a permanent tab. This is that short list — the ones actually used to build, buy, and keep guitars playing, not a directory of everything that exists. If it isn't here, it isn't reached for.
Learning & tools
- TrueFire (opens in a new tab) — 85,000+ video lessons with an actual curriculum, not a YouTube rabbit hole.
Buying & vintage
- Reverb (opens in a new tab) — the used and vintage marketplace — where most of these guitars change hands.
- Reverb Price Guide (opens in a new tab) — real sold-price data before you make or take an offer.
- Vintage Guitar Price Guide (opens in a new tab) — the print-standard valuation reference, published monthly since 1986.
Pedalboard building
- Pedal Playground (opens in a new tab) — free drag-and-drop planner for laying out a board before you build it.
- Temple Audio (opens in a new tab) — modular boards with a tool-free quick-release mounting system.
- Creation Music Company (opens in a new tab) — elevated pedalboards with professional in-house wiring.
- FIX Pedalboards (opens in a new tab) — mag-latch bridges, risers, and mounts for a serviceable board.
- Best-Tronics (BTPA) (opens in a new tab) — custom, built-to-order patch cables and rig wiring.
- Morningstar (opens in a new tab) — MIDI foot controllers and loop switchers for running a complex board.
- RJM Music Technology (opens in a new tab) — audio-loop switchers (the PBC/Mastermind line) that route the board, not just send MIDI.
Repair, luthier & parts
- StewMac (opens in a new tab) — luthier tools, parts, and the Trade Secrets how-to library.
- Mojotone (opens in a new tab) — pickups, parts, and amp kits for classic tone.
- Warmoth (opens in a new tab) — custom replacement necks and bodies, built to order.