Knowledge, Information and Schematics
RobRobinette.com – The best site to understand how amps work, information on how to build and modify an amplifier.
CeriaTone.com – To buy a kit or an already assembled amplifier. Download schematics of different amplifiers. The owner, Nik Azam, is very helpful in answering any question.
StewMac – The best website to buy tools and parts for any guitar or amplifier project. They also have plenty of how-to videos and great step-by-step manuals on how to build a Marshall or Fender amp.
Designing Tube Preamps for Guitar and Bass – by Merlin Blencowe. Everything you want to know about designing a tube amplifier.
Marshallforum.com – Find answers to your amp problems
TDPRI.com – A forum mainly for Telecaster
Tonepad – Schematics and manual of guitar pedals. You can purchase parts for your project as well.
Online shops
TubeTown – My #1 go-to shop in the EU for building an amp or a stompbox.
Tube Amp Doctor – An EU shop that I use mainly for high quality tubes as well as for some amp parts.
Amptone – Another EU shop that I use for some parts that I wouldn’t find in the above stores.
Amplified Parts – A US shop that I use when in the States. I usually buy sets of high-end capacitors for the Fender amps.
StewMac – My #1 US store for all of my guitar tools and guitar parts.
Soller&Sivcak – An EU shop where I buy wood and hardware for my guitar projects.
Northwest Guitars – A UK shop that’s a great source of lacquers for the guitar finish.
Inspiration & Recommendations
Petr Bares – My Dad. Since I was a kid, he has taken me to all the chateaus, churches, castles, wherever he was working as an art restorer. Later on, I was able to help him with some of his work. The presence of art, history, fixing or creating things was always fun to be a part of. The n ext time you go to Karlstejn Castle and you walk the stairs in the big tower, look at the walls, that’s his work. He’s an artist too, so if you feel like it you can look at his work.
William “Grit” Laskin – A Canadian guitar maker. I came across his book about guitar inlays. What a beautiful piece of art. One day I will definitely try to make one fretboard like that for myself.
Salvation Audio – I got their Tonewheel Boost as a birthday present from my friend and I loved it right away. I read the story of Antonin Salva and became a fan of his work. Looking at and playing the Boost was the impulse for me to try to build my own pedal. You should definitely check out their products. Did I mention they are from the Czech Republic as well?
KHDK – Limited editions of guitar pedals. I like their focus on detail and design. I like all the switches and knobs you can play with. Their pedals are always “something different” and their sound is great. Also, they are made here in Prague!
EarthQuaker Devices – I like their designs, the pedal names, the use of different knobs and colors while still keeping the same style. And I love their reverbs and delays – I’m a delay guy, I love the Cocteau Twins. Hmm, the Afterneath.
Boss pedals – As much as I love variety of shapes and uniqueness, I also like a simple uniform style, tradition and consistency. That’s what a Boss pedal is to me. I like the enclosure, the colors and the same font they’ve used for some 40 years. A Boss pedal was the first pedal I owned. The RV-3 won’t ever leave my pedalboard.
Limetime – The band that my son plays bass in. Three guys with a LOT of energy and raw power. I like to go to their concerts, I like their fearlessness and love for music. Go see them live next time they’re around. I recommend it!