JP....

I'd go along with what's been suggested so far...though I might
suggest a good isolation transformer, a fused (read: circuit-breakered)
outlet right at-hand, and any DIY guitar amp repair literature you
can lay your hands on. There's one fellow's books come to mind, but
darned if I can't remember his name off the top of my head, he's
written
several books on amp repair and effects-building and repair.
THAT'S lucrative, a purist will pay boatloads for restoring his 1965
Jimi Hendrix
fuzzbox and such, so keep transistorized circuitry in mind as well.

A good lighted magnifying gizmo is always handy.

There are a multitude of musical instrument repair websites; the fun
part is, as with boatanchors, digging up parts. And schematics, tho'
many are available on the 'net. Reverse-engineering skills will come
in
handy, too. Consider apprenticing yourself to a local repair guru;
you'll learn more in less time than you can imagine, PLUS you'll have
access to tools to do the job with.

Homeowners & fire insurance is a good bet as well....

Good luck, and Rock On, JP.

Terry Bakowski

ps
try an Amazon.com search on 'Craig Anderton....', I think that's
the name I'm trying to remember. Also check out: PC-based
osciloscopes, there are several freebie downloads for them. And if
anyone knows how to set up a rig to measure transconductance using a
'scope..please let me know.
It shouldn't be THAT difficult...er..should it? G