-- of course you can get the mU pre-programmed and stuff like that and save on some of the work... --

circuit bending is a nice place to learn how to assemble and solder and things, but a bad place to learn theory (if you care about that bit).

(i was going to suggest one of the curious inventor 'Voice of Saturn" modules here, but it appears they are downsizing and have discontinued them ...  although they are based on a classic design...  which reminds me...

google "atari punk console".  it uses a great IC to learn about

i honestly do think the midibox stuff is a little heavy for a beginning...  same with the x0x or another big device which requires tuning or programming of some sort...

if i had everything to do over again, i would have skipped circuit bending as a learning tool and learned solely on building modular synthesizers (which came after CB for me).  avoid building VCOs or things you need to tune at first, and there are tons of easy modular kits out there.  and, each one goes towards your modular system

there are plenty out there, i'd suggest eurorack format because its becoming the new standard it seems...

/just my 2 cents/

edit :  also, curiousinventor.com and sparkfun.com have some GREAT tutorials on beginning soldering (including surface mount work) and basic electronics theory.  should help...

Most of the things I know about electronics I've learned directly for other people and from experience.

So I can't really point you towards any good books or guides.

They do exist and google search is a useful tool.

But I would really like to help, if you ever need advice or help on a specific project or problem just send me a PM and I'll do whatever I can to help.

There are tons of tutorials online about circuit-bending.

Circuit-bending is mostly lots of its trial and error so you don't need to know much about electronics other than how to avoid electrocuting yourself to death.

I would recommend going to your local thrift store for battery operated toys.

Toys that make noise like toy keyboards, megaphones, furbys, and baby toys are a good place to start.

Then all you need is a few tools and basic electronic components like wire, alligator clips, solder, and a soldering iron.

You can salvage most of the other electronic components like potentiometer, resistors, capacitors, LEDs, and switches from broken electronics.

You might also want to learn how to use a multimeter, you can learn this online as well.

If you get good a circuit bending you can progress onto guitar effects pedal modding.

But you can also modify other electronics as your skills improve.

I've added LEDs to all my PS3 controller's PS buttons and I've modified pretty much every guitar effects pedal and guitar amplifier that I've ever owned.

Tube amp modding, building, or restoration would probably be the next step or you can just get creative and do whatever project you feel most passionately about.

Guitar amps are dangerous and they can electrocute you to death even when there not plugged, dangerous amounts of current can stay stored in their large capacitors so I would stay away from guitar amps until you learn more about them.

I took a digital electronics class in high school and I've always been fascinated with electronics since I was kid.

Never stop researching, learning, improving your skills, and always be creative.

Good Luck!

http://www.ucapps.de/