[sdiy] questions from a beginner

[bmc at email.arizona.edu]

hi, i'm new to all this so pardon me if i sound like a moron...
 i'm just wondering if anyone can point me in the direction of some good
(accurate) circuit designs. i have a library copy of barry klein's 'electronic
music circuits' but i've read that there are flaws in some of the circuit
designs. any other recomendations? also, white price range should i be looking
at for a reliable soddering iron? all of the books i have are a little out
of date on the subject (mid-eighties). and, finally, where do you guys get
your control panels, how do you mark them, and are they made out of aluminum?
that's it. thanks in advance!

-bc