Hello from your forum noob. I was glad to find this forum from my searching efforts.

Anywho, I have a couple of quick directional questions. So if these are covered elsewhere, please forgive a forum noob.

1. I have a Crate GX30M that crackles intermitently. My main guitar is a Ibanez RG series. The crackle happens on the clean channel.  I have the reverb on but on 3 or 4.  I think I bought it in 1990 or 1991. I know the amp is not worth much but I would like to see if I can repair it before I invest in another amp. Where should I start?

2. Is this book: The Complete Guide to Guitar and Amp Maintenance: A Practical Manual for Every Guitar Player any good for troubleshooting? Would any of you reccomend one that is better?

Thanks in advance!