About Surrey Audio Works
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Surrey Audio Works is an independent workshop specialising in the service, repair and restoration of valve guitar amplifiers, with a particular focus on vintage and classic designs.
The aim is simple: to repair amplifiers properly — safely, carefully, and with long-term reliability in mind.
Over the years, I’ve seen too many good amplifiers damaged by rushed diagnosis, unsafe working practices, or repairs carried out without a full understanding of how valve circuits behave. Surrey Audio Works exists to offer a more considered approach.
Valve Amplifiers: Old and New
​Valve guitar amplifiers, whether vintage or modern, are high-voltage electrical devices.
They demand respect, accurate diagnosis, and a clear understanding of both electronics and electrical safety.
Alongside vintage and classic amplifiers, I regularly service and repair modern valve amps, including current-production models, reissues, and workhorse gigging amplifiers such as Fender Hot Rods, Blues Juniors and modern Marshall designs.
While modern amplifiers often introduce denser PCB layouts and cost-driven component choices, the underlying principles remain the same. Each amplifier is assessed on its own terms, using the same careful, methodical approach regardless of age.
A Focus on Vintage and Classic Designs
​Vintage valve amplifiers present additional challenges — ageing components, obsolete parts, undocumented modifications, and sometimes decades of previous repair work of varying quality.
They also carry:
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musical significance
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financial value
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and often personal or historical importance
This is where careful diagnosis, sympathetic repair, and respect for original design matter. My work increasingly focuses on vintage amplifiers, ensuring that safety and reliability are improved without sacrificing the tone and character that make these amplifiers special.
Training, Qualifications & Technical Background
​My approach is shaped by a combination of hands-on repair experience and formal technical training.
I hold a BTEC HND in Musical Instrument Electronics, which included dedicated study of valve amplifier theory and design. This covered the behaviour, limitations and safe operation of thermionic (valve) circuits, and I was awarded a distinction in the Thermionics module. It beats learning from YouTube!
In addition, I hold City & Guilds 2391 – Inspection and Testing, a professional electrical qualification focused on fault diagnosis, verification, and safe working practices.
This background informs every aspect of the work carried out at Surrey Audio Works — particularly when dealing with high-voltage equipment, ageing insulation, grounding, and safety-critical components.
What This Means for Customers
​In practice, this means:
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Faults are properly diagnosed, not guessed
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Safety-critical issues are identified and explained clearly
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Repairs are carried out with reliability and longevity in mind
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Original tone and circuit intent are respected
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Work is explained in plain language, without pressure or jargon
Not every amplifier needs extensive work, and not every component needs replacing. You’ll always be told:
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what must be done
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what is recommended
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and what can reasonably be left alone
Independent, Appointment-Only Workshop
Surrey Audio Works operates as an independent, appointment-only workshop based in Ottershaw, Surrey. Operating on a waiting list system, mwhich allows the time needed for proper diagnosis, testing, and verification — rather than rushing work due to fixed deadlines.
I work with musicians, studios, collectors and enthusiasts across Surrey, London and the South East.
If You’re Considering Having Work Done
​Whether your amplifier is a modern gigging workhorse or a cherished vintage piece (or both), it will be treated with care and professionalism - that’s a responsibility I take very seriously.
Your amplifier will be in safe hands.
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Please use the contact form to begin discussion about your amp.