Guitar & Amp Tech Spotlight: Dave Barlow of Dave Barlow Guitar

We’re honoured to shine a light on Dave Barlow Guitar, a Surrey-based workshop known for its practical expertise, honest advice and dedicated support for guitarists and musicians. Behind the name is Dave Barlow, a guitarist, guitar tech and amp repair specialist whose life has been deeply connected to music for more than three decades.

Based in Long Ditton, Surbiton, Dave works with guitarists across Surrey and South London, helping them keep their instruments and amplifiers playing, sounding and performing at their best.

From guitar set-ups, repairs, upgrades and wiring work to amplifier repair and practical guidance for players, Dave brings together hands-on technical knowledge and real-world experience as a working musician.

His background as a guitarist gives him a strong understanding not only of how instruments and amps function, but also of what musicians need when they are practising, recording, rehearsing or performing live.

For adult guitar learners, passionate players and gigging musicians alike, Dave’s work offers a valuable insight into the importance of playability, tone, reliability and proper instrument care.

Stefan: Can you take us back to the beginning?

What first drew you to the guitar, and how did your journey as a musician begin?

Dave: I was 12 and a half years old and I heard the intro to the Rush track Spirit of Radio.

I was a keen listener of all things rock but that’s the guitar part that got me into wanting to learn how to play.

I taught myself to play and joined a band with my school friends, we were pretty bad but it was a start.

Stefan: You have been working in and around music for more than 30 years.

How has that long experience shaped the way you understand guitars, amps and the needs of musicians?

Dave: You meet lots of fellow musicians, and everyone has their own understanding of how they want to convey their musical message.

Each one is unique even though they may be using the same amps, guitars and effects – the end product is always different.

Being able to understand clients’ needs at this level is sometimes tricky but a few carefully worded inquisitive questions usually find the spot.

Stefan: Before becoming known as a guitar and amp tech, you played in various bands and projects.

How did life as a working guitarist influence your technical work?

Dave: I have played in only a few bands as I’m not one to chop and change much but have done various session work and seen what that entails too.

My latest outfit RANSOM has been running for about 11 years, mostly it has been live work as we do about 95 shows a year and not so much in the studio.

Playing live for the last 38 years, I found out quickly that guitar and amps don’t last forever and if you can’t find someone to fix them, or in my case couldn’t afford to pay someone to fix them, you end up trying yourself.

I was a plant and tool mechanic anyway, so how much different could it be?! Yes, I made mistakes, yes, I got a few electric shocks.

I learnt the hard way, but with that gained practical knowledge.

“Dave Barlow and the Music That Drives Him”

Behind every repair is a lifelong musician whose passion for live performance continues to inspire his work, helping guitarists achieve their very best sound.

Stefan: Was there a particular moment when you realised you wanted to move more seriously into guitar and amplifier repair?

Dave: My usual self-employed day job work dried up when my wife was ill around 10 years ago, so I decided to make my hobby of fixing amps and guitars into my day job.

Because I was already doing part time work as a musician my goal was to be completely immersed in the industry and do work I enjoy.

Stefan: Tell us about Dave Barlow Guitar.

How did the workshop come to be, and what was your original vision when you started offering repairs and support to local musicians?

Dave: Dave Barlow Guitar actually started as a YouTube channel, I have around 14,000 subscribers at the moment so not a massive channel, but it ticks over.

On the channel I mostly do videos about guitar pickups, amps, advice on what to buy, strings, wireless units and so on.

Dave Barlow Guitar as a repair business first started when I converted our garden shed/office into my repair workshop, this was out of necessity due to my burgeoning customer base.

Stefan: You are based in Long Ditton, Surbiton, serving Surrey and South London.

What is the local music community like, and what kinds of players do you usually work with?

Dave: I know many of the players in my area, some are learning guitar or playing at home for their own enjoyment and want to make sure their guitar is set up correctly, many are just like me – have some experience and are playing some live gigs on the south London/Surrey circuit.

Plus, I do get a few famous people in.

I won’t name drop them, but surprisingly they are quite down to earth about their gear.

They don’t seem to be obsessive about what cap is in their tone circuit, in their guitar or what make of Valves are in their amps.

I also get bands dropping in while they are on tour, the last visits were some guys from the US (they are quite famous) in their minibus and a guitarist playing at the Royal Albert Hall that night who needed her amp repaired!

“Restoring Performance and Reliability”

Every serviced valve amplifier is carefully tested to deliver dependable performance, clear tone and the reliability that musicians need on stage and in the studio.

Stefan: You offer both guitar and amplifier repairs.

Do you see these as separate skills, or do they naturally go hand in hand for a working guitarist?

Dave: Guitar and amp repair are two different skills, there are some crossovers, but your mindset is the same when approaching both.

Stefan: Many guitarists think first about the guitar itself, but the amplifier plays such a huge role in tone.

What should players understand better about their amps?

Dave: The amp plays a huge role in your sound & I believe this should be the first thing you think about before the guitar.

Sounds backwards, but at the end of the day most people choose a guitar first and then the amp (depending on what level you are at).

If you’re just starting out it matters less – just start playing, worry about sounding and looking good later.

Oh, and bigger and heavier isn’t always better!

Stefan: For adult learners buying their first quality electric guitar, what would you say are the most important things to look for?

Dave: Adults picking up a guitar for the first time need to buy a guitar they feel associated with, in all fairness adults usually have more cash to play with than younger students so I always strongly suggest going with your gut rather than the cheapest on the shelf.

That said you can buy second hand or cheaper guitars that will sound amazing, especially if they are set up properly and you maybe change the pick ups to suit your playing.

Stefan: How important is a professional set-up for a guitarist’s comfort, confidence and progress?

Dave: A pro set up is something many don’t understand the benefits of until they get one.

It changes your approach to playing the guitar, instead of fighting it – you can feel it.

Strings bend easier, notes ring out longer and most importantly it’s much easier to play.

The first few months of learning your guitar is the toughest so you need all the help you can get.

Stefan: What are some common guitar problems that can make playing unnecessarily difficult for beginners and intermediate players?

Dave: The biggest obstacles when you learn to play is trying to run before you can walk, a steady daily practice routine is very important, but most important of all practice the songs you want to play, trying to play on an old but sentimental guitar that really isn’t fit for purpose anymore, the neck being warped or the action set far too high are the most common problems.

That and old strings, I’m talking they haven’t changed in 5 years and they are visibly corroded.

Also many people damage their guitar leads (possibly from tying them in loops or standing on them etc) and then think it’s their guitar or amp that is crackling, not that the guitar lead has broken.

“Dave Barlow and His Passion for Live Performance”

Years of performing live have given Dave Barlow first-hand insight into the sound, reliability and performance that musicians expect from their guitars and amplifiers.

Stefan: Your work includes set-ups, upgrades and wiring repairs.

What kinds of improvements can make the biggest difference to an instrument without necessarily replacing the guitar?

Dave: Improvements on guitars are endless but replacing input jack sockets, wiring or switches that crackle and cut out can make an instrument sound like new again, or for a guitarist who wants a specific sound then changing the pick ups can make a difference.

Changing string gauge to suit the guitar and the sound they want will also make a massive change.

Ultimately your playing technique or skill will define you.

Stefan: When it comes to amplifier repair, what are some warning signs that a player should not ignore?

Dave: If your amp is making any unusual noises such as popping, smoking, smelling like burning, blowing fuses, and has uncontrollable feedback you will need to switch it off straight away and DO NOT switch it back on, call your Amp tech.

Stefan: Are there any amp or electronics issues that guitarists sometimes try to fix themselves but really should leave to a professional?

Dave: Some guitarists swap valves/tubes in amps, this can often be fine but I frequently get amps in for repair where someone has just replaced the valves for the amp to still have the same problem- as it wasn’t the tubes that were faulty but another part of the amp.

It’s really best to get the amp serviced and buy new valves if needed instead.

Other than valves or fuses, most repairs should be referred to your amp tech as many people aren’t aware that there are very high voltages stored in amplifiers if you touch the wrong part, so they can receive a shock even if switched off.

On guitars people do try and change the wiring themselves, but often don’t have good enough soldering equipment or skills and so it doesn’t work.

Stefan: For someone who has never brought a guitar or amp to a technician before, what should they expect from the process?

Dave: To get your guitar or amp fixed it’s usually very straightforward, I take your details and what the issues you are having are.

What string gauge and key you want on your guitar.

I offer a ‘no fix no fee guarantee’ on all amps, so there is no upfront payment or payment for fault finding.

If I can fix it without buying new parts I will do so and send you a link to a video via text showing it playing.

If it needs new parts then I will quote you the price before I repair it.

In some cases with older low to medium priced gear it can be cheaper to buy a new amp, and so you are not charged.

“Precision Behind Every Repair”

Every amplifier repair begins with careful inspection and expert fault diagnosis. Attention to detail at every stage helps restore reliable performance, excellent tone and long-term dependability for musicians.

Stefan: What is one part of guitar or amp repair that people might find surprisingly complex?

Dave: Amp repair is complex, there are a multitude of things that can put your guitar amp out of action, how you approach the fault finding depends on what kind of amp it is and often what people say they were doing when it went wrong.

From Valve amps to modelling amps everything is different, and some are prone to certain issues.

I work closely with amp manufacturers so I can keep up with all the changes.

I have built relationships with leading amp brands such as Blackstar, Orange, Marshall etc and am in contact with their service dept personnel on a regular basis.

One of the most complex areas is that if someone has modified an amp or has a custom built one without schematics then it sometimes can be almost impossible to trace where the fault may be.

Stefan: You also provide rock guitar lessons and advice.

How does teaching connect with your work as a guitar and amp tech?

Dave: I no longer provide rock guitar lessons due to my workload, but teaching taught me how important it is that the instrument sounds its best to start with, as if I can’t get a good sound from it then a newbie certainly won’t, and it will discourage them from learning more thinking they are at fault.

Stefan: Is there a repair, client or musical project that stands out in your memory as especially rewarding, unusual or meaningful?

Dave: There have been many, but I repaired Rick Parfitt’s main amp.

Status Quo was a band that was a big part of my childhood as my mum loved them and he was one of my guitar heroes!

Stefan: What is the most fulfilling part of your day-to-day work?

Dave: To be honest when any amp has been fixed on the bench and it’s now passed all its safety and performance tests, I’m a happy guy.

But it’s great when I have fixed a broken vintage amp and got it working and sounding great again.

Stefan: Conversely, what are some of the most challenging parts of repairing guitars and amplifiers?

Dave: The most challenging parts of my job can be when parts become unavailable, or I’m told it will take 6 months for the company to manufacture new parts! There can be many workarounds but sometimes some things can’t be fixed.

The worst challenge with a customer was someone wanted their vintage amp fixed, I had explained what I needed to do and what new parts they needed.

They agreed but then wanted to sue me as I changed the original parts in it! (although they were kept and handed back separately).

It’s a bit like you can’t get an old car fixed and safe to drive without using new tyres !

Stefan: What simple things can guitarists do at home to take better care of their instruments and amps?

Dave: The best way to take care of your guitar or amp is keep it covered or in a case when not in use, believe me it seems so simple but makes a big difference.

The biggest enemy of a guitar and amp is oxidation, put it away dry in a case, second biggest enemy is transporting your gear, again, always better in a case, there are loads of other things but it’s mostly common sense like don’t put your drink on top of your amp!

Stefan: What advice would you give to someone who is curious about becoming a guitar tech or amp tech?

Dave: If you are thinking of doing some tech work, start with guitars, YouTube is your friend, see if you enjoy that before you progress on to amps.

Just make sure you understand electronics, and especially what parts hold a charge before you touch inside an amp!

Stefan: Finally, what is the best way for someone to get in touch with you, and is there anything exciting currently happening at Dave Barlow Guitar?

Dave: If you need to contact me the best place to start is www.davebarlowguitar.co.uk as all my details are on there.

I have recently become the UK service engineer for BluGuitar amps and have a video coming up soon where I am talking to Thomas Blug himself.

But every day in my workshop is a new and exciting day but in all honesty I’m the same as you guys, I would rather be out there on the stage playing my guitar, but if I can help you to do that as well, I am happy to keep fixing guitars and amps.

Dave, thank you ever so much for offering your time and insight.

It has been a real pleasure learning more about your journey as a guitarist, guitar tech and amp repair specialist.

Your practical experience, technical knowledge and dedication to helping musicians get the best from their instruments and amplifiers are truly admirable.

We are delighted to share your story with our readers at the London Guitar Institute.

Dave Barlow of Dave Barlow Guitar

After teaching himself guitar at twelve, inspired by Rush’s Spirit of Radio, Dave Barlow went on to spend more than 38 years working in music as a guitarist, live performer and experienced technician.
From his workshop in Long Ditton, Surrey, Dave now provides professional guitar set-ups, repairs, amplifier servicing and electronics work for beginners, touring musicians and recognised artists. Through Dave Barlow Guitar, he helps players achieve reliable performance, excellent tone and instruments they can enjoy with confidence.
Discover more at www.davebarlowguitar.co.uk.