Mike Morin Custom Handwired Tube Guitar Preamp (Ultra Rare – rumored to be 18 Made Worldwide) – Excellent Condition

Up for sale is an exceedingly rare, point-to-point, handwired Mike Morin tube preamp, built in the late ’80s/early ’90s. Only 18–20 units were ever made, with most residing in major studios and artist collections. These rarely surface for sale, and for good reason—Morin’s work is legendary in Los Angeles studio circles and has shaped the sound of countless platinum rock/metal albums over the past 30+ years.

This unit is in excellent condition, fully functional, with no issues.

This particular unit was built for John Tapella and has been part of my personal collection.  I have contacted John who has confirmed that it was built for him.

Out of the Morin preamps I’ve owned, this was the one I wanted to keep — it stood out as the best sounding example.

Only selling now as I am downsizing my collection.

 About Mike Morin & His Sound

Mike Morin is considered one of the most secretive and respected amp techs in the LA music industry. His amps and preamps have been used on major releases by:

• Jay Baumgardner (Evanescence, Papa Roach, Alien Ant Farm)
• Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Good Charlotte, Lit)
• Ross Hogarth (Coal Chamber, DevilDriver)
• Josh Abraham (Static-X, Staind, Velvet Revolver)
• Bryan Carlstrom (Alice in Chains, Anthrax, Rob Zombie)
• Amir Derakh (Orgy, Julien-K, Spineshank)

Artists associated with Morin gear include XYZ (Same preamp used on the album Hungry by Marc Diglio), Velvet Revolver, Linkin Park, Strapping Young Lad, Staind, Chris Poland, George Lynch, and many others.

These preamps are often described as the best-kept gain secret in LA.

Tone & Performance

The circuit is a high-voltage, all-tube, heavily modded Marshall-inspired design capable of everything from:

• Authentic Plexi/JCM 800 grind
• Modern tight high-gain rock/metal
• Saturated Soldano/Mesa-style lead tones
• Smooth, articulate high-gain without needing a boost

This preamp famously competes with CAE 3+, Soldano X88R, and Mesa Studio Preamp units in direct A/B comparisons.

It delivers one of the most “amp-like” feel and response experiences available in a rack preamp.

Features & Controls

Tube Complement: Four 12AX7 tubes

Interactive Gain Staging (Push/Pull):

• Gain (push/pull): Adds edge/clarity when pulled, reduces distortion
• Preamp Volume / Pre-Gain 2 (push/pull): Tightens low end when pulled, reduces gain for vintage clarity
• Bass & Treble (push/pull): Shifts frequency centers upward when engaged

Additional Controls:

• Bright switch:
• Up = classic Marshall bite
• Down = smoother/fatter tone
• Rear “Grind” / Frequency knob: Six-position midrange shaping
• Middle control
• Anodized aluminum chassis with chassis-mounted hardware

Tone Range Examples:

• Both gain knobs pulled: vintage refined JCM 800
• Gain in + Preamp pulled: tight, articulate modern Marshall mod
• Both pushed in: huge, saturated high-gain with clarity and punch

Condition & Service

• Excellent working condition
• 117VAC Power cable and a 240VAC converter included if need be

This is one of the rarest and most sought-after boutique preamps in existence. Mike has no plans to build more, and originals have not been produced in decades. They almost never appear on the open market.