MK-ULTRA Custom Head

Our compact MK-ULTRA heads are now being offered as completely custom amplifiers at 15w, 35w or 50w with various preamps and power amps available to elegantly suit the taste of the customer. From a high gain front end like that of a 'Wreck driving a pair or EL34s to quintessential British '68 spec Super Lead amplifier driving a pair or 6V6s or vice versa, we will build it just as you want. It doesn't stop there. How about the JTM45 preamp driving a pair of 6F6Gs for 19w or a tweed Super preamp driving EL34s? Perhaps big, bold, loud and clean from a pair of 6L6GCs being driven by a blackface style preamp for 50w? We will build it exactly as you'd like!
 
Tolex and grille cloth are 100% custom! Choose the options you would like and add associated reference # or name in the notes at checkout. Please note that once ordered, options chosen cannot
 be changed. Use these links for references to materials:
 
Tolex
Grille
 
The control layout for these amps is simple: Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass and Accent (Presence). Additionally, there are two switches (Bright & Deep) that expand versatility relative to the circuits that incorporate them. From subtle top end shimmer to massive midrange boost, you will find the Bright switch is an exponentially important feature on these amps. Our Deep switch, in addition to adding low end and low mids, can add significant gain depending on the circuit. It is always based on the overall character of the preamp and the desired result. This simple layout offers surprising variability of available tones.
 
When it comes to components, we use various new and vintage (NOS) coupling capacitors as well as various new production electrolytic filter capacitors. These days, we often use our custom spec transformers, but occasionally use offerings from Hammond, Heyboer and Mercury Magnetics. Transformers are the most important components respectively and we pride ourselves in pairing particular circuits with what we like best about particular transformers. Our choice of power transformers always comes down to the desired end result. Lower voltages and lower headroom tend to be the desired result and additionally, tubes tend to last longer.
 
A note on our custom transformers: "We designed our large output transformers specifically for this series of amps and they have made their way into other builds of ours with excellent results. A superior output transformer cannot be overlooked. It is the soul of the amplifier. Ours are made by Pacific Transformer in Anaheim, California."
 
NOTICE: Marked as "In Stock" with a lead time. As each unit is completely custom, lead times will vary, depending on desired specs and availability of some custom spec'd parts and build time of cabs.
 
Power options include, but are not limited to, with up charges added respectively:
 
15w
35w (add $200)
50w (add $300)
 
Most MK-ULTRA heads will come with 4, 8 and 16 ohm output jacks but some specific circuits, in conjunction with various output transformers, may be more limited. Ultimately, it will be resolved with the customer what the desired taps should be referenced against the specs of the unit used.
 
Overall, the dynamic ability of our MK-ULTRA should be experienced firsthand. We strive for strong dynamics along with complex harmonics. Well rounded response, character and bloom all receive high marks from this series of amps. We look forward to getting you into your custom MK-ULTRA!