Our Story

The Inspiritone Pickup optimization process was invented by Mike Shaw. Mike’s greatest passion is TONE! 

A Higher Standard in Sound

In 2017, combining everything that he had learned studying physics at university, working for a decade and a half as a sound engineer on large format (IMAX) and special venue films, as well as professionally repairing tube amplifiers over the previous two decades, Mike turned his focus entirely towards creating the best guitar and bass tube amps he could devise - MasterKey Amplifiers.

MasterKey Amplifiers are completely original vacuum tube designs.  Although respecting many of the traditions of tube amp theory, these amps discard a number of flawed design conventions.  This pushes his amps as close as possible to the theoretical limits of perfect performance. The results are amps of breathtaking speed, soundstage detail, touch sensitivity, harmonic content and just plain SOUL! 

The Inspiration Behind Inspiritone

During the development of these amps, it became clear that there was a huge difference between a good vintage pickup and a good modern (Less than about 40 years old) pickup. As a side project, Mike set himself the challenge of figuring out what happens to a pickup that makes it sound better as it ages. Early failures to make any progress turned a personal challenge into an obsession and eventually the prototype Inspiritone Process was born. Years more of refinement for each pickup type led to the Patent Pending process as it exists today. What started off as an attempt make new pickups sound old, resulted in pickups that are truly unparalleled in both feel and tone. 

What is the Inspiritone Process?

The Inspiritone Process (patent pending) draws from careful experimentation and years of experience. Drawing from a technical background in physics, sound engineering, tube amplifier design, and personal experience as a musician, Mike pushes each pickup to its optimal tone.  Given this is a new process and the patents are pending, we are unable to disclose anything further at this time.   

Mike's Commitment

Whether through MasterKey Amplifiers or Inspiritone, Mike’s only goal has been to create ways for players to flow easily into that place of inspiration and pure playing JOY. 

Discover how Inspiritone can elevate your guitar playing experience.