DeathCap Amplification

Boutique Guitar & Bass Vacuum Tube Amps

About

DeathCap Amplification is a sole-operated boutique guitar & bass vacuum tube amp adventure for expanding the boundaries of tube amp tone. Based out of Baltimore, Maryland USA, Mike Knauer began this journey in 2017. From antique radio-to-guitar amp repurposing to high-gain monster amps and lots of other cool stuff in between, DeathCap builds custom hand-wired vacuum tube amplifiers, preamps, power amps, and other gear for serious tone-loving musicians.

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Available Amps

Please contact me if you are looking for a specific amp model or a custom amp build.

Amps Made on Request

The Amps

From Radio Amps, to Modern & High Gain, to Preamps, and Experimental (R&D).

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How To Tutorials

I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned, and new educational videos will continue to roll out, so stay tuned for more.

Tutorials

Artists & Studios

Artists, studios, and shops that use DeathCap Amplification

Artists

Gerry Leonard (David Bowie, Suzanne Vega)
Mark Davison (Nuke The Soup)
Domenic Romeo (Integrity, etc.)
Marc Emert-Hutner (Sugartooth)

Studios & Shops

Landmine Studios (NJ – Len Carmichael)
Viva Studio (VA)
Ryan Fowler’s Guitar Experience (MD)

Photo Gallery

Testimonials

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Great communication and even provided tips on packing and shipping!

– Chris K. –

Amazing amplifier built by an awesome individual. A+ customer service and communication. One of the best Reverb experiences I've had to date. Mike is the man!!!

– Anthony J. –

Simply a fantastic amp build in a really unique case. I can’t speak highly enough of my experience with Mike. The amp was packaged with care and shipped very quickly. He’s very responsive and easy to work with. The amp itself is killer. A really high quality build from a high quality builder. I look forward to buying from him again soon.

– David H. –

Excellent communicator, responsive to questions, and extremely proficient in taking care of the customer. A real pro. The service and item purchased exceeded my expectations!

– Don B. –

Another high quality product from a high quality builder. Impressive. Thanks again, Ron

– Ron S. –

The amp sounds great through a 4x12 cab and was packaged way beyond the best quality anyone will ever see. Seriously impressive . Excellent communication and the amp arrived right on time and in tact. Perfect, thanks.