Sunday, March 16, 2014

Mike Godfrey Tattoo Machine Review

Mike Godfrey "Pusher" B&G Shader


Theres a saying..."The tools make the man." Meaning when a man has the proper tools, he can create. 
In this case, the man makes the tools. Thee man. 
A machine that is made by Mike Godfrey is definitely a proper tool.

Im pretty sure I first heard about Mike from Jeff Gogue, who is one of my tattoo heros. I had seen a video of him tattooing with a Mike Godfrey tattoo machine, and at the time I was trying to decide which builder to buy my next machine from. Well, I guess I found my answer. 
In the video Gogue was using a "Pusher" style frame, like one above. I loved the shape of it and thats what I ended up ordering. I emailed Mike telling him I wanted a black and grey/color blending machine. I left the color of the frame up to him. He was super pleasant to deal with over email. He built and mailed out the machine super fast. And he even sent it in a rad little canvas drawstring bag. I love little drawstring bags, they make me feel like a wizard. 

I love this machine, I use it almost every day. Its built to last. Its a nice and solid construction that runs super smooth. Before this machine, I was using a shader from Electric Soul Tattoo Machines, which is a great machine as well, but theres a big difference in the way the machines run. Of course each machine will run differently, no two are built exactly the same. The EST machine feels a bit lighter, and hits a bit lighter. It almost has a "tinny" feel and sound to it. My new Mike Godfrey machine feels like it has a much more solid hit. I can get super smooth blends and grey shading from it, and it still feels and sounds like a more solid and sturdy machine. I use a lot of 11 and 15 mags and this machine pushes them with ease. 

I started experimenting with rotaries a bit, and for long sessions it is nice to have a machine that weighs practically nothing. But I still prefer to feel the machine in my hand. Its nice when a machine has a little weight to it, and you know the needle is making a solid hit on the skin. Thats what I feel with this Mike Godfrey machine. Its not too heavy to the point where its straining, its a comfortable weight and feel. 

I definitely intend on buying another machine from Mike Godfrey. He delivered exactly what I needed, and at a fair price at just around $400. Some people argue that builders charge far too much, but I absolutely do not mind paying for quality. I am looking to purchase another color packer and I think Mike might be the guy. 

If any of you guys have ever used any of his Machines I'd love to hear what you think!!

Thanks for reading!!

Check out his site and contact him for a machine!!