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Martin Pintos (MPP): Precision as a signature

Posted by Solutat · Builder Profile

Martin Pintos is a tattoo artist before being a builder. Specializing in traditional tattooing, he has been making his own machines under the MPP brand for several years. What is striking about his work is a constant pursuit of precision: at MPP, a new machine is never a fad, but the result of technical reflection and years of testing.

Photo credit: MPP — Martin Pintos

A tattoo artist before being a builder

Like many recognized builders, Martin Pintos is first a tattoo artist. His universe is anchored in Traditional Tattoo — Old School —, a style that forgives nothing: bold lines, perfect regularity, and machines with consistent performance.

It is this everyday demand that guides his approach to design. His machines are not conceived behind a desk, but developed from what he encounters in the studio. Every improvement responds to a real use.

Photo credit: MPP — Martin Pintos

It all starts in the workshop

On February 12, 2018, Martin published a post that marked a milestone in his journey: after all this time, he could finally begin assembling his machines, and opened reservations one by one. Just a few lines, but they said it all—the hours spent designing, testing, modifying, and perfecting before offering anything to other tattoo artists.

At that time, every machine was released in very small quantities, almost like a custom-made workshop piece. This philosophy has remained at the heart of MPP.

Photo credit: MPP — Martin Pintos

Improve, rather than replace

This is perhaps the most interesting aspect of their work. While some brands renew their catalog every year, MPP evolves its models step by step. The goal is not to release one machine a year, but to improve the one that already exists: less vibration, better weight distribution, ergonomics, stability, versatility.

Each version brings concrete improvements, born from several years of experience. The Liner 6.0 is a good example: more comfort, better balance, and greater versatility, without losing the feel that made previous generations famous.

Photo credit: MPP — Martin Pintos

Attention to detail is evident right down to the finishes—that is where a large part of a builder's reputation is made.

Photo credit: MPP — Martin Pintos

Handmade craftsmanship

All MPP machines are handcrafted in small batches. This allows Martin to keep a hand on every step and stay true to his vision of the equipment. More than just a manufacturer, he maintains a direct relationship with the artists who use his machines: he listens to feedback, makes adjustments, and starts over.

In an industry where manufacturing is taking up more and more space, this approach remains rare — and sought-after. Its machines are also compact and lightweight, as seen when they fit in the palm of a hand.

Photo credit: MPP — Martin Pintos

An expanding range

MPP is not limited to a single model. Alongside its rotary machines, Martin offers different formats—such as the pen-style Mudra—and creates custom pieces, all the way to themed editions. Cord, box, finishes: everything is handled with the same spirit of care.

Photo credit: MPP — Martin Pintos

Why We're Talking About It at Solutat

Martin Pintos is not among the most publicized builders. Yet, his work is recognized by tattoo artists looking for carefully crafted machines, built to last, and developed above all for the trade.

His journey illustrates an idea often found among independent builders: the best machines aren’t born out of a marketing strategy, but from years spent tinkering, testing, modifying, and starting over. That’s exactly what Solutat loves to document—artisanal craftsmanship, spotted before it becomes the norm.