Guitar Plectrums
May 29, 2009 picks
Posted by
freddy1955
The first known plectrums for stringed instruments were feather quills. These date back to the Middle Ages and were used for strumming mandolin type instruments.
Tortoiseshell picks, made from the hawksbill turtle, were manufactured in the 1800’s. Tortoiseshell picks can be brittle and break easily and the time and effort to produce such picks is substantial. A more practical alternative was needed.
In 1870, John Wesley Hyatt created the formula for Nitrocellulose. He was trying to win a $10,000 prize by coming up with a substitute for ivory in billiard balls. Celluloid was soon in common use for toys, jewelry, billiard balls and other household items.
Luigi D’Andrea made the first celluloid picks in 1922. Today, D’Andrea Manufacturing is still a major manufacturer of guitar picks and related accessories.
Some folks also collect picks. Pick Collecting Quarterly is one place where you can learn more about collecting guitar picks.
I think most guitar players are rather passionate about their guitar picks, and stick with what they like.
Personally I mostly use Dunlop Ultex guitar picks. They do crack and break after a while, but I just replace them and carry on.
Post a Comment about your favorite brand/style of guitar picks.
September 14th, 2009 at 03:30
[...] Guitar Plectrums [...]
March 21st, 2010 at 13:07
[...] 5 Piece Portable Drum Kit. Littlite 18ghi Bnc Style Hi Intensity Lamp. Korg Dt4 Chromatic Tuner …Guitar Plectrums | Guitar TimeThe first known plectrums for stringed instruments were feather quills. These date back to the [...]