This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 at 6:11 pm and is filed under Guitar Picks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
31/08/2011
A gemstone guitar pick may seem like a luxury, but tonally stone guitar picks are just as different as nylon and metal picks. Typically semi-precious stones are not exorbitantly priced, compared to more valuable jewels, but they will cost around thirty to fifty times as much as the standard nylon or plastic guitar picks. So is the price worth it?
Figure 1 - Agate Stone Plectrum
To many guitarists, the answer is a resounding yes! Not only are they longer-lasting, easy gripping, and better sounding; they are also very appealing items to own.
Those who have used stone picks often prefer the crisp tone – more defined even than even metal picks. Common materials used are Agate, Jasper, Jade and Turquioise; all highly polished.
2.5mm Shrinkwood Stone Guitar Picks Texas petrified wood agate We Ship Fast!
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While the picks are indeed much more durable- they won’t harm guitar strings. Thanks to finely smoothed edges, stone picks should be just as safe as plastic picks to use- given you bought them from a store, and haven’t decided to use your rock collection as picks. Needless to say, you might not get any use out of using your wedding ring either- sorry, guys.
Essentially, stone picks give a unique tone because of a few characteristics such as density, flexibility, and durability. Imagine striking a large bell with a plastic hammer- it will be much different than striking the same bell with a rock. From this example, many different specialty stores have started to sell such picks as a new way to control precise tones. Interestingly, plastic will absorb part of the tone when struck against a string- while stone will not.
Figure 2 - Black Brasilian Stone Pick
Gemstone picks will last a very long time, and offer good grip control- even more so than Tortex picks. The only problem with a gemstone pick is losing it. If you are like most guitar enthusiasts, losing picks around the room or house- even in pockets- can be a common nuisance. With single picks costing upwards of around $30 each, there is obviously a need to reform old habits. In fact, some companies will try and tell you that a stone guitar pick is the last one you will ever need to buy. While this is indeed possible, it is much more likely it will be lost long before it breaks.
If you are indeed looking to acquire a stone pick, you will most likely have to go on-line, or visit a rather large music retail shop. They are much harder to find than the dozens of boxes of plastic, nylon, and metal picks littering musician shops. While $30 may seem a little high, the “cool” factor gained through bragging to friends and fellow musicians is sometimes well worth the money, and extra tonal clarity can be priceless. Different shapes, gems, translucencies, and sizes can all be crafted from many types of stones – as well as customizations and extra gripping features. If you are looking for extra tonal clarity, this could be a good upgrade to your collection.
2.5mm Waterlines Agate stone Guitar Picks Round Mountain Arizona rock jazz | US $19.00 End Date: Monday Feb-06-2012 15:59:33 PST Buy It Now for only: US $19.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
May 29th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
I like the idea of a stone pick. The concepts behind the crispness of tone seem reasonable and it would be great to show off. My only problem is the one mentioned above, I lose picks all the time. I have heard that where ever you go, there a spider with in 7 feet of you. In my house every where you go there is a guitar pick with in six inches of you.
The Digital Guitar
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I like this idea too but I wonder if having a gemstone pick won’t affect the sound of the guitar as you play it. Though it looked like this piece for a guitar would last long to keep.
June 11th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
I have come across lots and lots of stone picks in my life. I have never really found one that is worth actually using. Also very impractical since it may damage your guitar, and if lost they are too costly.
August 5th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
I make stone guitar picks and sell them online for $9.00 each. I believe that every guitar player should own at least one of these beauties, the sound they bring out in any stringed instrument is truly amazing and they look fantastic! I can drill holes in them and put them on a chain with a special clasp that allows them to be easily released and played, this is a great alternative to losing your pick or breaking it while carrying it in your pocket.
Stop by my website and have a look at the wonderful selection of stone picks available….www.picksofstone.com.
Have a great day, hope to see you soon!
Pam