Exploring Guitar Picks Before Plastic: A Historical Journey

Introduction

The invention of plastic brought about significant changes in the world of guitar picks. However, before plastic revolutionized the industry, guitarists relied on a variety of materials for their picks. This article delves into the rich history of guitar picks, focusing on materials used before the widespread adoption of plastic.

Early Materials for Guitar Picks

Before the advent of plastic, guitarists turned to natural materials for their picks. From bone to tortoise shell, these materials offered unique characteristics to the sound and feel of playing guitar. Several common materials include:

Stone Wood Bone (animal and human) Ivory Feather quills Tortoise shell Hard leather (from old shoe soles) Celluloid (a precursor to modern plastics)

Stone Picks: Ancient guitar-like instruments were often played with a sharp stone, allowing for a distinct and sometimes harsh sound. These picks are incredibly rare today but provide an interesting glimpse into the evolution of guitar playing techniques.

Wood Picks: Wood picks were another common material, though they often fell short in providing the necessary durability and grip. They were commonly carved using simple tools, and their sound echoed that of the materials from which they were made.

Bone Picks: Both animal and human bone were utilized as picks. Animal bone, particularly from buffalo or deer, offered a good balance between durability and comfort. Human bone, while less practical (and more ethical) today, was sometimes used in ancient times. This material provided a characteristic sound and texture that many guitarists appreciated.

Specialized Picks: Tortoise Shell and Leather

Tortoise Shell Picks: In the late 19th century, John Farris patented the first tortoise shell picks made from the Atlantic Hawksbill Sea Turtle. Due to its durability and the unique sound it produced, tortoise shell became a popular choice among guitarists. However, concerns over turtle conservation led to the ban on importing tortoise shell in many countries.

Leather Picks: Leather picks, typically made from old shoe soles, were favored by players of larger string instruments like certain compositions of the balalaika family. These picks offered a firm grip and a distinct, warm sound. Many modern players still prefer this material for its durability and the character it imparts to their playing.

Celluloid Picks: Celluloid, a material derived from processed wood and cotton, was one of the first modern plastics to be used for guitar picks. It provided a balance of durability and flexibility, making it a popular choice in the early 20th century. However, even celluloid had its limitations, and the sound produced by celluloid picks was often described as not as warm as bone or natural materials.

Scratch Plectrums and Other Materials

For a time, even before plastic picks became mainstream, there were still variations in pick materials. Early guitarists might have used:

Stone chips Coin materials Sea shells Glass Wood chips Other hard materials readily available, like metal or coins.

Scratch Plectrums: In certain genres, such as country blues, guitarists might have preferred to play without picks. Instead, they would use their thumbs to handle the bass strings and fingers for the higher strings, creating a unique and characterful sound.

Modern Usage: Today, many guitarists still appreciate the natural sounds and textures produced by these historical materials. Leather picks are particularly favored for their warmth and durability, while bone and tortoise shell picks offer a unique sound that many guitarists find irreplaceable.

Conclusion

From simple stone tools to the sophisticated plastics of today, the history of guitar picks is a fascinating journey. While plastic has revolutionized the industry with its durability and cost-effectiveness, the allure of natural materials remains. Whether you're a collector or a player who appreciates the unique character of traditional materials, there's a rich history behind every guitar pick you might choose.