Stadler Picks ... the missing link

All my plectrums sold in this shop are individually made in Berlin, Germany from specially selected Water Buffalo Horn (Rams and Ox horn are only available for custom orders). Each pick is designed on the computer to provide exceptional ergonomics and individually hand-finished to offer superior tonal qualities, ultimate playing 'feel' and longest life. Whereas the computer and CNC machine are used to generate precise blanks this is only a starting point in working with this difficult material. 80% of the production time is of each pick is done by hand taking into account the specifics of each individual piece of horn.

Traditional picks are 2D … meaning they are completely flat and so only 3 parameters change from pick to pick: shape, thickness and material.

All of my picks are 3D … in addition to providing better grip and control of the pick (the less you have to pinch your fingers to hold the pick in place the more relaxed your wrist will be), the 3rd dimension gives me many additional parameters to tailor the guitar picks to a specific feel, and tune the playing characteristics and dynamics response of the overall pick much more precisely. With 3D contoured bodies, very subtle static variations are possible and the bending response of the pick can be altered to provide the right amount of stiffness or flexibility at any given point of the pick. This allows me to control how and where the pick bends, to improve the grip and control the shape profile and hardness of the edge independently from the overall pick feel. My plectrums are engineered from natural materials to provide what a great guitar pick should have in my opinion:

• superior grip and feel
• precise control
• clean sound
• enhanced speed
• durability

Contrary to most horn picks available elsewhere i strive to make 'normal' player picks, trying to emulate the feel of the plectrums most players use, not huge chunky specialist things. Most great players, wether professional or not, tend to use picks that are just on the verge of flexibility and stiffness, with a thickness of around 1mm upwards. Most intermediate players prefer a bit softer picks, with 'medium' gauge anywhere from 0.5mm to 1mm. So i strive to make picks that are similar in gauge/feel to what most players really want to play instead of making the picks thick and chunky so they're easier and cheaper to make.

The horn I use is 100% natural and no chemicals are used in the manufacturing and finishing process. Only the best quality horn cut from the solid part is used and not the flattened plates which are most commonly used to make horn plectrums. Solid, unflattened horn has a much more natural and lively response and sound and does not deform or break so easily. Of course no animals are harmed for their horn. picks are individually hand made out of the tip of the horns of the Water Buffalo, a rural domestic farm and dairy animal at home in the rice fields of Southeast Asia. Good horn is old horn so the horn is only collected once the animal has lived its natural life.

Horn being a natural material the color and texture of the horn can vary a lot from one piece of horn to another. Wherever possible you will receive a piece that will have the same material and playing characteristics but the color and texture might vary from the picture in the shop.

Since each pick is made individually, all the picks on offer can of course be ordered in any number of different sizes, thickness, edge profiles and tip shapes. If you can't find what you are looking for in the shop don't hesitate to get in touch.

I hope you enjoy shopping here and come check back often.

To find out a bit more about my products you can also visit my website.