As the sizzling riffs of bluegrass flatpicking echo across festivals, stages, and backyards, the significance of a good pick in a guitarist’s arsenal can’t be overstated. Yet, what many don’t realize is the dark shadow of an antiquated pick material choice—tortoiseshell—and the implications it carries, both legally and ethically.
Tortoiseshell: A Legacy Best Left in the Past
It’s critical to understand that trading anything made of tortoiseshell that isn’t an antique crafted before 1947 is illegal. The conservation laws post World War II were put in place to protect endangered tortoises. Even if you’ve snagged an antique tortoiseshell item, the law prohibits its modification. That antique hairbrush you fancy turning into a pick? Legally, it must remain a brush.
But the legal reasons to eschew tortoiseshell are complemented by practical ones. Authentic tortoiseshell picks can wear away over time, lacking consistency in tone and performance. Enter the game-changer in pick technology: BlueChip.
BlueChip Picks: The Pinnacle of Pick Evolution
As acclaimed by numerous music maestros, BlueChip picks stand as the most harmonious bridge between a musician and their instrument. Their crafted promise is simple: A pick that gets out of your way. No worries about wear, slippage, or a tone that doesn’t resonate with your musical vision.
Meticulously crafted from a top-tier, self-lubricating composite, BlueChip picks offer unmatched tone and speed. Their uniqueness isn’t just in the material but also in their performance. As Roy Curry rightly notes, “More durable than anything I’ve used. It’s super easy to hold and gets a great tone. Blue Chip has delivered.”
But why limit this excellence to guitars and mandolins alone? BlueChip’s banjo thumb pick—created from the same patented material as their flat picks and paired with laser-cut stainless steel—ensures banjo players can also relish these superior picking qualities.
Why BlueChip is the Modern Guitarist’s Choice
- Sustainability and Ethics: Unlike tortoiseshell, no animal is harmed in the creation of a BlueChip pick. Your music can remain harmonious both in sound and in conscience.
- Consistency and Durability: Forget the unpredictable wear of tortoiseshell. With BlueChip, every pick provides a consistently excellent sound, amplified by its self-lubricating properties ensuring an incredibly swift play.
- Versatility for Every Genre: Be it the soulful strains of blues or the upbeat twangs of bluegrass, BlueChip’s diverse catalog offers something for every genre and every player.
- Endorsements from Legends: If the validations from world-renowned musicians like Billy Strings, Brian Sutton, and Roy Curry aren’t enough, Steven Stone from Vintage Guitar Magazine hailed BlueChip as “…an important breakthrough in pick technology.”
In conclusion, while tradition has its place, it’s imperative to evolve with the times, especially when it benefits both our planet and our art. BlueChip isn’t just a pick; it’s a pledge to superior sound, sustainability, and swiftness. As the chords of your next melody rise, let them be powered by the unparalleled brilliance of BlueChip. It’s not just a pick; it’s a revolution. 🎸🎶