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Ivory Picks F.A.Q. compiled by the pick-maker

Q:  How much do your picks cost?
A:  My prices range from $21 to $45 per pick (with no engraving), depending on size and thickness of ivory used.  I can give more specific details if you write and let me know what you have in mind.

Q:  Why would I want an expensive handmade elephant ivory pick?
A:  To get the maximum tone out of your instrument. nbsp; Ivory is much denser than any synthetic pick material.   Just how much did you spend on that beloved mando or guitar, anyway?   Well, I’m not prying, but whether it cost you $30,000 or $300, why would you be satisfied with the sound generated by little 25-cent pieces of plastic?   To me, that makes as little sense as trying to play my lovely handmade viola with a $25 student bow made of fiberglass, with fake horsehair.

Q:  How and why did you start making your ivory picks?
A:  When I started playing the mandola, I bought and tried all kinds of picks and was convinced there had to be something better out there than the store-bought commercial ones, which all seemed to need modification, but still left me frustrated.   I began experimenting with different kinds of ivory, and elephant ivory was what did it for me.   My first few dozen picks were for my own use and for friends, who told me they were really special and that I should consider marketing them.

Q:  Can I order a pick from outside the U.S.?
A:  I’m sorry, but no.   U.S. laws are pretty strict that elephant ivory may only be shipped within the US borders, and I don’t want to get in trouble.

Q:  How long does it take to get my pick from the time I order it?
A:  If I have the one(s) you want in stock, it will go out the next business day after receiving your payment.   If not, my lead time between April and November is a couple of days at most.   Between November and April, however, it might be as much as a week or two, depending on my other work (I’m a gigging free-lance musician with a very “seasonal” schedule!)   Any concerns,
just ask!

Q:   Do you do any custom work?
A:  Yes, I can make picks to your specifications, or copy a favorite pick of yours.   I can also add an engraved design or personalization - just ask me for an estimate!

Q:  Do you take wholesale orders?
A.  Most definitely not.  Each of my picks is individually handcrafted from beginning to end, with strict attention to each detail, by me alone.   I take personal interest and pride in every pick I create.   Picks of this quality cannot be cheaply mass-produced.

Q:  How do I pay for my order?
A:  Two options:  1. Paypal (from a cash account or checking account only, please.  I can’t take credit cards with my personal Paypal account, and those will be denied if received).  2.  A U.S. Postal Money Order (from your local Post Office).  Please e-mail me for my personal contact information, as I don’t want to post it on the Web.

Q:  Where do you get your ivory?  How do you know for sure that it is legal?  
A:   I make the very smallest teardrop and classical picks from antique ivory piano keytops that I’ve saved.   To make heftier picks, I bought a quantity of pre-ban ivory slices from a reputable high-profile dealer and craftsman who would be risking his entire livelihood if he wasn’t entirely on the up-and-up.  With each purchase, he provided me with detailed information about the tusk from which he personally cut it.  This included the country of origin, date of importation, and federal I.D. number.  Some of that material still remains in my “stash”, and I’ve also acquired some antique ivory specimens from a friend who inherited it many years ago and had no use for it.   So I’m pretty well set up for the forseeable future!

Q:  I have (or my brother, uncle, grandma, etc. has) an old elephant tusk that’s been sitting in the (garage, attic, basement, etc.) for eons, collecting dust.  
Wanna buy it?
A:  No, thanks!  See the previous answer!

Q:  Do you make picks from other kinds of ivory?  
A:  No, because in my opinion, elephant ivory is the best there is in terms of both tone and durability.  I’ve tried other kinds, including mammoth and fossilized walrus, but they just didn’t impress me as much.  They might look beautiful, but we’re talking about the best value for drawing the best tone for the longest time from your finest instrument.  And I have very “picky” standards!

Q:  How about Tortoise Shell?  (Nudge nudge, wink wink.)
A:   How about it, indeed?  I have heard that it makes great sounding, but also highly illegal picks, and that the dust from it is quite toxic to work around.   I want to be free and healthy for a long time to come, so I think I’ll stick with elephant ivory, thank you!

Any more questions?   Use the e-mail form and drop us a line!   Thanks!