Dave Weiner

"I was using the same kind of guitar pick for 9 straight years. I was set. Then, a friend introduced me to a Red Bear pick. Within 5 minutes, I was sold on Red Bear. The advantages are obvious: feel, tone, smooth and authoritative attack and these things last forever. They pretty much gave me a new lease on picking. Red Bears are well worth the price of admission."

Dave Weiner - Solo artist, Steve Vai band, GIT instructor, creator and host of Riff Of The Week - Dave's website, Dave's FaceBook Page, Riff of the Week Big Jazzer Heavy Gauge

---

Guthrie Govan

"In that never-ending quest for tonal contentment, so many of the things we guitarists try (higher action, heavier string gauges etc etc...) have a tendency to make playing more difficult. One of the great things about the Red Bear picks, however, is that they not only improve your tone - they actually make playing easier. Additionally, it rather appeals to my inner hippie that I can now enjoy the distinctive sound of a turtleshell pick without incurring any detriment to the turtle community."

Guthrie's Interview with GPM here in which he states his preference for our picks.


Guthrie Govan Big Jazzer Heavy Gauge

---

"Red Bear Picks are Addictive. I could talk about the warmth and heart and edge of the tone all day, but it really wouldn't matter. You have to hear it on Your guitar, in Your hands. But it sneaks up on you; if you're anything like me, you'll try it and think 'hey! not bad!' Then, for some reason, the next time you pick up a guitar, you think; 'I wonder what that new pick sounds like on this one...' Then the next thing you know, its over, you won't even want to use any other kind of pick other than to A-B the sound to your friends." Visit Ladd's website here.
Ladd Smith - Ladd Smith & The Stillwater String Band, Guitar Player Magazine Guitar Hero '07 Winner

---

Robbie Calvo

“I’ve tried every boutique pick on the market and the Red Bear Picks transfer MY tone... Faithfully... from my fingers to the guitar...check it out at www.robbiecalvoguitar.com”
Robbie Calvo - Guitarist, Studio / Video Classic Extra-Heavy Gauge

---

Rob "Chappers" Chapman

"Red Bear Picks are crisp and bright without any trace of the positional harmonic overtones that I have noticed with other brands.

As a guitarist it is really important that my gear allows me to express myself freely and remains consistent, I have played for extended periods of 6 hours plus with my Red Bear picks and noticed "Zero wear"... it's like some kind of Voodoo Red Bear Witch craft prevents them from wearing down and changing shape, keeping the shape a constant that you can grow used to."
Rob Chapman: British guitarist and singer-songwriter, founder of Chapman Guitars & MonkeyFest

---

Matt Schulze

"The Red Bear Big Jazzer Plus is unquestionable."


Matt Schulze - Actor (Blade, The Fast and the Furious, The Transporter, Fast Five and more) and Guitarist Big Jazzer Plus Medium Gauge

---

Tommy Shaw

"What I love most about the Red Bear C-HVY is it's transparency. You can barely hear a pick on the strings when I play my acoustic guitar and mandolin. Suddenly it's all about the sound of the strings and the instrument itself. It is a fundamentally different sound"
Tommy Shaw - STYX/Damn Yankees/Shaw Blades Tommy's Website Classic Extra-Heavy Gauge with Speed-Bevel and Grips

---

Dweezil Zappa

"Touring my father's music in Zappa Plays Zappa is an incredible challenge. The music requires a deft touch and total commitment to excellence. Some of the parts I've learned to play are intensely difficult. I found something recently that really makes a difference in my ability to execute those hard parts more accurately and with better tone. It's my new secret weapon! An extra heavy hand made pick from Red Bear Trading Company. I could feel the difference in playability and hear the difference in tone instantly. In my tests, I noticed that picks with more mass imparted more bass and generally created a smoother tone. It sounds crazy but it's true. Try it for yourself."
Dweezil Zappa - Award winning musician, inventor and composer Classic Extra-Heavy Gauge with Speed-Bevel and Grips

---

Ede Wright
These picks are soooooo good, it's incredible the tone they impart on the string. At first it seems expensive for a pick but it's actually the least expensive major tone improvement I know of. And when you think about where your tone starts, it's the most important.


Ede Wright - Jazz/Funk Guitarist No. 9 Extra-Heavy pick with Speed-Bevel and grips

---

Ben King

"The Red Bear Big Jazzer guitar pick gives me more confidence to switch between styles of picking I try to incorporate- be it a pick/finger combination, fast alternate picking, sweeping, strumming etc. It's the only pick I use for electric and acoustic, and I suspect things will stay that way. For me, the connection between what I'm putting into the guitar, and what I'm hearing back needs to flow as seamlessly as possible, in order to play and sound my best. These picks have been a vital discovery for me, and are truly a pleasure to use".
Ben King - Yardbirds Guitarist Visit Ben's Website Big Jazzer Heavy Gauge with Standard Bevel and grips

---

Brad Davis

"I love the tone of real tortoise shell picks but I have not used them for about ten years because they always wore out so fast and the edges got chewed up and rough. When I use the double-down-up technique it grinds those tortoise shell picks down real fast. When I was given a Red Bear pick I was skeptical. I told them that I'd have to use it for at least a month before I'd know if it was going to work for me. I loved the tone I was getting with the Red Bear right away, but I had to see if they would hold up. After about five weeks of using the pick I was completely sold. They don't wear like tortoise, yet they have that tortoise tone and feel. It is now my pick of choice."



Brad shows you what a Red Bear pick can do Style C Heavy Gauge pick with Speed-Bevel and Grips




Brad Davis performed onstage with country star Marty Stuart for ten years (1992-2002), performed and recorded with the Sam Bush Band (2002-2004), toured with John Jorgenson's Gypsy Jazz Quintet (2005), and has been a member of Earl Scruggs' Family and Friends band since 2001. He also records and tours with movie actor Billy Bob Thornton's rock & roll band and has embarked on a successful solo career (www.braddavisontour.com).



Jerry Cortez

"As the guitar player in the soul/funk band Tower of Power I need a strong rhythm and lead sound to cut through the mix of such a large and powerful band. A loud guitar and amp is one thing, but the clear definition I obtain comes from using such a high quality pick not made from conventional materials. Red Bear picks make such a huge difference in the overall tone and feel. The notes just sound bigger, rounder and more beautiful. My current fave Red Bear pick is the Tuff Tone Classic. I am really appreciating the durability and longevity of these picks. I have been playing and rotating several Tuff Tone picks for the last five months and I'm still not experiencing any chipping or breaking. Thanks so much Dave and Monica for making my musical experiences that much more positive."
Jerry Cortez - Guitarist for Tower of Power
Tuff-Tone Classic II Heavy Gauge pick with Speed-Bevel and Grips

---

Matt Reviere

"The two things you look for most in a pick are sound and the way it feels hitting the strings. The sound is clear and direct. You really hear the guitar itself much more with a Red Bear because notes don't begin with that little bit of pick noise you get with other picks. The feel is glorious too. They don't feel like a normal pick because they glide so smooth. Even if I have other picks all over my studio desk, I'll get up and go search for my Big Jazzer. These picks are addictive!"
Matt Reviere - Nashville sideman/session player, guitarist and band-leader for American Idol winner Scotty McCreery

---

Carl Roa

"The Red Bear Lil' Jazzer is my ultimate flat pick! Smooth, articulate and toneful! I love the feel of the pick ... really nice and even tones with very little pick noise. I prefer the right hand speed bevel, and the grip holes are cool too. The Lil' Jazzer plays and sounds great. The notes are very defined and clean. I find that I don't have to work as hard to get the tones from my guitar. After hours of playing and gigging there is no wear in sight. You guys make a great pick! Thank you Red Bear!"
Carl Roa - Magic Elf, Carl Roa Band, Guitar World Columnist Carl's Website

---

Norbert Galo

"The quest of the right pick can be a life-long story for a guitarist, but I finally found the pick that meets all my expectations : dynamics, expression and sound are never betrayed by a Red Bear pick."
Norbert Galo - Josh Groban Norbert's MySpace Page

---

George Cole

"Playing guitar with a Red Bear pick is unlike any other guitar playing experience I have ever had. For the first time the ideas and sounds I hear in my head are able to be fully realized. The tone of the picks is rich and full and they do not make that horrible 'clacking' sound that the competition is famous for. Actually, the Red Bear picks have no competition... the phrase "best of breed" comes easily to mind. I own picks of real tortoise, horn, bone and hoof and the red bear is clearly the modern choice and the correct one for the working pro or beginner. After testing in a controlled studio situation the Red Bear had the lowest noise to volume ratio and this is in addition to clear tone, enhanced low end, and ease of operation. Playing chops intensive Gypsy Jazz is technically demanding in the truest sense. My red bear pick with its perfect shape and precision beveled edges is a dream come true for high speed playing. As the George Cole Quintet continues on our mission to spread our music to the world one thing is certain... my Red Bear pick is coming with me!"
George Cole - The George Cole Quintet Style B, Gypsy Jazz - 4.5mm

---

Devin Bronson

"What guitar pick I was using was probably the last thing on my mind. Last year when I started experimenting with different kinds to see how my playing reacted I sought out the latest innovation in guitar pick design. That is when I found Red Bear. It is hard to explain what this pick changes in my playing but I can say that it is worth every penny! There is a tonal quality I cannot get anywhere else. thanks guys!
Devin Bronson - Avril Levigne

---

Jose De Castro

"After so many years working as a professional guitarist, I still find out a pick that can surprise me. Red Bear's are simply the best picks I've ever used in my life because they have a tone and an extraordinary definition. Moreover, the tact is amazing."
Jose De Castro - Madrid, Spain Jose on MySpace A little snippet of Jose's playing with a Red Bear pick Jose's Website

---

Tracey Emery

“Your tone starts right here!” At first, my inner-skeptic set in. But then, I got my pick in the mail and began to play. Instantly, I could hear a change in my tone, and the pick bounced off of the strings with speed and ease. When playing dynamically, through different pressures and attacks, the pick delivered full tone, even when picking or strumming very softly. The pick felt natural in my fingers and didn’t move or rotate while playing. For an hour, I did a side-by-side comparison with a variety of standard, cheap picks. I quickly learned that the comparison of everyday, run-of-the mill picks to the Red Bear product was completely unfair. The cheaper picks didn’t stand a chance! Standard picks suddenly sounded dull and felt like they were grabbing on to the strings while playing. I can honestly say that my Red Bear pick made me faster, more articulate, and more accurate. With such a diverse product lineup, Red Bear makes absolutely, the best picks on the planet. Get yours today, and hear how your tone and playing improves. “Your tone starts right here!” It’s a fact. After twenty years, I feel like I just began to really play guitar for the first time, thanks to Red Bear and their amazing line of picks."
Tracey Emery – Foolsbane Guitarist

---

"The first time I used the Lil Jazzer, I couldn't believe the tone I was hearing! It was amazing, the sound was warm and woody in character and reminded me of my old tortoise shell picks! On an acoustic instrument or plugged in, you won't find a better pick anywhere!" - Andy Wood

---

I have to be frank, when I read about your picks I figured what could they possibly do to make a pick better? Then I read a Dweezil Zappa interview where he raved about them. Being a gear freak, I knew I had to check them out. Well your picks arrived Saturday and I was blown away. I'm in the middle of a practice frenzy right now revamping my playing, approach, and sound so the timing of this new pick arriving is perfect. Once I started playing with one yesterday I stayed up till 4:30 am ! I just could not stop playing. All the lines I have been working on were just popping out of my guitar. Articulate, crisp and FAT sounding!! I'm not sure why they work but who cares??? Thank U so much for adding a powerful weapon to my musical arsenal. This pick is amazing! "
Vinnie Zummo, former Joe Jackson guitarist, writer, producer and solo artist. Check out Vinnie's new CD: "Swinging Guitar Sounds of Young America" at: CD Baby

---

Video Testimonials from our customers

Mauro Henrique P. de Samuel Marques

---

Customer Reviews of Red Bear Picks

Tuff-Tone Review by Ryan Rhea.

---

Written Testimonials

Brett Rechtfertig
Initial reaction:
I was immediately struck with the beautiful construction and craftsmanship that has gone into these picks. I am certainly someone who has a great appreciation for attention to detail so thank you for sharing that same appreciation!

Attack:
At first I noticed I had some difficulty with how to hold these correctly, in order to make less pick noise and find the appropriate volume/frequency response. This was initiating fears that this pick and/or material was creating untamable noise for my style, which a lot of the time calls for a very subtle pick attack, almost not there. I had difficulty with this initially, but what do you expect after years of familiarity with something and suddenly changing to unfamiliarity? Some time to acclimate is needed. But with more practice I see myself increasing and finding more uses of these picks' features. Speaking on this, while playing these Dave's quote came to mind (or something like it): "After the initial percussive attack, but before the release, there is a frictional element akin to a violin bow's effect on the strings." This is definitely true. It is subtle but present on every note picked; the material itself seems to really make these strings ring out and sing, and I love it.

Soon after I realized that I had been holding the old picks in such a way as to avoid much of the "plunkity-plunk", papery sound I had learned to tune out - a sound residing in the higher frequencies that gives the note and string its certain "voice". In other words, I already had pick noise before but wasn't completely aware of its effects overall on sound/frequency until comparing to the Red Bears.

Whereas before I could only make use of one or two different pick-hand positions in order to get a stronger voice out of the pick, avoiding the more papery and scraping sound achieved if holding the pick "incorrectly", the extra thickness and smooth-surfaced material of the Red Bears allow me to make use of multiple pick-hand positions, and in turn different picking techniques are made possible yielding more tones at my fingertips. Now when I go back to my old picks the contact they make just doesn't sound as crystal-clear and defined, like the notes drag some of the pick noise with them. I feel like with the Red Bears, I'm striking the strings much like a piano would- one very efficient strike and the attack is left behind, leaving only the sustaining strings. It's this transparency that, in big part, sells this pick for me. It's just a more professional sound.

Technique:
I am able to play lines way cleaner. I've played these picks for hours since getting them and keep saying to myself, "These picks just make me want to go off the cuff" because everything I did before is now being enhanced by the Red Bear, now that I'm more acclimated to its character. Subtle movements yield much more effective results than before. This can be attributed to the thickness and material, but a big part to design. The standard and speed bevel each offer their own unique advantages. The sharper tip of the standard brings a fatter sound with less work/hand tension, but the worn in speed bevel shape lets me arpeggiate and play phrases in a more controlled and quieter manner. I also am torn between the very helpful grip holes and the feeling of the non-gripped, fat organic-chunk in my hand, a pleasing visceral experience to me! To put a focus on rhythm playing, this was also something I needed to get used to. These picks have no give, which may make one wonder if they can go quiet, but they absolutely can. Instead of having volume dynamic control through a flex in the pick, the flex and relaxed nature must go into the fingers and hand. You hold the pick loosely and it gets a very elegant, rhythmic chime. I really love the way these picks lighten up on the strings.

Shape:
Although I've stayed true mostly to the standard shape pick, I have tried a few alternative shapes but to no avail. They felt awkward in my hand. The Jazz III's that everyone seems to love, did me only detriment in technique, feel and tone. The No. 9 shape, however, was absolutely perfect! A wider top and size gives me more to grip on to. The sides don't have such a dramatic angle going in towards the tip; it's a slightly more rounded angle, which cuts down on tinnier sounds, opting for fatter midrange instead. Again, perfect.

Frequency:
I much prefer the frequency response of this pick now that I've switched over. I may not have noticed beforehand that my sound could have been improved, but when I compare/contrast now, it's obvious. This pick has preference for a certain range of frequencies that the Tortex didn't. The Tortex had highs but not much going on in the mids and lows; the Red Bear is more mids-centered, bringing out a warmer low end to notes, and highs are present in the perfect amount. It's a very "fresh" sound.
A) Electric (Amer Tele) - I noticed on my Tele, the Std Bevel sounds darker, rougher, especially suited for my neck pickup as it can bring out those woolly jazz tones. The Speed Bevel seems to take a liking to the bridge, due to its cleaner attack and subtle movements.
B) Acoustic (Alvarez) - On my Alvarez, the Standard Bevel wins, it has the frequency response and the piano attack, perfect for an acoustic guitar. Whether strumming or just playing melodies it sounds gorgeous- full and resonant. The Speed Bevel is fine too, but overall its obvious to me the Standard Bevel is a better fit for an acoustic.

Conclusion:
They are very well made picks, with great precision and craftsmanship. I couldn't be more pleased with the dedication that is so evident in these picks. As many have said changing picks is one of the most basic and simple things one can do to change the overall voice of your instrument as it is the interface between you and your guitar- what generates the sound/vibration. And if someone is willing to take care of their guitar, amp, equipment, etc. then you can do so for your pick if the benefits justify its use. I take care of my gear because they are my tools, my machines. So in my case, it definitely justifies its use because it helps me play cleaner, utilize more pick-grips and positions, and have more dynamic control over my sound. I also see a nostalgic quality, almost like the ancient musician who had to make and look after their own instruments/tools and hang on to them as a permanent fixture to their life. I'd rather have and know a small number of picks well rather than shredding-down thousands of briefly used copies each year; it's just more personal, like my guitar and amp. Thanks again!
Brett “Dirty Hands” Rechtfertig – musician, former Nephilim guitarist

Keith Sewell
"Tortoise shell has always been regarded for it's warmth and it's organic feel and tone. Most plastic picks can't compare to it's character. When I tried a Red bear tortis pick, It was hard to believe it wasn't tortoise shell. Once I learned it was made from a natural animal protein, I was convinced that Dave had found a sensible alternative that has all the comparisons to real tortoise shell. It's very consistent too! I just ordered another batch, thanks Dave! "
Keith Sewell - Guitar for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder (formerly), Currently playing guitar and Mandolin for Lyle Lovett's Large Band

Emory Lester Style E Medium Gauge pick with Speed-Bevel
"With these picks that I've received, I've come to learn - first hand - that there is no other pick that comes as close to actual shell as these Red Bear picks that Dave Skowron has created. I have refused to use anything but shell for the last 25 years, and have often refused to even try anything else, because it has been my experience, as well as being widely known, that nothing can come close to shell for tone, playability, etc. So, to get me to try this, and now use these for recording and performing, is a feat, and is totally my gain. I believe that Dave has finally solved the "as good as shell" mystery, and has created something that will make a vast improvement in anyone's sound, and will greatly improve one's ability to play. Obviously, the inclusion of the bevel in these picks is a stroke of genius - making this pick immediately useable, with minimal to no alterations needed in my case. I have truly benefitted from Dave's work, and I am very grateful for these incredible picks."
Emory Lester - Mandolin, Guitar

Mike Compton
"I'll have to say that when I first heard of the Tortis picks and their reputation for being "just like real tortoise shell" I was not the least interested. I have spent most of my professional performing years using plastic picks of different sorts that would do an adequate job because tortoise shell was just too expensive to use, although I liked the way they sound on the strings. Besides that, I have a tendency to drop a pick through the cracks in the floor boards now and then, and watching upwards of $50 disappear before my eyes just wasn't something I could deal with on a regular basis.

I was fortunate enough to be given a nice tortoise pick recently and started using it with great satisfaction, but soon found it to be wearing rapidly. I figured I'd go back to the plastic. One afternoon I got an email from Lynn Dudenbostel concerning some mandolin matters and in the course of our exchange he mentioned the Tortis picks he sends out with all his mandolins. I'd never even heard of them, but Lynn raved about how well they work. I figured a guy that can build mandolins like he can must know something. So I emailed Dave Skowron at Red Bear Trading Company and asked for a sample of his picks. They arrived within a few days and I went to work with them right away. I received a few different thicknesses and it didn't take long for me to find one that worked well. I have not stopped using it since. That has been some weeks [years] now and I see no wear whatsoever. They really snap the tone out of these taterbugs and best of all, they feel and sound nearly identical to the tortoise I began using again. I have ordered a dozen more. I am sold on the Tortis material and can't wait to try out the rest when they arrive. Thanks Dave, for a top notch product."
Mike Compton - Mandolin Master, Nashville, TN