All picks are beveled by hand with a Standard or Speed Bevel (or a combination of both depending on the style).



A Standard Bevel is a nice even edge all the way around the pick and will turn out most similar to the picks in the graphic at the top of this page. We ship picks with either a rounded edge or a sharply beveled edge depending on the style. If you prefer a rounded edge to a pick that we make with a sharp bevel, it's easy to modify. Note: A thicker pick with a sharper bevel will result in a brighter tone and more pick control and will allow more speed than a thin pick.

Our Speed Bevel is designed to simulate a wear pattern that many players experience on their favorite picks. Since the material we use isn't going to wear naturally, it has to be given this bevel by hand. In many cases, once a pick acquires this wear pattern two things happen. First, the player gains a little speed because the wear pattern fits the up and down strokes of the player's style. Secondly, in many cases, the pick then breaks or wears through and has to be replaced or re-shaped with steel wool or sandpaper, thus losing real-estate (becoming smaller). Our picks, when given the treatment, will give you faster picking speeds without wearing through. The best of both worlds!


Above: an old photo showing the different speed-bevels.

A link to a short video clip explaining the bevels



Left Handed Speed Bevels are used by players who may be left handed or hold their picks differently. Two ways to find out which bevel suits you best are:

First, take a look at a pick you've been using for a long time and see which side has developed more of an "ear". If it is on the left side, a left-handed Speed Bevel is best and if it is on the right side of the pick a right-handed Speed Bevel is what you need. However, if there is an even wear on both sides, stick with a Standard Bevel.

Second, on the down stroke, notice which edge of your pick hits the strings first. If it is the edge toward the headstock, then you need a right-handed bevel. If it's the edge toward the bridge, then you need a left-handed bevel. If the pick hits flat on the string then you want a Standard Bevel, which some refer to as "no bevel".

Red Bear Original Flat Picks are almost identical to real turtle shell and must be treated as such. The material is hygroscopic (absorbs water) so the longevity of your pick depends on how much moisture it absorbs while playing.

Keep your pick clean and dry when not in use.

Don’t let your pick go through the washer and/or dryer in one of your pants pockets, it will most likely deform.

If you play for very long periods, flip the pick over from time to time to keep it flat. As with real turtle shell, this material can become dynamic and mold to your fingers from the heat. (Some people desire this which is just fine too.) This is much more apt to happen with light and medium gauges.

DO NOT carry your pick in your pocket, especially with metal objects, it can get scratched and may break. Carry your pick in your guitar case, or at least in a dedicated conatiner.

For maintenance you can purchase one of our Pick Maintenance Kits, which include all the tools necessary to keep your Red Bear Original pick in top shape.

As with real turtle shell, these picks are consumable - they are NOT meant to last forever.

The Tuff Tone Flat Pick can simply be washed with soap and water when they pick up discoloration from your guitar strings. Go ahead and run them through the washer and dryer! No problem! Keep them in your pocket full of change! These picks are really tough!

On occasion, we make engraving mistakes or find a blemish on a pick toward the end of the production cycle. Since this does not affect the pick's performance we can offer them as "seconds". These picks are $15.00 each when we have them. We don't offer "seconds" in our "Tuff-Tone" material.

If you are interested in factory seconds send an email to monica@redbeartrading.com for availablility.