Here is where you can learn the common terms and details other collectors refer
to when describing guitar picks. Take a look below to learn all about picks.

Enjoy!

While there are numerous color versions available, these illustrate the common ones.
You will find some slight differences from lot to lot when they are manufactured, so
these shades may vary a little. There are also many transparent colors made, as well
as various metal picks as well. Metal picks are usually defined by whatever material
they are manufactured from. I've seen picks made from steel, copper, brass, aluminum.

These are the main shapes that picks come in. There will be slight differences between
manufacturors, but for the most part, this is it. Some may make their elipticals larger,
while some may make them with more pointed corners, but there is a distinct difference
between them and the larger and more-pointed triangle picks, as you can see above.

Imprints are the single most defining characteristic used when describing a pick and
the variety of them is endless. Above, you can see the main categories they fall into.
There will also be some instances when the imprint may seem to apply to 2 categories
at the same time. For instance, some bands' logos will look like just printed names.
If you are familiar with the group, you will know if the imprint is their logo or not.

You can also learn about the specific imprints by visiting the "Master Pick Catalog"
website. On this website, I will be illustrating the various logos and signatures used
on customized guitar picks. They are sorted alphabetically by artist and band name.
There is a direct link to this website on the PickNET website homepage. Please note
that this project is a big undertaking and is still under construction at this time.

Wearmarks are the hardest to define when describing a guitar pick, mainly because the
condition or degree of wear is really open to interpretation and opinion. If you are
considering trading a particular pick, and you can visibly see some marking or scratches
from stage use, you should mention it in the details in case the other person is looking
for a pick in perfect condition. Honesty is always the best policy, and you must always
point out any wearmarks or imperfections if you are trading any pick that is in less than
perfect condition. Wear is also up to the individual collector.....some folks prefer their
picks in perfect condition, untouched by human hands, while I believe that a pick with a
string groove chewed into the edge from the artist sliding it down their guitar strings in
concert is even cooler! It is totally up to the individual collector to decide what they
prefer, but value may be increased or decreased depending on the condition of the pick.
Of course, that is only if you are a collector who places a money value on your picks. I'm
sentimental when it comes to value in my collection...if I like the artist, the pick is
priceless...if I don't like them or their music, the pick is worthless to me, regardless
of its rarity or collectible value to others. The most important thing to remember when
you are collecting guitar picks or anything else is this: JUST HAVE FUN DOING IT!