Step into the fascinating world of vintage guitar picks! This collector's guide delves into the rich history and diverse evolution of these seemingly humble accessories, revealing a captivating story of design, manufacturing, and branding. We'll explore iconic brands like D'Andrea and Rickenbacker, tracing their collaboration and the evolution of the famous bullseye design from simple manufacturing aid to a powerful marketing symbol. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer variety of materials, from celluloid and tortoiseshell to wheat straw and even mother-of-pearl.Beyond the familiar names, we'll uncover hidden gems from around the globe, including Italian Eko picks, Japanese National picks, and rare finds from England and even a Paul McCartney pick card! This journey through time showcases the ingenuity and artistry of pick makers, highlighting the changing trends and preferences of guitar players across decades. Discover the unique packaging, from simple card displays to innovative containers, each reflecting different marketing strategies and the ever-evolving music industry landscape. Prepare to appreciate the artistry and historical significance behind these often-overlooked pieces of music history.
Pros And Cons
- Officially vintage.
- Unique design similar to earlier pick cards.
- Various materials and designs available (e.g., mother of pearl, tortoise shell, speckled, wheat straw)
- Different configurations of picks on the cards
Read more: 5 Best Celluloid Guitar Picks You Need to Try
D'Andrea and Rickenbacker Collaboration
The video delves into the fascinating history of D'Andrea guitar picks, specifically focusing on their collaboration with Rickenbacker. Early Rickenbacker picks, dating back to 1956, showcased the iconic bullseye design that D'Andrea would later popularize. The absence of printed branding on these early picks suggests the bullseye served as a centering guide during the manufacturing process.
A year later, in 1957, Rickenbacker's name was prominently featured on the picks. This suggests an evolution in branding and marketing strategy, potentially driven by the bullseye's growing recognition. The transition from a simple impression to printed logos reflects changing market demands and D'Andrea's growing brand awareness.
D'Andrea Professional Picks and Variations
The video explores the numerous variations within the D'Andrea Professional pick line. These picks feature a range of materials and designs, from mother-of-pearl and tortoise shell to different shades of celluloid and wheat straw. The subtle differences in color and logo placement highlight the evolution of D'Andrea's branding and production methods over time.
The presenter suggests the bullseye initially acted as a centering device, but its visual appeal led to its adoption as a marketing element. The analysis covers various pick cards from the late 1950s through the late 1960s, showing how designs changed, reflecting the changing trends and preferences of the guitar playing community.
Eko Picks: Italian-Made and Distributed
The video showcases six variations of Eko pick cards, highlighting their Italian origin and popularity in the 1960s. The cards feature illustrations rather than photographs, a stylistic choice that differs from the D'Andrea and Rickenbacker designs. The rarity of certain color variations is noted, making these collectibles highly sought after by enthusiasts.
The presenter points out the distribution of Eko picks by the Laduka brothers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, adding an interesting geographical element to the story of these Italian-made picks. The analysis emphasizes the design evolution and market impact of these unique picks within the larger guitar pick landscape.
Unique and Diverse Pick Cards
Beyond D'Andrea and Eko, the video examines a diverse range of pick cards from various manufacturers and eras. National picks from Japan, generic picks from England and Japan, and a rare Paul McCartney pick card from 1992 are shown. The differences in design and manufacturing location highlight the international reach of the guitar pick market.
Sears Silvertone picks, distributed by Sears Roebuck, and Galley picks from Italy are also featured. The video ends with displays of vintage picks from companies such as the FF Gatchell Company and the Gotz Company, showing picks dating back to the early 20th century, showcasing the remarkable longevity and diversity of guitar picks over time.
Packaged Picks and Additional Finds
The video concludes by showcasing packaged picks, a different format from the card displays discussed earlier. These include Duo picks from the 1960s, Gene Louise picks distributed by Galaxia, and Columbia Records picks from the late 1960s and early 1970s. The variations in packaging illustrate different marketing and distribution strategies employed by pick manufacturers.
The video also features felt-coated Carpe picks from Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and Gibson personal containers from the late 1950s to early 1960s. A German propeller pick display from approximately 1925-1935, with three authentic picks, serves as a captivating example of early pick designs.
Conclusion
This video provides a comprehensive look at vintage guitar pick cards and packaging, showcasing the evolution of designs, materials, and branding strategies over several decades. The detailed examination of different brands, such as D'Andrea, Rickenbacker, Eko, and others, highlights the rich history of the guitar pick and its impact on the music industry.
The collector-focused approach provides a fascinating insight into the nuances of these items, while also offering valuable information for anyone interested in the history of guitar playing. The diverse range of picks showcased, from various materials and countries of origin, illustrates the global impact and lasting appeal of vintage guitar accessories.