Red Bear Guitar Picks: A Deep Dive into Unique Tone and CraftsmanshipThis comprehensive review explores Red Bear Picks, a Utah-based company crafting guitar picks since 2003. Known for their distinctive casein (milk stone) picks, Red Bear offers a vast selection of over 30 styles in five gauges, each meticulously detailed on their website. We delve into the unique properties of their casein material, examining its inherent stiffness, brittleness, and the resulting organic tone it produces. This review will analyze the advantages and drawbacks of this unique material, comparing it to Red Bear's more durable "Tough Tone" line.We'll dissect the playing experience offered by both casein and Tough Tone picks, considering their distinct tonal profiles, durability, and aesthetic appeal. From the classic teardrop shapes to the heavier Style C, we explore the range available and highlight standout picks within the collection. Finally, we'll discuss the potential limitations of the casein picks and offer insights into their care and longevity, ultimately determining whether the unique sonic characteristics and beautiful designs justify their quirks.
Pros And Cons
- Achieves a beautiful tortoiseshell pattern.
- Provides an organic, mellow tone with good articulation and note body.
- Forms to the player's hand over time.
- Brittle material.
- Susceptible to damage from moisture and scratches.
- Requires a break-in period.
- Not all styles and gauges are always available.
- Beefier and stronger than casein picks.
- Can be flexed without breaking.
- Always available.
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Red Bear Picks: History and Availability
Red Bear Picks, hailing from Cedar City, Utah, have been crafting guitar picks since 2003. Initially sold through dealers, they now operate exclusively through their website. This shift is understandable, given their extensive catalog: over 30 pick styles in five gauges. The website offers a dedicated page showcasing each pick's dimensions and high-quality images.
The direct-to-consumer model streamlines the process for Red Bear, eliminating the complexities of managing numerous dealer orders and variations.
Material and Design: Unique Polymerized Protein
Red Bear Picks utilize a unique material: polymerized animal protein, essentially casein, also known as milk stone. This material allows for the creation of stunning tortoiseshell patterns, mimicking the look and feel of genuine tortoiseshell without the use of endangered species.
This organic material contributes to the pick's unique sound and feel, providing a distinct tonal quality not found in other pick materials. The diverse range of shapes and gauges caters to a wide array of playing styles and preferences.
Stiffness, Brittleness, and Tonal Characteristics
A key characteristic of the casein picks is their stiffness and brittleness. Unlike many picks, these shouldn't be flexed, as they can easily break. This rigidity, however, is integral to their unique tone. The stiffness contributes to a distinct, organic sound, offering excellent articulation and note body.
The focus isn't on flexibility but rather on the stiffness and the organic sound produced. This results in a mellow, rich tone that differs significantly from more flexible pick materials.
Pick Styles and the Tough Tone Alternative
Red Bear offers a variety of styles, including the fatter Style C and the classic teardrop-shaped Classic H. These are available in heavy gauge and feature unique patterns. Additionally, they offer a 'Tough Tone' material, a significant departure from the casein picks.
Tough Tone picks are noticeably beefier and more durable than the casein picks. They're far less brittle, can be flexed without breaking, and offer a different tonal profile. The reviewer found the Tough Tone Style B extra heavy to be a standout.
Considerations and Conclusion
While the casein picks' unique sound is appealing, their brittleness and susceptibility to environmental factors (moisture, scratches) must be considered. Avoid keeping them in pockets with other items. Over time, the casein picks develop a 'memory' reflecting your grip, a unique characteristic.
The Tough Tone picks are a welcome alternative, offering durability without sacrificing tonal quality. Both types have a break-in period, but the unique sound and feel are worth the wait. Aesthetically pleasing, Red Bear picks offer a truly unique playing experience. While the casein picks are not always available due to 'Pickers Choice' sales, the Tough Tone line is generally readily accessible.