Frequently Asked Questions

How are American Pick Company® goods made?

Everything from American Pick Company® is handcrafted to order with love and care. Made the right way, not the fastest way. Our material is incredibly difficult to work with but our end product is the best in the world. ‘Made to order’ means that your American Pick Company® picks & leather goods are not made until you make your order. We believe every pick should be created with a level of attention to detail and care that matches the importance of the music it helps you to create. All of our picks and leather goods are crafted by a single craftsmen. We always use ethically sourced materials and our products are fair trade made.

What are American Picks made from?

We use a material that is virtually identical to tortoise shell in terms of feel and tone.
This material is made from an organic base and binding agents, unlike harmful oil based plastics like modern day cheaply-made, scratchy sounding picks. Our picks give you an incredibly organic, warm tone, and smooth feel.

I bought 2 of the same pick, but they look different. Why?

Every American pick is a one-of-a-kind. It’s impossible to find 2 that are exactly alike, and the longer you own the pick, the more it will become uniquely yours. The organic nature of the material makes random patterns, so each one is different from the other. When you get your pick, rest assured, it is one-of-a-kind.

How long will my order take to make?

Lead times will vary depending on the number of orders currently in place. We hand make all of our items to order, meaning we do not carry a stock of items and can not offer same day shipping.
The current lead times will be listed at AmericanPickCompany.com.

Are American Picks Biodegradable?

Yes, our picks are biodegradable. Unlike most modern picks made from oil based plastics, American Pick Company® picks are far more gentle on the environment and will not clog up landfills. That being said, our picks will last a long time if they are well taken care of.

How are American Picks shipped?

We ship American Pick Company® goods using various shipping companies depending on the country and region.

Can I re-shape my APC® pick?

Yes, you can. A file and buffing block will work wonders at reshaping the edges and tip, and the buffing block will get the shine back.

Do you offer custom pick shapes?

We do offer custom pick shapes.

Can I clean my pick?

The best way to clean your American Pick Company® pick is with a clean soft cloth. Never use any cleaners or harsh solvents.

Can I return my APC pick?

Since every pick is made custom to order, we can not accept returns.
However, if you are unhappy with your order or something went wrong, we will work our hardest to make it right.