Traditional model of the SharkTooth Crossover Pick
Professional Player Observations
"The SharkTooth flat pick is such a versatile pick. Its unique grip allows me to move very easily between hybrid picking and sweep picking. It also produces the 'bite' when I need it for more funky articulations.
It is the only flat pick I've found so far that has improved my tone on guitar.
The rounded, dark tone of the 1.5mm has enhanced my Jazz sound.
Thanks for a great product."
Mageshen Naidoo Director, Centre for Jazz & Popular Music University of KwaZulu Natal Durban, South Africa
_____________________________________________
"I enjoy playing a variety of music styles and techniques on guitar. However, blending these techniques has always been a challenge.
The SharkTooth Crossover Pick is like the missing link and I am very glad to have discovered the pick at last!"
Dick Eliot - Guitarist and Educator www.dickeliot.com
We had a great two-day AFG Festival in January 2008! Visit afg.org by clicking on the image above.
Current News!
"Best Guitar Accessories for 2008"
Talented writer and musician Dr. Marie Miczak selects the SharkTooth & Kodiak Crossover Picks from Strum-N-Comfort as one of several "Best Guitar Accessories for 2008".
Visit the link below to read her article entitled "2008's Top Gear for Guitar".
In another article just released, Dr. Miczak talks about the Peace Pick Project managed by Strum-N-Comfort and Artisan StudioWorks. Peace Picks are semi-precious heart shaped stone guitar picks.
Visit the link below to read her article entitled "Gifts with a Heart".
In addition to authoring 5 books, Dr. Miczak had been featured on CBS News, NBC Newschannel 4, News 12 New Jersey, radio, national & international magazines and newspapers. Her web site is www.miczak.com.
Be sure to visit Dr. Miczak's latest web initiative entitled "The New Eclectic Sound Experience". You will find there our products and many other resources for the savy musicians.
Strum-N-Comfort® Picking Systems just completed another successful NAMM show where the revolutionary Crossover Picks? were demonstrated for music product dealers from around the world.
Shown in the photo to your right, and demonstrating the Kodiak Crossover Pick, is Tim Thompson -a first call Nashville studio guitarist- performing at the Strum-N-Comfort Picking Systems booth at NAMM 2008. Tim is joined by his virtuoso 14 year old son Myles on the fiddle and a friend who plays mandolin professionally. Tim and Myles also played the week end before at the Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists Festival in Santa Ana (www.afg.org).
Check out the new YouTube video, just uploaded, of Tim Thompson using the Kodiak Crossover Pick and playing a Batson Guitar. The Jorge Morel composition is expertly performed by Tim and his flawless fingerstyle technique is very evident. Check it out at the following link:
The Crossover Pick defines a new category in stringed instrument picks. Esteemed music teachers and performers worldwide agree on the Crossover Pick benefits.
Music dealers are invited to stock the picks today! Help us expand the distribution and be a part of music product history as the Crossover Pick is established. In addition, dealers at NAMM were shown the expanded line of semi-precious stone heart shaped guitar picks from Strum-N-Comfort (now in 10 colors). The engraved stone picks offer low friction and a 1.0mm beveled picking tip. Teachers agree that they are a perfect flat picking development tool.
Display or wear your beautiful stone pick in the rhodium plated (silver colored) Pendant/Locket when not in use.
Strum-N-Comfort has also expanded the number of music theme jewelry offerings. The signature line of Brother John designed pin, clip, key chain & pendant look hand made and are very affordable.
Look for much more in the jewelry and art category of products under the www.ArtisanStudioWorks.com trade name now on the Internet.
__________________________________
View all of the Peace Pick related jewelry by clicking on the image above!
The Peace Pick Project
Peace Picks are heart shaped semi-precious stone guitar picks that are made to exacting specifications. The stone picks are also designed to mount into a beautiful Silver colored -Rhodium plated- pendant and locket. Several other stone pendant configurations are also available that use the unique Peace Pick design.
Visit www.artisanstudioworks.com for more information and to view current photos of the picks and pick jewelry.
They make a great gift for Valentines Day!
The Peace Pick is not only a highly functional stringed instrument pick, it is comforting to look at or to just hold in the hand. Jewelry lovers get an additional benefit when the pick is mounted in the beautiful silver colored locket/pendant and worn for all to enjoy.
Please note that part of gross profit from Peace Pick and Peace Pick jewelry sales is set aside to help support projects that promote peace. Call us to hear more about some of the projects already selected for support.
Thank you for your visit.
Greg Atkin
_______________________________________
Pete Steinberg, Ric Ickard and Joe Diorio at afg.org event
The Magic Pick
Jazz Great Joe Diorio is a fan of the new semi-precious stone Peace Pick from Stum-N-Comfort.
"I have been searching all of my life for the magic guitar pick. I have now found it in this heart shaped semi-precious stone Peace Pick from Strum-N-Comfort."
Joe Diorio
Legendary Jazz guitarist and highly respected educator
________________________________
The John Pisano Guitar Night Calendar Collection offer is now available until April 30th, 2008. Click on the above image for more details!
Pi Jacobs Hilton Hotel performance - during NAMM 2007- wins Martin Guitar Company recognition!
Follow the YouTube link below to see the Hilton Hotel Pi performance video.
Pi has been singing since the tender age of 3, when she sang her first solo in her preschool choir in the Haight Ashbury district of San Francisco. Continuing in her precocious nature, Pi left high school at 16 to begin a music degree at her local Junior College. After graduating with a double major in Jazz bass, and voice, she spent the next few years playing as a top tier studio and touring musician in the bay area.
In 2001, bored with the sideman/ backup singer role, Pi teamed up with Tommy Boy artist/ producer Pfilbryte and recorded her first cd, “Irrational”. The response to Irrational was overwhelming, leading Pi to a Management deal with NYC’s Alabina Entertainment, a European record deal with the French Atoll Music label, and the placement of all 12 of Irrational’s tracks on various TV shows.
In 2002, Pi relocated to NYC, where she found a musical home by participating in the side projects “BabesWithBeats”, the “SirensWildRide” touring collective, and the writing a music theory column for the respected zine “WomanRock.com”. When not on the road.
In 2004, Pi moved to Los Angeles to be with the love of her life, and released her second CD ‘’beat mining in dark places’. The cd was highly acclaimed by critics, and licensed to independent films and TV shows, (see PRESS and TV/FILM below), but Pi’s personal style was moving away from the loopy- sample heavy style of Irrational and Beat Mining. Several solo cross-country tours later, Pi found herself itching to do more organic work, with a band, and with acoustic instruments.
Shortly after “Beat Mining” was released, Pi began work on her newest cd, “the curse of the songwriter”. Working with veteran LA musicians and using all acoustic instruments, Pi began crafting a new sound, which Veteran Engineer Randy Wine (U2, Springsteen, Melissa Etheredge) has called “totally unique”. A blend of reggae, hip-hop, funk and New Orleans grooves, with super-organic acoustic instruments, “curse” has all the “feel good” elements of these random styles, while first and foremost, delivering Pi’s powerfully emotional voice and lyrics. “The curse of the songwriter” will be released in Feb. 2007, on Pi’s label, “ThatCrazyChick Music”, and is currently being shopped to select TV and Film projects.
Television and Film
2001-2007 -Songs from Irrational and Beat Mining aired on “Road Rules”, “Making the Band”, “High School Reunion”, “Sorority Life”, “The Real World” and more. Feb 2006 – Pi performed with Roger Daltrey of “THE WHO” in the TLC documentary “Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp”. 2005 – Pi’s song “little secret” was in the film “Coffee Clutch” an independent that screened at the Cannes film festival. Sept 2003- Pi performed “ Little Secret” on FOX TV.
Radio
Songs from Irrational have been heard nationwide on the following college and public radio stations: KALX, KUSF, WERG, KCR, KCSB, KCSC, KCSF, KDNZ, KGUR, KCPR, WFUV and more.
Performances (partial list)
NYC: CBGB's, Sidewalk Cafe, Rubyfruit, Meow Mix, Lilly's, Arlene’s Grocery, Café’ 111, The Knitting Factory, Pi was the resident entertainer at the Paradise Café in Manhattan’s Chelsea district for 2003-2004. San Francisco, CA: Paradise Lounge, Slims, Sweetwater Saloon, Tongue and groove, and Bimbo’s Los Angeles, CA: Hallenbecks, Cat Club, Viper Room, The Knitting Factory, The Key Club, Genghis Cohen, Room 5, The House of Blues, BB Kings @ Universal City Walk. Pi has toured the US nationally 3 times since 2000. Festivals: Rockergirl Magazine Convention, Pistahan Filipino Festival, PussyPowerV, GEMS, Harris Radio and GoGirlsMusic Showcases @ SXSW, LA Folk Alliance Conference 2006.
Discography
Pi “Beat Mining in Dark Places” (LP 2005) US ThatCrazyChick Music Best of NYC “Chicks With Guitars” (2004 compilation) features “Freaks” Pi “Irrational” (LP-2002) released in France as licensed to the Atoll Music Label Pi “Irrational” (LP-2001) US ThatCrazyChick Music. Wine Women and Song (Compilation 2001) breast cancer benefit CD features “it doesn’t matter” Idiotbox Fifteen Seconds (LP- 1998- US) I Like to Watch Music –feat. Pi on lead vocals and bass
Awards / Accolades
2006 – Pi’ chosen Radio Crystal Blue’s “GEM of the WEEK” over indie fave Garrison Starr. 2005 – Pi chosen to endorse The SharkTooth Crossover Pick by Strum-n-Comfort.com
Esteemed Bass player and teacher Philip Bynoe adopts the Crossover Pick from Strum-N-Comfort!
Strum-N-Comfort Picking Systems is very proud to announce that esteemed Bass player and teacher Philip Bynoe has begun to adapt the "Crossover Pick" to his broad repertoire for the instrument.
Philip says, "The Crossover Pick is a great tool for reducing stress on the hand while -at the same time- facilitating a smooth & varied flow of right hand technique."
Philip began studying music at a very early age and played several instruments through High School before settling in on Bass. He attended the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston and studied there with Wit Brown.
Philip has played in many bands and has toured with or recorded with a long list of luminaries. In the late 1990's, Philip toured with guitarist Steve Vai and they together recorded G3.
Philip is currently an instructor for Rock Bass at the L.A.MusicAcademy in Pasadena and is about to begin a tour of Japan to support the release of the new CD by Mark Zonder and his Heavy Metal band Slavior. Visit http://www.myspace.com/slaviorband to listen in.
Many Thanks Philip, Greg Atkin President Strum-N-Comfort
Eric at Famed Cheney Hall
"The Strum-N-Comfort picks are just what I’ve been looking for in a thumb pick.The versitile Crossover Picks fit very comfortably and allow me to execute any of my right hand techniques.I couldn’t have asked for a better thumb pick design."
--Eric Elias
ERIC ELIAS IS WORKING TO DEVELOP VIDEO BASED TEACHING MATERIAL FOR THE STRUM-N-COMFORT "UNIVERSAL PICKING TECHNIQUE" METHOD!
Eric Elias is one of America's outstanding young guitarists. Whether performing as a soloist or with small combos, Eric's music represents a blend of jazz, blues, and folk music. He has been described as having a folk and world-music sound with a "straight ahead" style.
Touring experience has taken Eliasfrom London to Toronto and across the eastern and central United States, playing at clubs and festivals. He has opened for Maynard Ferguson, performed live with world-renowned guitarist Phil Keaggy and played at the Cornerstone Festival. Eric has also been featured on two CDs for the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society as well as recordings with guitarists Robert Messore and Luke Nelson. As a result of Eric's musical skills, his compositions have been used for two PBS television shows and have been recorded by other artists. Mr. Eliasis also a columnist for Just Jazz Guitar magazine and has authored 11 instructional books in the area of jazz and bass guitar performance.
In concert Ericis a remarkable performer. His use of effects and percussive guitar techniques allow him to create interesting textures of guitar, that often sound like a several instruments being played at once. His jazz arrangements for solo guitar are unique and sophisticated yet down to earth. He was described by Free Time Magazine as one of the funkiest acoustic guitarists in Rochester, NY.
Currently, Eric has five CDs available as a leader and with Luke Nelson. Elias debut, "Canine Dreams", was released in the mid 1990's and received a substantial amount of radio air-play in New York, remaining on the top ten independent artist charts for months. Eric's last two CDs ("Conversations with my Strings" and "Solos, Duos, Trios and Quartets") are instrumental offerings that feature Eric in a variety of jazz and acoustic guitar settings. "My Compliments" the jazz debut CD with guitarist Luke Nelson has received critical acclaim as well.
Eric Elias is being featured at clubs, coffeehouses and festivals, as a soloist and with guitarist Luke Nelson to promote their latest recordings.
"Ric is a delight to listen to and very talented. He made his playing look easy. He had everyone cheering and hollerin' with delight while he did such numbers as "Little Rock Getaway", "Drive In" and "Malaguena." - Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists
Growing up in the Philippines, Richard Alcoy, who adopted the stage name Ric *Ickard, started playing guitar at the age of eight by studying the recordings of Andres Segovia, Laurindo Almeida, Charlie Byrd and Chet Atkins.
At seventeen, he began performing guitar concerts. Until he began formal studies at St. PaulCollege in Manila, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in music education, he was entirely self- taught. At graduation, his alma mater presented him a special award in musical performance. He won first prize in both classical and jazz guitar competitions in the 1980 Philippine Guitar Festival, and was the first guitarist to ever win both categories - all on the same day. Ric's talents blossomed as a young artist. The Philippine government granted him a scholarship to study classical guitar.
Ric have performed in many five-star hotels and cruise ships. Aside from performing around the world, Ric is a regularly featured artist at the annual Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, the Pasadena's Guitar Nights, as well as the Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists.
After moving to the United States, based in Los Angeles, Ric continued to pursue his musical career by performing solo recitals, at the same time, expanding to other activities such as playing master classes to such notables as Scott Tennant and David Grimes.
In 2006, Naxos took his talent into wider world attention by releasing a CD called "Popular Guitar Music Of The Philippines".
He currently has four CDs available, all of which contain wonderful guitar renditions of popular, jazz, classical, and contemporary music.
"You got a great technique and your classical expertise is excellent!" - Nato Lima of "Los Indios Tabajaras
"Ric excels in both Chet style and classical music. He is a professionally trained music educator who has traveled the world performing his music. He first brought his talents to Chet Atkins Appreciation Society in 1992 and has impressed us with his gentle and articulate guitar styles. - Chet Atkins Appreciation Society "Ric Ickard is now gaining an international reputation establishing a concert career in United States and abroad. He is a unique and passionate guitarist with ample technique and musicality" - Douglas Back, concert artist
Radical Classical Guitarist - Jocelyn Celaya
SharkTooth Crossover Picks endorsed by "Radical Classical" guitarist Jocelyn Celaya
Jocelyn began performing in local coffee shops in Oklahoma at the age of 15 and recorded her first solo album in 2001 entitled “Mosaic Jungle” at the age of 17. This album features original tunes, rock covers, classical compositions, and flamenco flared pieces. In 2006, Jocelyn Celaya released a second project called “String Theory”. This trademark album has been the melting point for the unique style of blending classical, flamenco, rock, tapping/hammering, and bluegrass.
Read more about Jocelyn's success at her web site.
Enter to Win some great prizes in the drawing held for new SharkTooth Crossover Pick players.
Just return by mail the "Proof of Purchase" medallion from the product package or briefly tell us about your product experience by entering your comment in the SharkTooth Guest Book. You may also send your comments by email.
