The Alan Bibey Picks

“Nik has created a wonderfully versatile pick. It’s the best pick I’ve ever used! Hope y’all like it!” -AB

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1.5mm or 1.25mm, PEI, Right Hand Bevel

Width: 1.00in/25.45mm

Height: 1.22in/31.07mm

I had a few of Alan’s handmade shell picks on my bench while developing these.  All of them were beautifully worn from being used for many years...  and all of that is captured here, as much as possible. The bevel is unique, and you might notice that the shape is not geometrically perfect.  See how each corner has a slightly different degree of radius?  This is intentional and adds to its unique feel and tone.

We think you are going to really like these!

About the two thicknesses: Alan uses the 1.5mm mostly but still likes to have the option.

From AB: “Some folks like a little thinner pick and I think this may be a better fit for them while still maintaining the great feel and tone. Some days I gravitate to the thinner pick myself.”

Since first hitting the scene in the early 1980’s, Alan has made a name for himself as one of the most technically gifted mandolinist in bluegrass and acoustic music. He was an original member of such ground-breaking bands as The New Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out, BlueRidge and, for the last 16 years, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne. He has been voted Mandolin Performer Of The Year by SPBGMA eight times, as well as 2019 and 2020 IBMA Mandolin Player Of The Year. The group has most recently won “Gospel Song Of The Year” in 2020 for “Gonna Rise & Shine” at IBMA as well as “Instrumental Group of The Year” at SPBGMA 2022. Alan has held the Alan Bibey Mandolin Camp for the last 8 years in Surfside Beach, SC as well as teaching many other prestigous camps throughout the world. Alan recently joined the award winning Supergroup, Balsam Range, which promises to be a great collaboration. He will also continue to play select dates as Alan Bibey & Grasstowne. Finally, Alan was included in the Mel Bay book, “Greatest Mandolin Players Of The Twentieth Century”, and in 2004, the Gibson Company put into production the Alan Bibey Signature line of mandolins, reaffirming his status as one of the most influential mandolin players in Bluegrass and acoustic music history.

You can learn even more about Alan here.

and you can check out his website here.

and,

[if you'd like you can click here to hear Alan using his 1923 July 9 Gibson F5 mandolin with his signature 1.5mm pick.]

Many thanks!

nik