X-Pick  ·  Source: Kickstarter/X-Pick

The X-Pick is currently on Kickstarter and makes some pretty bold claims. The magnetic plectrum can supposedly give players the ability to mimic certain effect pedals. But is it any good, or is it all just marketing hype?

The makers of the magnetic X-Pick claims to have offer effects like infinite sustain, slide and wah tones, delay, tremolo and  E-Bow style infinite sustain. The plectrum is made from a neodymium magnet. Which should effect your guitar pickups and influence how they react to your guitar strings. By manipulating the magnetic field the makers suggest you can access all the various effects. With a range somewhere in the region of 20cm of your guitar pickups, you could hear some strange effects.

The X-Pick has a coating which they have named Ni-Cu-Ni or Ni-Cu-Ni-Epoxy. This is described as  a Nickel-Copper-Nickel composition and has a final layer of epoxy resin  to help with grip and to protect from wear. It has what they describe as Axial Magnetization.   Offering two polarities above and below the magnet. Supposedly, offering control over the magnetic field that interacts with your guitars pickups.

A magnetic plectrum and multi-effect?

I have had a listen to the official History & Tutorial videos below, and I’m not sure I would agree with all these bold claims. There is a lot of marketing hyperbole and I can’t really tell if the neodymium magnet is really I want to try out in a plectrum. Apparently, it has “extremely calibrated magnetism” I’m not sure if that helps either? But I can smell marketing talk a mile off and this plectrum certainly has the taint of snake oil to it. Apparently, the designer, Italian musician and scientist Marsio Salcuni thinks you will like it though.

Pledges start at €36 on the Kickstarter page and if you want to take a punt, then please report back to me and let me know what you think of the X-Pick.

Let us know what you think in the comments section below. Is this a winner of a plectrum, or is it just marketing hype?

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I took the plunge on their other crowdfund that was out last year. I received my X-Pick last week. My time has been limited and there obviously is a learning curve, so take that into consideration with what I have to say.

When I read that it could do E-bow style sustain, I was intrigued and took the plunge. I wish that I had seen all the videos before I took the plunge because it is not exactly like an E-bow (at least my experience so far). Whereas with an E-bow, I fret normally with my left hand and the E-bow vibrates the string to create that note, the X-pick seems to create a note based on where your right hand is. In one of the videos, they show a printed out fret board that can tell you what note you are playing with your right hand.

Again, I’ve had limited time with the device, so I may need to refine the technique. However, my first experiences are underwhelming. I’m sure that someone can spend some time with this device and learn its nuances to create something cool but I would encourage everyone to really watch the videos so that you know what the device does.

Interesting, as I wouldn’t have thought it could be that useful. As the magnetic field will just mess with your pickups. I couldn’t see a practical application from the demo videos. Good to hear from someone that actually owns one though. Let us know how you get on with it.

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13 May · You'll have to ask them.

13 May · You mean those Gibson Theordores, Jeff? :p Honestly, NFTs and such humbug... if Banksy stuff getting sold on while on someones house isnt weird enough. But then I bet Fender doesnt want to miss out ...

13 May · This looks super cool. Any idea when you will release it.