Clayton Picks
ActiveOverview
Steve Clayton, Inc., operating under the Clayton Picks brand, is a manufacturer of professional-grade guitar picks and musical accessories based in Talent, Oregon. The company is recognized for pioneering custom guitar pick manufacturing accessible to non-professional musicians, offering small-batch customization starting at quantities as low as 30 picks. Clayton Picks maintains a position as a trusted supplier for both professional musicians and enthusiasts, with a product range spanning professional-quality picks to personalized and promotional options.
History
Steve Clayton founded the company in 1966 at age 16, initially selling guitar chord chart posters while traveling across the country in a van. The company revolutionized the guitar pick industry by being the first to offer direct-to-consumer custom picks with full-color imprinting and small-batch quantities. Today, Steve Clayton, Inc. operates from a 16,000-square-foot state-of-the-art factory in Talent, Oregon, maintaining over 50 years of continuous operation in the music accessories market.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Clayton Picks | High-durability picks for professional musicians | $24.99 - $69.00 |
| Custom Personalized Picks | Small-batch customization with full-color imprinting | $39.99 - $112.00 |
| Specialty Material Picks | Alternative materials including Delrin, Acetal, Celluloid, Pearl, Ultem, and glow-in-the-dark options | $45.00 - $112.00 |
| Promotional Picks | Bulk customizable picks for promotional purposes | $24.99 - $69.00 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured in-house at the company's 16,000-square-foot factory in Talent, Oregon. The facility represents a state-of-the-art operation reflecting the company's commitment to American craftsmanship and quality control.
Notable Products
- Clayton Custom Picks - Personalized guitar picks with full-color imprinting available in multiple materials and starting at low order quantities
- Professional-Grade Clayton Picks - High-durability picks designed for professional musicians, known for resistance to breaking, bending, and warping
- Specialty Material Picks - Picks manufactured from alternative materials including Ultem, Pearl, and glow-in-the-dark options for specialized applications
Reputation
Clayton Picks is perceived as a reliable, durable option trusted by professional musicians across multiple genres, with endorsements from notable artists including Eric Church, Gavin Rossdale, and members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The brand is credited with democratizing custom pick manufacturing and maintaining consistent quality over decades. The company's primary strength lies in product durability and customization accessibility, though specific criticisms from the market are not evident in available sources.