Wegen's Guitar Picks

Overview

Wegen's Guitar Picks is a handmade guitar pick manufacturer founded and operated by Michel Wegen in the Netherlands. The brand specializes in artisanal picks designed for various playing styles, including gypsy jazz, bluegrass, and general acoustic guitar and mandolin playing. Wegen picks are recognized for their distinctive shapes, varied thicknesses, ergonomic grip features including perforated holes, and reputation for improving tone and playability. The brand has established itself as a preferred choice among professional gypsy jazz musicians and is distributed through multiple music retailers internationally.

History

Michel Wegen founded the company in the Netherlands, hand-crafting picks with a focus on unique tone and playability. The brand developed specialized pick designs for different musical styles, including the Bluegrass pick, Big City pick, and Twins gypsy jazz pick. Wegen picks gained recognition as the preferred choice for Django Reinhardt-style jazz guitar players and have become established as a leading option among gypsy jazz professionals worldwide. The company continues to operate as an independent, artisan-driven business with Michel Wegen and his crew maintaining hand-production methods.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

All Wegen picks are handcrafted in-house in Lochem, the Netherlands by Michel Wegen and his crew. Production remains artisanal and non-outsourced, with each pick individually made to ensure quality and consistency. The manufacturing process emphasizes durability and ergonomic design, including perforated grip holes and beveled edges.

Notable Products

• Bluegrass Pick (1.4mm) - Teardrop-shaped pick with perforated holes, standard thickness for bluegrass acoustic guitar playing
• Twins Gypsy Jazz Pick (3.5mm) - Compact, thick pick designed for gypsy jazz and Django Reinhardt-style guitar, noted for speed and control
• Big City Pick (1.4mm-1.8mm) - 29mm long pick with perforated grip holes, designed for general rhythm playing
• M150 Mandolin Pick (1.5mm) - Triangular pick optimized for mandolin but also used by guitar players

Reputation

Wegen picks are regarded as the leading choice among gypsy jazz professionals worldwide and are praised for their durability, distinctive tone, and ergonomic design. Musicians appreciate the varied thicknesses and specialized shapes tailored to different playing styles and techniques. The brand is recognized for continuous improvement in grip design and pick performance. The handmade, artisan approach is viewed as a strength by enthusiasts who value quality craftsmanship, though the picks command premium pricing compared to mass-produced alternatives.