Guitarists who have tried genuine tortoiseshell picks generally agree that nothing compares to the crisp attack, bright tone, clean definition and smooth feel that these picks provide. Unfortunately, tortoiseshell picks are exceptionally brittle, break easily, wear down quickly and-most importantly are illegal, since they are made from a protected species. For decades, pick manufacturers have vainly attempted to replicate tortoise shell, but Jim Dunlop has finally cracked the code with its new Primetone sculpted picks, which feel and perform like the genuine article but offer several improvements. The edges are beveled to provide the smooth feel of a broken-in pick, which facilitates faster, cleaner picking and minimizes string noise. Primetone picks also deliver stiff, instantaneous "snap" that drives strings harder and increases volume output. Several improvements make them even better than tortoiseshell. The textured gripping surface keeps the picks from slipping out of players' fingers, and the durable high-density Ultex material won't wear down quickly or break easily. Best of all, a turtle didn't have to die just so you could strum cowboy chords at your next hootenanny. -Chris Gill
