Volunteers Wanted!

Try the 6ePick: Be Part of the Ongoing Story

The preceding sections of this site hopefully have provided a clear introduction to the 6ePick. I’ve taken the design for this innovative plectrum about as far as I can for now. What’s needed next is for other pick users to try it out and offer honest, constructive feedback.

If you’ve ever struggled with grip issues, sought a smoother method to hybrid pick, wanted to explore a new way of holding a plectrum or  an alternative  means to play the top sides of strings, or maybe you simply enjoy experimenting with new gear—I’d love for you to become a volunteer tester. Each tester will receive a 6ePick system, complete with four Playing Tips (in varying styles and thicknesses), two ornate tips, and a Sound Rail. These are yours to experiment with and keep.  In return, you agree to provide honest feedback later on.

At this time I am seeking a limited number of testers, likely around 10 or so.  The logistics of meeting up with the testers, as well as the economics of printing out numerous prototypes of the various components,  dictate that I can not handle an excessive number of testers.  I need preliminary feedback concerning the functionality of the 6ePick and overall impressions of the general concept of it, and this number of testers should be adequate to provide this critical information.

That said,  I do need to be selective about who becomes a tester. Here are the three requirements:

1. You have experience using a plectrum on a stringed instrument. All types of instruments are welcome—acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, and others.  Experience levels can range from absolute beginners to professional players. In fact, it may turn out that the 6ePick is particularly beneficial for newer players, while more experienced ones may prefer their current style of pick or find the transition more challenging (you know what they say about teaching old dogs new tricks).

2. You live within  approximately 40 miles of the village of Truxton, NY.  (Please use a driving directions app to determine whether you fall within the eligible area).  There are a few reasons for this distance restriction:

• As explained in the Sizing 6ePick section, I want to ensure that each tester receives a Main Body that fits their fingers comfortably. At this stage, the only way to guarantee a good fit is to try out several sizes in person.  (With enough feedback over time, the sizing method described in the Sizing 6ePick section hopefully will eliminate the need for in-person fitting.)  I plan to personally deliver the test picks by meeting testers at an agreed-upon location—but I’m only willing to travel within that given mile radius.  Testers are welcome, however, to meet me "half-way", if they are willing to drive whatever distance they need to drive so that I do not have to exceed my approximate 40 mile range.

• Due to the 6ePick’s highly organic shape, I believe certain types of design feedback will be easier and more accurate when shared in person rather than through written responses in the evaluation survey.  Again, that means I’ll need to visit with you in person—but only within a reasonable travel distance. 

3.  You are willing, at the end of the program, to provide your honest feedback via a Google Forms evaluation survey (which can be completed online).  This survey will be comprehensive, asking about all individual components of the 6ePick system, as well as general overall views of the device  and one's experiences using it.   The survey will consist of a combination of multiple choice questions and both short and long answer written questions.  It will take 30 minutes or so, I'm guessing at this point, to complete.  This online evaluation will be supplemental to any in-person or email feedback that occurs during the course of the testing program— such feedback is highly encouraged also.  

Agree to the requirements?  Ready to test? Head to the Application Form in the above menu.