Design

The Ergonomic Science Behind My Plectrums

16 Years of Innovation (2009), Function, and Purpose — Not Just Hype

I am the original creator of the Anvil plectrum, first introduced between 2010 and 2011, long before thick plectrums became trendy. What started as a personal solution to help players dealing with arthritis, muscular issues, or joint pain has evolved into a tool recognized for its ergonomic benefits, comfort, and precision.

Over time, this concept led me to design other shapes as well — like the Drop plectrum, a straight-tapered model inspired by the natural curve of a drop of water. It offers a more fluid feel and ergonomic contact with the fingers, while maintaining clarity and control.

But it’s not just about shape — thickness alone changes everything.

Even My Standard Plectrums Are Built Differently

Alongside the Anvil and Drop models, I also make standard-shaped plectrums, but much thicker than average — typically between 3 mm and 10 mm.

Even without a radical shape, increasing the thickness of the pick changes the way the hand interacts with it. The human hand grips thicker objects with more mechanical advantage, which means:

-More controlled strength

-Less tension in the fingers and wrist

-A firmer, more natural hold

-Improved endurance, even during long sessions

So even with a more classic-looking plectrum, you're already benefiting from increased strength and comfort, simply due to thickness.

Inspired by Real-World Tools

This design principle isn’t exclusive to guitar playing — it's used in many professions where precision, control, and endurance matter.

-Tattoo machines feature thick cylindrical grips to reduce hand fatigue during long, detailed sessions.

-Surgical scalpels, particularly in microsurgery, are often fitted with thicker ergonomic handles to maintain steadiness and reduce tremors.

-Woodworking chisels and carving tools have rounded handles that allow the wrist to stay relaxed and responsive.

-Chef’s knives, especially professional ones, are often fitted with sculpted, palm-filling grips that reduce wrist fatigue and improve cutting control.

As a trained chef with a Certificat Fédéral de Capacité earned in 1995, I was already aware of these ergonomic truths long before I started building guitars in 1996. That hands-on experience in the kitchen helped shape the way I think about tools, control, and long-term comfort.

In all of these disciplines, the same ergonomic rule applies:
A thicker grip reduces fatigue, increases control, and extends performance.

The Physics of Strength Through Thickness

When your thumb and index finger are naturally more separated, as they are when holding a thicker object, your hand benefits from:

-More mechanical strength

-Better grip stability

-Less muscular strain

-Greater responsiveness with less effort

This is why my picks — whether shaped radically like the Anvil, organically like the Drop, or classically — are intentionally thicker. They’re made to work with your anatomy, not against it.

⚠️ The "Click" Effect — and Why It Happens

With greater control comes greater power. And when that power isn’t adjusted, especially with hard materials like cast acrylic, you may hear a click or chirp when striking the strings — particularly under distortion or high gain.

This isn’t a defect. It’s a physical consequence of ergonomic leverage. Most companies that have copied my designs never explain this because they don’t understand the mechanics — they imitate the look without the thought behind it.

Fiber-Based Alternatives for Softer Attack

To reduce the clicking effect while keeping the comfort and shape, I’ve developed two proprietary fiber-based materials:

-HUFTRON
-HUFLON
-I also use Ertalyte for thinner picks

These materials offer a smoother, more dampened attack while preserving all the ergonomic benefits. They’re especially ideal for players using distortion or those seeking a more fluid feel.

These plectrums are not just thicker for the sake of it — they are engineered tools born from experience, need, and a deep respect for anatomy and physics. Whether you're looking for relief, more control, or just a better playing experience, this is where function comes first.