Iron Age - About Us

Welcome to Iron Age Guitar Accessories, where ancient myths meet modern craftsmanship. We're not just a pick company; we're a dynamic duo on a quest to revolutionize your playing experience, one carefully crafted plectrum at a time.

 

Our Origins: From Military Precision to Musical Innovation

Our story began in 2015 when Alex, a former US Marine avionics technician with a passion for heavy metal, decided to merge his love for guitar with his fascination for ancient lore. This unique combination of technical expertise and artistic inclination laid the foundation for what would become Iron Age Guitar Accessories, initially a one-man brand.

Alex's journey from military service to entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to create something that resonated with both the precision of his technical background and the depth of his musical passion.

His time in the Marines exposed him to themes of warriors, national heroes, and the power of legacy. "Wearing the same uniform and sharing titles with those who came before me taught me the significance of carrying on a torch passed down through generations," Alex reflects.

Inspired by these enduring archetypes of warriors throughout time, the Iron Age, and the rich tapestry of myths that span cultures, Alex set out to create picks that would not only elevate your tone but also ignite your imagination.

"My military background helps with striving to fix issues systematically and at the core," Alex explains. "It also helps with creating actionable plans, product campaigns, and taking decisive action to make them a reality."

This disciplined approach, honed during his time in the Marines, has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of building a business from the ground up.

It has allowed Iron Age to maintain a level of quality and consistency that sets us apart in the industry, ensuring that each pick we produce meets the high standards we've set for ourselves, while also embodying the spirit of legacy and mythological significance.

 

The Creative Forge: Where Ideas Take Shape

Our design process is as unique as our picks, blending inspiration from diverse sources with meticulous craftsmanship.

"It typically starts with an idea that might pop into my head from something I've read, maybe a movie, a book, an article, or video," Alex shares.

"I like to explore many topics related to history, myth, and Jungian psychology like archetypes." This interdisciplinary approach allows us to infuse each pick with layers of meaning, transforming them from mere tools into tangible symbols of human experience and creativity.

This exploration leads to innovative designs like our Dragon Scale pick, a two-part composite featuring an aluminum hex design that glowed green - a creation based on the Hero's Journey & so sought after that it sold out within hours of release.

The Dragon Scale exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of pick design, both aesthetically and functionally. It represents the fusion of ancient symbolism with cutting-edge materials, embodying the transformative power of the hero's quest in a form that guitarists can hold in their hands.

Each pick we create is a micro-epic, telling a story through its design and inviting players to embark on their own musical journeys. By bridging the gap between mythology and musicianship, we aim to inspire guitarists to explore new territories in their playing, much like the heroes of old venturing into uncharted realms.

 

Materials and Craftsmanship: From Natural to Modern

Our journey in materials reflects the evolution of Iron Age itself, beginning with primal elements and progressing to cutting-edge synthetics. "Early on, we preferred more natural materials such as wood, bone, horn, and even semi-precious gemstones to cater to a more primitive aesthetic," Alex recalls.

This approach not only paid homage to the ancient craftsmanship we admire but also allowed us to explore the unique tonal qualities of these organic materials. As we grew, we expanded our repertoire to include modern engineering plastics like acrylic, prized for their versatility and durability.

Despite our shift towards more contemporary materials, we haven't forgotten our roots. We continue to offer modern versions of our original designs using exotic woods, synthetic ivory, and brass, while also introducing new additions such as carbon fiber and resin picks.

This diverse range allows us to cater to players who appreciate both traditional craftsmanship and innovative materials. By bridging the gap between ancient techniques and modern technology, we strive to provide picks that not only perform exceptionally but also tell a story of human ingenuity across the ages.

 

The Iron Age Legion Grows: Enter Emma

In 2021, Emma joined the Iron Age legion, bringing fresh perspective and multifaceted talents to our small but mighty team. With a background in music and a keen interest in digital marketing, Emma has become an integral part of our operation, infusing our brand with new energy and insights.

"I've learned quite a bit about what customers are really seeking & how to provide them what they are looking for so everyone is happy," Emma reflects on her experience.

Her dedication to customer satisfaction has not only enhanced our service but has also brought her immense joy, as she delights in helping guitarists find their perfect pick.

Emma's contributions have been invaluable in shaping our approach to both craftsmanship and customer relations, ensuring that Iron Age continues to resonate with players on both a technical and personal level.

 

Quality Control: Precision in Every Pick

Despite being a two-person operation, we maintain rigorous quality standards that rival those of larger manufacturers.

"We ensure quality by taking on one order at a time," Alex explains, emphasizing our commitment to individual attention. "When making batches of picks for pre-order or new releases, we systematize the process similar to an assembly line where we break down exact steps to take & make things efficient."

This approach allows us to maintain consistency while still infusing each pick with the care and attention to detail that has become our hallmark. We utilize precision tools and a series of quality checks throughout the production process, ensuring that every pick that leaves our workshop meets our exacting standards.

This meticulous approach not only guarantees the quality of our products but also allows us to continuously refine our techniques, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in pick design and manufacturing.

 

The Iron Age Philosophy: Beyond the Physical

What sets Iron Age apart is our focus on ideas that transcend the mundane, elevating our picks from mere tools to symbols of timeless concepts. "Instead of focusing primarily on a product and its physical characteristics, we like to explore more intuitive topics that are beyond the physical plane," Alex elaborates.

This approach allows us to infuse each pick with layers of meaning, drawing inspiration from myths, legends, and archetypes that have resonated with humans for millennia.

"An idea, or in our case, an archetype or myth itself is truly timeless. Not only that, but it is transcendental and something that everyone, no matter what culture or background, can relate to."

By tapping into these universal themes, we create picks that not only enhance your playing but also connect you to a broader narrative of human experience. Each Iron Age pick becomes a tangible link to the collective unconscious, inviting players to explore deeper aspects of creativity and self-expression through their music.

 

Customer Feedback: The Fuel to Our Fire

"Honestly, customer feedback is what fueled the fire & inspired me to continue in the early days," Alex admits, reflecting on the pivotal role our community has played in shaping Iron Age.

"It was amazing to hear customers being excited not just to receive & use their Iron Age products, but also for them to say that it changed how they approached playing in general was mindblowing." This enthusiastic response from our customers has been a constant source of motivation and inspiration, driving us to continually innovate and improve.

We're incredibly grateful for every guitarist who has chosen to make Iron Age picks a part of their musical journey. Your stories, suggestions, and support have been instrumental in helping us refine our designs and expand our vision.

It's through this ongoing dialogue with our community that Iron Age has evolved into the brand it is today. We remain committed to listening to your feedback and incorporating your insights as we continue to forge new paths in pick design and craftsmanship.

 

Honoring Our Past Members

We'd be remiss not to mention the valuable contributions of our past team members:

- Ethan: Our former lead craftsman and PR specialist, Ethan brought his multi-instrumental talents and enthusiasm for music to Iron Age from 2019 to 2021.
- Paul: Joining us in the hectic summer of 2020 until mid-2021, Paul brought surgical precision to our craft. With a background in oral surgery, his easy-going yet diligent approach ensured no corners were cut when it came to quality craftsmanship.
- Sofia: With us from 2021 to 2023, Sofia's keen eye for detail and passion for music made her an invaluable part of our team as a craftsman and CNC operator.

These individuals played crucial roles in shaping Iron Age into what it is today, and their legacy continues to inspire us.

 

Join Our Quest

We may be small, but our vision is grand. We're here to provide you with more than just a tool to strum your strings - we're offering you a piece of history, a work of art, and a gateway to unleash your creative potential.

Welcome to Iron Age Guitar Accessories. Join us in our quest to forge legends, one pick at a time.