SYN-CO
It's been difficult for me to find any sort of definitive information on Syn-Co brand guitar picks. It has been rumored and alleged that Syn-Co brand guitar picks were produced by the D'Andrea corporation. Though, I have emailed D'Andrea Corporation about the brand, and they deny ever producing them. I've gotten mixed information as far as the date of production of these picks-which makes it difficult to nail down an actual date of their production year. The feedback I've gotten so far make them as old as the 60's or 70's. I've gotten more feedback stating that they were produced in the late 60's than I have the 1970's. For some reason, deep in my cobweb-cluttered mind, the year 1967 stands out when I consider the year of these picks. This could mean something. Then again, it could mean absolutely NOTHING!! The material that these perfectly gorgeous picks are made from is celluloid. And they are standard 351 size. There is no gauge printed on the box nor the pick. They 'feel' like a .75mm.
Syn-Co brand guitar picks happen to be one of my favorite brands for two reasons:
Firstly, because they are simply beautiful to look at. The various colors and color 'textures' of these picks make them a definite favorite of mine. Some examples of their beauty can be seen in the pictures below. Various shades of pinks, golds, greens, blues, oranges, etc., etc. ensure that there are no two alike. Secondly, they may have(if rumors can be confirmed) been manufactured by D'ANDREA!! And what's not to like about THAT?!??
Of course, the pictures do them little justice. The same goes for the original box. On the box reads: No. 10 Syn-Co Brand Deluxe Picks: 10 cents ea. 3 for 25 cents. There is no guage specified, though they 'feel' like they are around .75mm.
**********UPDATE: It has been confirmed by Tony D'Andrea(via email communication) that Syn-Co picks were indeed made by D'Andrea USA. Read Tony's words here :
"If I may, here’s the story regarding those beautiful SYN-CO guitar picks:
Mid to late 60’s, my father assigned me the task of creating a guitar pick for his good friend Al Iorio, creator of the Accorgan (electronic keyboard accordion). His company was Syn-Cordion Musical Instruments Corp. located in Jamaica, NY.
I proceeded to source something different-looking in the way of celluloid plastic for his picks, and purchased a run of brightly colored Mottled celluloid sheets made up for this product. We then created the Syn-Co logo, packaged them in attractive clear plastic display boxes for Syn-Cordion, and the rest is history.
Mr. Iorio’s accordion company is no longer in existence but the Syn-Co picks remain apparently as a collectable. And Annie, you just may be on to something when you mention you think these special picks are perhaps the most beautiful."
All the best,
Tony D’Andrea
Syn-Co brand guitar picks happen to be one of my favorite brands for two reasons:
Firstly, because they are simply beautiful to look at. The various colors and color 'textures' of these picks make them a definite favorite of mine. Some examples of their beauty can be seen in the pictures below. Various shades of pinks, golds, greens, blues, oranges, etc., etc. ensure that there are no two alike. Secondly, they may have(if rumors can be confirmed) been manufactured by D'ANDREA!! And what's not to like about THAT?!??
Of course, the pictures do them little justice. The same goes for the original box. On the box reads: No. 10 Syn-Co Brand Deluxe Picks: 10 cents ea. 3 for 25 cents. There is no guage specified, though they 'feel' like they are around .75mm.
**********UPDATE: It has been confirmed by Tony D'Andrea(via email communication) that Syn-Co picks were indeed made by D'Andrea USA. Read Tony's words here :
"If I may, here’s the story regarding those beautiful SYN-CO guitar picks:
Mid to late 60’s, my father assigned me the task of creating a guitar pick for his good friend Al Iorio, creator of the Accorgan (electronic keyboard accordion). His company was Syn-Cordion Musical Instruments Corp. located in Jamaica, NY.
I proceeded to source something different-looking in the way of celluloid plastic for his picks, and purchased a run of brightly colored Mottled celluloid sheets made up for this product. We then created the Syn-Co logo, packaged them in attractive clear plastic display boxes for Syn-Cordion, and the rest is history.
Mr. Iorio’s accordion company is no longer in existence but the Syn-Co picks remain apparently as a collectable. And Annie, you just may be on to something when you mention you think these special picks are perhaps the most beautiful."
All the best,
Tony D’Andrea
VERY htf vintage Syn-Co tortoise shell celluloid 351 pick
(reverse of above)
