PIXOTICA was started in 2005 when I was looking for an alternative bass picking technique. I had joined a Greenday tribute band, and although I am a devout finger stylist, I wanted to approach the job at hand with an authentic replication of Mike Dirnt's style. I decided that if I was going to play with a pick, I wanted a unique approach. I had been working with exotic hardwoods for sometime, so the leap was simple, and PIXOTICA was born.

After a year of research and development and many attempts at fashioning a plectrum made of wood, I finally came up with a definitive list of the hardest exotic hardwoods to use. I initially made picks for my own use, but when I showed them to other musicians and friends, I was surprised at the overwhelming reaction I received. I knew then that I was on to something good.