I wanted to make something that could be enjoyed by everyone. Something fun, entertaining and positive to anyone who picked it up; similar to the experiences I’ve had with the Native American Flute. While looking through woodworking books at the local wood store, I came across a book by John Ressler on how to make Pickin’ Sticks. I picked it up and thought it would be one of those fun projects years down the road. The next thing I knew my girlfriend and I were looking through piles of wood to find quality pieces for our first pair. When the first one was done, I felt instant satisfaction from both the exquisite beauty of the wood we chose and the freedom of being able to just start playing it. We had no experience with playing stringed instruments and were now hooked, creating our own 
music!
We had to share our first Pickin’ Stick with our friends because it was too much fun to keep to ourselves! Every one who picked it up became instantly captivated by it and could not put it down. At that moment I knew we were on to something. Taking off with new found enthusiasm and energy, we decided to start making Pickin’ Sticks so everyone could share in the joy of this wonderful instrument.
The Wandering Minstrel