Dunlop

Dunlop at Kirstein

Dunlop Manufacturing was founded in 1965 by Jim Dunlop Sr. and is based in Benicia, California. What began as an accessories specialist developed into a manufacturer whose range today includes picks, wah pedals, capos, slides and care products as well as effects technology. Tortex, Jazz III and Cry Baby are particularly closely associated with the Dunlop name. For guitarists and bassists, this makes the brand relevant both for direct playing feel and for shaping their sound.

Picks: Tortex, Jazz III and more

Dunlop offers a broad selection of picks at Kirstein. Tortex was introduced in 1981 and developed as an alternative to tortoiseshell picks. Dunlop uses Delrin as the base material and gives the picks their characteristic matte surface; Tortex picks continue to be manufactured at Dunlops headquarters in Benicia. Alongside Tortex, Jazz III, Ultex, Nylon and Max-Grip are among the best-known Dunlop pick ranges.

When choosing a pick, it is worth looking beyond gauge alone. Shape, tip, material and surface influence flexibility, attack and control. Standard shapes work well for many playing styles, while more compact jazz shapes are geared towards precise picking. Players who want to compare different options can use mixed pick packs to find the combination that best suits their individual picking technique.

Cry Baby wah pedals for classic and versatile wah sounds

Another core area for Dunlop is Cry Baby. In 1982, the company acquired the original tools and machinery used to produce the Cry Baby and continued to develop the wah family. At Kirstein you can find various wah pedals: the Cry Baby GCB95 offers a straightforward classic wah approach, while the 535Q provides additional control over frequency range and filter character. The Cry Baby Mini 535Q brings this concept into a more compact pedal format.

The right choice depends on how much control you need while playing. A classic wah is a direct route into expressive filter sounds, while models with Q, range or boost functions provide more options for matching the pedal to your guitar, amplifier and band context. Further pedal types can be found among the guitar and bass effects.

MXR and other effects brands in the Dunlop portfolio

Over the decades, Dunlop has also expanded its effects range through established brands. MXR was acquired and revived by Dunlop after the original company ceased operations. Classics such as the Phase 90, Dyna Comp and Distortion+ sit alongside later developments including the Carbon Copy, reverb pedals and bass effects. You can find the current Kirstein selection in the MXR brand shop. Way Huge complements the Dunlop portfolio with further specialised effects pedals.

When selecting effects pedals, it helps to consider their role in the signal chain. Overdrive and fuzz alter saturation, modulation effects such as phaser or chorus add movement, compressors shape dynamics, and delay or reverb create spatial depth. Dedicated effects are also available for bassists. This allows a pedalboard to be built up step by step according to musical requirements.

Capos, slides and instrument care

Dunlop also covers many practical tools and accessories for guitar and bass. At Kirstein you can find capos such as models from the Trigger range, guitar slides made from glass, and care products for guitar and bass from the Formula and System 65 product ranges. This means the Dunlop spectrum extends from accessories used directly while playing to products for instrument care and maintenance.

Why buy Dunlop at Kirstein?

When choosing Dunlop products, it makes sense to focus on the intended use: picks by shape, material and gauge, wah pedals by the level of control you need, and accessories to suit your instrument. Signature models are particularly interesting if you are specifically looking for the features of a particular artist model. At Kirstein, 3 Year Warranty, 30 Day Money Back and expert advice complement the product selection.