Dunlop

Dunlop

100

Also known as: Jim Dunlop, Dunlop Manufacturing, Jim Dunlop Manufacturing, Jim Dunlop USA, Dunlop Manufacturing Inc

Unclaimed

Founded in 1965 by Scottish-born engineer and guitarist Jim Dunlop Sr. in Benicia, California, Dunlop Manufacturing built its reputation as a maker of high-quality guitar accessories and effects pedals. The company began with small utility products before moving into guitar picks in 1972, eventually becoming one of the most recognized names in the accessories market. Dunlop's catalog spans guit...

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Founded in 1965 by Scottish-born engineer and guitarist Jim Dunlop Sr. in Benicia, California, Dunlop Manufacturing built its reputation as a maker of high-quality guitar accessories and effects pedals. The company began with small utility products before moving into guitar picks in 1972, eventually becoming one of the most recognized names in the accessories market. Dunlop's catalog spans guitar picks, capos, slides, strings, fret wire, strap locks, and a broad range of electronic effects.

Among Dunlop's most iconic product lines are its guitar picks, particularly the Tortex series introduced in 1981. Tortex picks use an acetal-based material engineered to replicate the feel and tonal characteristics of vintage tortoiseshell without using real tortoiseshell. The picks are widely used across genres and remain a fixture on touring riders and in studio settings. Dunlop also produces a wide range of glass and metal slides, as well as capos for acoustic, electric, and classical guitars.

On the effects side, Dunlop acquired the Cry Baby wah-wah pedal line in 1982, taking over the original tooling and machinery from the Thomas Organ Company and Jen Elettronica. The Cry Baby — already associated with players like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton — became a cornerstone of the Dunlop catalog, and the company has since produced dozens of variants including signature editions for artists such as Slash, Dimebag Darrell, Zakk Wylde, and Eddie Van Halen. In 1987, Dunlop acquired the MXR brand, adding a range of compact stompboxes to its portfolio, and in 2008 it folded in the Way Huge brand, originally founded by designer Jeorge Tripps, broadening its offering in boutique-leaning analog effects.

Dunlop has 723 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Picks & Pick Holders, Wah Pedals, and Strings. Their gear is featured by 1638 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Pop, and Metal. Notable users include James "Munky" Shaffer, Kirk Hammett, and Jim Root. Most Dunlop products fall in the mid-tier range — professional-grade without flagship pricing.

Artists Who Use Dunlop

James "Munky" Shaffer uses 11 Dunlop products

James "Munky" Shaffer

Guitarist · Korn

Kirk Hammett uses 10 Dunlop products

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist · Metallica

Jim Root uses 10 Dunlop products

Jim Root

Guitarist · Slipknot

Ben Eller uses 10 Dunlop products

Ben Eller

Guitarist, Bassist

Josh Homme uses 9 Dunlop products

Josh Homme

Guitarist · Kyuss

Jerry Cantrell uses 9 Dunlop products

Jerry Cantrell

Composer, Guitarist · Alice in Chains

Zakk Wylde uses 9 Dunlop products

Zakk Wylde

Guitarist, Singer · Pantera

Billie Joe Armstrong uses 8 Dunlop products

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist · Green Day

Rivers Cuomo uses 8 Dunlop products

Rivers Cuomo

Singer, Guitarist · Weezer

John Petrucci uses 8 Dunlop products

John Petrucci

Guitarist, Composer · Dream Theater

Kerry King uses 8 Dunlop products

Kerry King

Guitarist, Composer · Slayer

Troy Van Leeuwen uses 8 Dunlop products

Troy Van Leeuwen

Guitarist, Bassist · Queens of the Stone Age

Gary Holt uses 8 Dunlop products

Gary Holt

Guitarist · Slayer

Eric Gales uses 8 Dunlop products

Eric Gales

Guitarist · Pinnick Gales Pridgen

Juan Alderete uses 8 Dunlop products

Juan Alderete

Bassist · Marilyn Manson

1690 uses 8 Dunlop products

1690

Guitarist · DaiTribe

James Hetfield uses 7 Dunlop products

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist · Metallica

Dave Grohl uses 7 Dunlop products

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer · Nirvana

Adam Jones uses 7 Dunlop products

Adam Jones

Guitarist, Keyboardist · Tool

Mick Thomson uses 7 Dunlop products

Mick Thomson

Guitarist · Slipknot

Community setups featuring Dunlop

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Gear Guides featuring Dunlop

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