A Childhood Dream

Since childhood I dreamed of inventing. To me, creating products feels like art, each one carrying the fingerprint of its creator, their passion, and their story. I did not know what my invention would be, but I knew I wanted it to truly represent me. That feeling stayed with me until the right moment came to bring it to life.

The Spark of an Idea

One night, nine years ago, I decided it was time to finally chase that dream. I told myself, find something you truly love and build from there. The answer came quickly, because one thing was undeniable, I am a guitarist, completely obsessed with musical instruments. That passion became my starting point.

I looked at my guitar and thought, what if I could create something new for guitars? I did not have a clear answer, but I went to bed with that question still echoing in my mind.

Not long after, I saw Jimmy Page play his guitar with a violin bow, and everything clicked. What if I could bring this to the acoustic guitar? In that instant, the path felt clear. I grabbed an old violin bow and tried it. The sound was beautiful, yet the experience was clumsy, I kept striking the guitar, and it felt limited. That is when I knew exactly what I wanted to do, I was going to invent a bow made specifically for acoustic guitars.

Inspirational moment.

From Idea to Prototype

I explored many directions, and the concept that truly captivated me, while remaining practical, was a micro double sided bow. Since I did not know how to build a bow, I contacted a local bow maker and shared my idea. Two weeks later, I held the first prototype in my hands. I played it, and I could not believe the sound. It was something that had never existed before, and it was mine.

The very first Pickaso Guitar Bow model

The First Yes

Funding was a challenge. Several investors told me the market was too small, and one said, “No one will buy this.” I chose a different route and went to the bank. At first they declined, and I asked to meet the branch manager.

I said, “Let me show you the product. If you are not impressed, do not give me the loan.” I took out my guitar, played a few chords, and said, “Every guitar in the world sounds like this, right?” Then I took the Pickaso from my pocket and played Bach. His eyes lit up and he smiled, “Jonathan, this is incredible. I want one for my nephew.”

He could not approve the full amount, yet he gave me enough to start. That first real yes changed everything.

Building the Sound

I wanted to create the best product possible. With a limited budget, I learned what I needed to move forward, branding, website design, photography, logistics, manufacturing, advertising, finance, and business management. I stayed hands on with every detail and invested where it mattered most, the product and the sound. For the engineering work, I collaborated with product designers, engineers, luthiers, and bow makers.

Looking back, that focus is exactly why the Pickaso Guitar Bow feels so refined. I aimed to get every part right, and I poured my heart into the process.

After three years of work, I completed the prototype and launched ads for a preorder campaign. On September 7th, 2019, I pressed the publish button. Seconds later, the first order arrived, then another, and another. It was not a crowdfunding platform, it was direct preorders on my website. My dream was becoming real, and that moment is one I will never forget.

From Bedroom to Business

In the beginning, it was just me. I handled customer service, crafted each bow by hand, and packed and shipped from a small room in a shared flat. Some nights, I worked until I could not keep my eyes open, surrounded by piles of boxes. Through this period I learned how to adapt, how to solve problems, and how to turn ideas into reality.

When Passion Finds Its Purpose

Today, I have a company, a team, and a product played by incredible musicians around the world. The Pickaso Guitar Bow is sold globally, and I have had the honor of seeing it on the shelves at Guitar Center.

Tens of thousands of creative and talented customers inspire me every day, and I am working on new ideas, some connected to Pickaso, that I will share soon.

Most of all, the Pickaso Guitar Bow represents creativity, hope, and the power of believing in yourself. Every time I hear its voice on a guitar, it feels poetic, a reminder that if a guitar can reveal hidden beauty within, so can we.

I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire even one person to chase a dream they once set aside.

Thank you for reading 🧡

With appreciation,
Jonathan Shenhav
Inventor and CEO
Pickaso Innovations LLC