ok......two weeks worth of gigs with the V-Picks, and.......

[Bobby D]

.....I have not picked up one of my old picks since!

Honestly, I was VERY skeptical about trying these out. I already spend enough money on gear:banana

But I just got off the road from doing 12 gigs in 14 days. I have been using the medium pointed glow in the dark models.

Ever since the FIRST NITE I brought them with me to try, I have been using them. It was a very easy change to using the V-Picks. Tonally, I can hear a noticeable difference in my tone - a bit clearer and more articulate.

But the REAL thing that impressed me was that I did NOT experience any right hand numbness or fatigue while using the picks. This is due to the extra thickness of the picks, it gives your hand a lot more to GRIP onto, and causes less stress to your tendons and muscles.

During the mid-80s, when I was trying to play as fast as everybody else, I had been given some stainless steel picks by Warren Demartini (who is a guitarist i really love, from the rock genre). I was practicing 5-6 hours a day to a metronome, AND doing gigs.

I got tendinitis. It scared me pretty badly......luckily, I had a great orthopedic surgeon who worked with me, and he was a guitarist himself, so he had a better understanding of my problem than most doctors.

He forced me to start using those big thick 2mm purple dunlop 500 series picks, and I used those for years, then ended up going to a Dunlop Jazz III for many years, then eventually back to .80 and 1mm Steve Clayton picks (that are custom printed with my name and logo)

But I had been starting to experience some right hand numbness and fatigue, which I basically wrote off to getting older. I have been playing for 39 years now (am 44), and just figured it comes with the territory.

But the V-Picks have made a huge difference in my right hand health, my tone, and my playing. I'm really happy with them!

However, my band found it pretty hilarious when I dropped one of the picks onto the dance floor, then went diving out there after the pick!

For any of you out there who have been experiencing any right hand numbness, stress, or tendinitis type difficulty -- I highly, highly recommend trying the V-Picks out.

No, I am not an "endorser", nor am I getting them free. I pay $5 each just like everyone else. But I really wanted to share my findings with the rest of you, as I am sure that there are some other older players like me who have experienced the right hand numbness issue.

:RoCkIn

[VegaBaby]

Very interesting !

How do they sound ?

For years I used the Dunlop 2mm Big Stubbys, but found them too bass heavy after some time. I'm back to 1.xx Dunlop 500s now which I prefer in tone.

Any tone experiences / comparisons would be welcome !

[Bobby D]

I have found them to be brighter sounding, and bit clearer and more articulate. I know these are hard words to really "pin down" tonally -- but they are the words that come to mind when I use the V-Picks....

[VegaBaby]

I have found them to be brighter sounding, and bit clearer and more articulate. I know these are hard words to really "pin down" tonally -- but they are the words that come to mind when I use the V-Picks....
Thanks Bobby !

That makes it even more tempting to try them. Usually thick pics tend to sound more bass heavy and almost the opposite from what you described.

Off to their site to check different models...

[bluesdoc]

I'd been using the medium rounded for a long time and recently changed to the pointed version. Notes are now much more sparkly and defined without any loss in picking speed. Plus, it makes less of a difference what angle I hold my right hand as I'm basically picking with a point, so the feel of the action stays pretty constant. I can't do without these picks :)

jon

[VegaBaby]

If you're used to the normal shape Dunlops, would it be better to start with rounded ? The pointed ones look really pointed to me. Years ago Dunlop had some pointed ones as well, but I never got along with them...

[Bobby D]

I'd been using the medium rounded for a long time and recently changed to the pointed version. Notes are now much more sparkly and defined without any loss in picking speed. Plus, it makes less of a difference what angle I hold my right hand as I'm basically picking with a point, so the feel of the action stays pretty constant. I can't do without these picks :)

jon

I totally agree -- and i really DIDNT want to like these. I expected to be underwhelmed by them, to be honest.

I want to test the tonal difference between the clear and the glow in the dark models. I seem to think that the clear ones are just a little bit brighter sounding....

Ah well -- I have to order some more of these, and make sure i don't throw them at the crowd!

The ONLY thing I miss is doing PICK SLIDES......I sure as heck am not gonna shred one of these picks up by doing pick slides with them.

For many of us who obsess over vintage NOS tubes, speakers, metal film vs carbon components, and other various tonal ephemera -- your PICK CHOICE makes as much OR MORE difference to your tone than MANY other things.....Pat Metheny had some really interesting things to say about picks in his Guitar Player cover story a few months back. Well worth reading.....

For me, having the great reduction of right hand numbness has been a gift. I love these picks!

[Bobby D]

If you're used to the normal shape Dunlops, would it be better to start with rounded ? The pointed ones look really pointed to me. Years ago Dunlop had some pointed ones as well, but I never got along with them...

they don't feel as "pointy" as they look. but i also tried the rounded model, and liked it too!

i would try BOTH styles. Vinni is also cool with exchanging picks that don't work out for you, from what I understand.

For me, the medium pointed is JUST RIGHT.:RoCkIn

[VegaBaby]

they don't feel as "pointy" as they look. but i also tried the rounded model, and liked it too!

i would try BOTH styles. Vinni is also cool with exchanging picks that don't work out for you, from what I understand.

For me, the medium pointed is JUST RIGHT.:RoCkIn
I'm very similar to you when it comes to buying into the hype of picks. I've worked freelance as a demonstrator/clinician for different companies for years and we always had those running jokes about companies trying to reinvent the pick.

Here I have to say though that I've heard nothing but good things and am definitely interested in trying them.

The Medium Lite Pointed seem like a good start for what I might be used to. Maybe I order a few different ones just for comparison.

How do the Mediums compare in size to 'normal' medium sized picks ?

[Bobby D]

I'm very similar to you when it comes to buying into the hype of picks. I've worked freelance as a demonstrator/clinician for different companies for years and we always had those running jokes about companies trying to reinvent the pick.

Here I have to say though that I've heard nothing but good things and am definitely interested in trying them.

The Medium Lite Pointed seem like a good start for what I might be used to. Maybe I order a few different ones just for comparison.

How do the Mediums compare in size to 'normal' medium sized picks ?

They are very similar, just a little bit bigger -- I think the medium pointed is probably the best "gateway" pick into the V-Pick world.

And I think Vinni is the guy who has indeed re-invented the guitar pick! I will be ordering a few more, for sure. The first gig was an eye opener -- and I have never gone back to my older picks after that first nite.

I was a bit concerned that they may not work as well for all the funk rhythms and stuff I have to play at some gigs, but they actually made that stuff EASIER to play for me:banana

[Tonemeister69]

Cool review. I must try these out at some point.

[JeffOlson]

your PICK CHOICE makes as much OR MORE difference to your tone than MANY other things

Amen to that!

I alternate between Dunlop Jazz III, agate picks of the same shape and size, and Fender premium celluloid 351 mediums. The Fenders sound great with my Strat, but I have more control and a more relaxed right hand with the other two (which do not bend at all!).

[Jschoi]

YUP! Me too. I didn't see what the huge difference would be, but I tried them anyway and I'm a believer. These things are so comfortable and make my sound so lush and warm. I doubt I could ever go back to other picks again.

[VegaBaby]

Is anyone using these in 'Lite' gauge ? I listened to Vinnie's Youtube comparison clips and really liked/prefered the tone of those...

[arnie65]

I've got some to sell, I bought almost one of each and kept the two that felt the most comfortable and don't need the rest. One of the things I've noticed about the picks apart from being comfortable, is that the way the picks are cut at the edges, reduces the drag from picking.



Cheers, Arnie..

[Shredmonster]

I am not afraid to experiment if something might be better or improve my playing or sound etc....

Benn using V picks for a couple years now. After trying one for 10 minutes I never looked back.

Better ergonomics. Better tone. Can get an unpleasant plinky sound sometimes on certain amp settings so there may be times to use a thinner pick.

[Bobby D]

that's the word i was looking for -- "ergonomics" -- the v-picks really have a great design, and feel more comfortable to play for long periods. some of the shows i do require me to do 3 90 minute sets per nite, and right hand fatigue is inevitable.

i ordered some more -- gotta make sure i have some spares about, in case i drop one onto the dance floor and can't find it later :(

i am also interested to hear if there are any noticeable tonal differences between the clear versions and the "glow in the dark" models....

[SuperReverb2]

I've been using V-Picks for the past 6 months or so. Started with the medium rounded just to see what all the hype was about, but once I tried the large rounded, (Vinni's favorite) it was all over. I haven't touched another pick since except to reaffirm that NOTHING comes close to the sound/tone and feel of a V-Pick. Well worth a try IMHO.

:)

[Bobby D]

something is telling me i need to try to Screamer and the Dimension.....these picks are addicting!

[jaxapi]

something is telling me i need to try to Screamer and the Dimension.....these picks are addicting!


i don't know for the dimension but since i try the screamer i always have one in my pocket ...

for me the clear ones are a little bit brighter but just a very very little bit !!

[ruger9]

I guess I'm the odd man out. I recently bought 4-5 different V-Picks, and I just don't like them. I still prefer my Ultex, and I'm really preferring the pick Lollar ships with his pups... I'm going to call up & order some. The V-picks just didn't do it for me.

[pennylink]

I'm a believer! Large rounded V-Picks exclusively for me. Thicker, warmer tone, play faster due to lack of friction, and they do 'stick' to the fingers really well. Great stuff all round.

[acwild]

Throughout the year, I've ended up buying most of the V-Pick line. At this point, I still can't tell you which one is my favorite as I cycle through them depending on how my picking hand is at the moment. Generally I've been gravitating to the small pointed and medium rounded but I also like the Dimension and Diamond.
For strumming, I find the Screamer a bit too pointed. I can't get along with the Shredder due to the same reason.

[ford]

Need to try these someday.....

rock

bford

[NewarkWilder]

I'm a believer! Large rounded V-Picks exclusively for me. Thicker, warmer tone, play faster due to lack of friction, and they do 'stick' to the fingers really well. Great stuff all round.

these are the ones that have been working for me the best too. they seem bulky at first but then they just melt into your fingers i swear

[relix63]

The V-Pick Small Lite is on sale on their website right now. It's similar in size/shape to a Jazz III. I ordered a couple and liked them enough that I placed another order for them today. At 50% off, I figured I had to give them a shot. Not a complete believer yet, but I like them.

[CiceroTJones]

How are these for strumming?

Single note stuff is easily handled with a thicker pick, but what about funk and rhythm?

[V-Picks]

How are these for strumming?

Single note stuff is easily handled with a thicker pick, but what about funk and rhythm?

May I suggest the Medium Rounded for strumming....

[BuddyGuit]

I like them but I'm not nuts about the pick chirp I get. If I didn't get the chirp I think I would use them all the time.

[Flyin' Brian]

Is anyone using these in 'Lite' gauge ? I listened to Vinnie's Youtube comparison clips and really liked/prefered the tone of those...

Vinny sent me a couple of freebie lights and ultra lites with my order. To me they defeat the purpose.

After fooling around with a few I ended up falling in love with the Snake, which is one of the really thick ones. Now I freak out if I don't have one of those. The only problem is you can't just stick them in your strings and expect them to stay there and you don't want to lose them because they're 10 bucks a piece.

How are these for strumming?
Single note stuff is easily handled with a thicker pick, but what about funk and rhythm?

I have no problems doing the Tower of Power funk thng with Snakes. As a matter of fact it's easier.

[leocbuc]

I got a variety pack of v picks recently. At that moment I was primarily playing my PRS w/ .09's on it and I fell in love with them. No comparison... they sounded full and the attack was fantastic... But when I set my hollowbody (w/ .10s) back up I couldn't get it to feel right. I turned every knob I had... and messed with everything. Eventually I picked up an old fender medium plastic pick and everything came back together.

Final Conclusion.... loved the v-picks on the PRS... couldn't get em to feel right on the Equator Hollowbody.

[charmboy]

I like them but I'm not nuts about the pick chirp I get. If I didn't get the chirp I think I would use them all the time.
I really love the feel and tone of vpicks, but have been noticing this more and more, particularly since I've been using the snake. I don't really notice it as much with the normal ones; maybe a little but it's much less distracting. It's a drag though because the Snake just blew me away initially but the more I use it the more I notice just too much brightness and extra noise in my attack.

I still really like the vpicks though so I'm going to spend more time with the medium rounded and pointed, since I initially bonded with those.

[Bobby D]

still digging mine....i think the clear ones are a little brighter than the glow in dark models......i need to try the dimension and the screamer next. it never ends ;)

[Troy T. Blues]

A friend of mine went to the NY Amp Show and apparently they were giving them out. Anyways, he asked me if I'd ever heard of V-Picks. I've heard of them, but never tried one. Well, he gave it to me to check out and played with it that night...I was instantly converted! Right away, I could hear a clearer tone, felt great in my fingers and I was able to pick more fluently. I was blown away by a pick! :) I like the way it grips in my fingers too.

It was the Large Lite Pointed...So, the other day I ordered a few more extras and also got the Medium Rounded, the original V-Pick, which is even thicker. I never really liked thick picks before, but this has a whole different feel. Wow! I love that one too! I'll never touch another "regular" pick again.

Vinni is da man! :cool: Kudos for such a great product.

[aarondavis]

How are these for strumming?

Single note stuff is easily handled with a thicker pick, but what about funk and rhythm?

Quite easy. It's somewhat counter intuitive, but these really thick picks are *really easy* to strum with. For acoustic, I still prefer the feel of normal .80 to 1mm, but that's the only time I don't play with my V-Picks (my fav is the Large Pointed standard 2.75mm).

Just a word of caution to those that are concerned about the "chirp". Yes it is there... but go back and forth between a V-Pick and a normal "local music store bag-o-picks" type. The normal pick makes a "skkkkirrrp" sound that is equally as loud. The "chiiirrrp" of the V-Picks is much preferable to me... it's just that you're not used to. It's a fater more articulate tone. Better allthewayround IMO. ;)

Not trying to force people to my thinking, but just trying to remind you to be open minded about it...

[charmboy]

I tried to convince myself that the chirp I'm getting from the Snake is as loud as the scrape from a regular pick and that's just not the case. Believe me, I love vpicks and wanted the Snake to be the one, but that chirp is jumping out and taking over my attack. I'm sure other elements in my rig may be helping this along but I've generally got a dark tone (to a fault at times) and that bright chirping really tends to harsh things up.

Again, I'm not dissing vpicks here, I'm still a convert, just noticing that the thicker picks have too many audible artifacts for me. It's too bad too because the feel of the Snake is what I've always been looking for.

[aarondavis]

Charmboy, to be clear I'm speaking of the 2.75 mm Large Pointed. Yes, the Snake does have more of a "chirp" than the Large Pointed. But I don't think there'd be a way to make a pick that feels like the Snake without the "chirp".

Have you tried the Large Pointed 2.75mm?

BTW, it doesn't sound at all like your dissing the picks! ;)

[charmboy]

Yeah, I really like the normal size. The medium rounded and pointed were my favorites until I tried the Snake. I was initially blown away by the feel of that one so that's all I've used for the past 2 months (nice that you can get more than a month out of one pick!), but I've weighed the pro's vs. cons and I think that'll have me switching back to the regulars. With those, I agree though, no more noise than a regular pick.

I haven't tried the large pointed but I have a large rounded which is nice but I think the mediums are better for me.

[BuddyGuit]

Quite easy. It's somewhat counter intuitive, but these really thick picks are *really easy* to strum with. For acoustic, I still prefer the feel of normal .80 to 1mm, but that's the only time I don't play with my V-Picks (my fav is the Large Pointed standard 2.75mm).

Just a word of caution to those that are concerned about the "chirp". Yes it is there... but go back and forth between a V-Pick and a normal "local music store bag-o-picks" type. The normal pick makes a "skkkkirrrp" sound that is equally as loud. The "chiiirrrp" of the V-Picks is much preferable to me... it's just that you're not used to. It's a fater more articulate tone. Better allthewayround IMO. ;)

Not trying to force people to my thinking, but just trying to remind you to be open minded about it...

Oh I like the picks but in some contexts the chirp just doesn't work ..... for me at least.