Picks

[Zim]

So what Picks are you guys using and for what type of playing/guitar(s)?


Reason I ask, I'm on the hunt for some new ones. I'm hearing WAY MORE difference than I ever did as a youngster from pick to pick and more so on acoustic.

 

[jzgtrguy]

Dunlap "Jazz 3" for electric guitar,

Clayton 1mm ACETAL PICKS for Jazz guitar. I use the tear drop shape and drill holes in it for grip

For Acoustic guitar I use Wagen picks. I think they are mandolin picks but I like them for guitar

 

[dsw67]

Dunlop Stubby 2.0. Wish they didn't wear out so quickly though.

 

[GarMan]

I used the Dunlop Nylon 1.00 mm pick on its side (the black ones) with mainly teles or strats.

 

[kludge]

Every electric player owes it to themselves to spend some time with a Jazz III, just for the educational aspect. Come to think of it, that's one of the benefits of messing with picks for me... they're educational. An interesting new pick will teach you things about your technique and your ears.

These days, I keep coming back to the Dunlop 207, which is a medium-sized pick with rounded points in the "JazzTone" series. It's made of black polycarbonate, and has gorgeous tone, although merely acceptable playability. My last flirtation was with John Pearse sarod picks made from buffalo horn... didn't like the sharp point and the grip was distracting, and they wear REALLY fast for six dollar picks.

There are a couple of things to think about with picks. One is tone, and the other is feel. A lot of picks feel good, but don't necessarily sound good (for example, the clickiness that eventually drove me from V-Picks). Other picks sound good, but don't feel good (like the dozens of Fender medium teardrops I've lost on floors and inside guitars over the years). There's no one right answer, which is why there are so many picks.

One answer I've learned for myself is that I don't want my picks to flex AT ALL. Flexible picks are less predictable and transmit a bouncy feel to my hand that makes them hard to hold. This means tighter grip and more cautious playing. I play more efficiently and dynamically with a really stiff pick, and honestly, I have more fun.

For feel, the thicker the better. The thicker the pick, the less tension between thumb and finger required. The most comfortable pick I own is a V-Pick Diamond (three of them, in fact). But thickness gets in the way of tone. Generally, the thinner the better for tone, and the beveling of the edge is REALLY important. I find the Dunlop 207 to be the current best compromise between playability and tone.

Buy picks. Buy LOTS of picks. Try and see what they teach you about yourself.

 

[somecafone]

Right now, I am all about the Dunlop Tortex Jazz Sharp Heavy. They're 1.14 inches thick and purple. I use em for acoustic, electric, whatever.

Yep, I've experimented and tried gobs and gobs of pics.
I've always been drawn to heavier picks.

I'm curious about things like the V Pick but I chew em up or lose em and they are kinda of expensive.
I can't even consider a $35 pick. No offense to any who live by em, but I just couldn't do it.

I tried the Dunlop Jazz III (the Eric Johnson picks) and they weren't for me. A bit too small and the attack was a bit too bright.

 

[SteveO]

Ultex Jazz IIIs. I used the red ones for years, switched to the Ultex last year and they're it for me.

 

[Tomo]

So what Picks are you guys using and for what type of playing/guitar(s)?


Reason I ask, I'm on the hunt for some new ones. I'm hearing WAY MORE difference than I ever did as a youngster from pick to pick and more so on acoustic.

I use Pickboy Vintage Classics 1mm on electric or acoustic.

Here is a story of my student (improving from picks)
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/767830

Tomo

 

[kludge]

Ultex Jazz IIIs. I used the red ones for years, switched to the Ultex last year and they're it for me.

The Ultex Jazz IIIs are awesome. I bought a 100-lot of 'em, back before I got on a V-Picks kick. I can't see going back to them, though, because I like the Dunlop 207 so much more and they're a LOT easier to find.

 

[Cap'n Fingers]

Clayton Ultems 94mm. Nice faux tortoise shell, nice grip, cheap.

I like Surf picks for lighter jazzy stuff. Tain't cheap but very cool pick.

 

[marsos52]

the pick world is going crazy these days.. i guess they have been ignored till lately
now we have so many materials and shapes and thicknesses...and each have there own niche ...i have used some picks for years and one day i realize i dont like what the pick is going..always go back to basic fender 351..

but..after useing v-picks for years,,and red bears,,blue chip..picks and gemstones.
just to name a few.. these vintage classic's made by pickboy is the bomb..

no negatives,,,and there the least expenive at .75 cents a pick.
try'em you will like them

 

[DGTCrazy]

"V" picks, and Red Bear Classic Plus!

 

[Rockin J]

The best sounding and playing picks I have found are the Ibanez Sand Grip Picks.

 

[zzzezums]

v-pick medium pointed and medium lite ponted

 

[brianr0131]

Tortex .73 the yellow ones

 

[Thwap]

I was using the ultex jazz III's but I've switched to the V Pick ruby red small pointed.

For me they blow away the jazz III's.

Smoother attack, I play a lot of shreddy type stuff, and it's the best pick I've ever used for quick precise picking. I tended to lose my grip a bit at times with the jazz III's and the v pick gets kinda sticky as it heats up.

 

[SlyStrat]

Tortex .73 the yellow ones

Me too. I used Fender 351 Mediums for 30 years. The Dunlops give fatter tone and are easier to pick with.

 

[driver8]

Jazz III players owe it to themselves to try the "max grips." They're awesome. Regular jazz IIIs seem a little slippery now.

 

[brianr0131]

Me too. I used Fender 351 Mediums for 30 years. The Dunlops give fatter tone and are easier to pick with.

That's funny, I used to use the Fender Mediums too. Those .73's are awesome especially for stage playing, I can't remember dropping one.

 

[Amplite]

Dunlop .88's the green ones