Does picks die with age?

smokinguit · #1 10-10-2011, 09:50 AM

Seems like my Dunlop tortex 1.14 mm picks are sounding less fat (i.e jazzy) and more twangy with age. I have to keep replacing them with newer ones. Anyone have the same issue. They last for a few months before I have to replace them. I love these small picks as it gives me a really nice sound. Is there a better pick out on the market?

arckauss · #2 10-10-2011, 02:09 PM

I also use those picks.
And yes, you have to replace them quite often. The same goes with any brand of picks.
Don't forget it's only plastic rubbing on metal strings.
So, no, nothing unusual about that

Drumbler · #3 10-14-2011, 05:46 AM

They wear down.

You could try using a quarter. They really last, but the tone is very bright.

fep · #4 10-14-2011, 08:56 AM

Really? My picks seem to last forever. I use Dunlop Jazz 208 or the Dunlop 3.0 mm Big Stubby. Maybe I have a light touch.

Gramps · #5 10-14-2011, 09:38 AM

I have one pick that I've used for years and it has developed very nice bevels and just slides off the strings but know others who, due to picking technique, can burn through picks.

tonedeaf · #6 10-14-2011, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fep

Really? My picks seem to last forever. I use Dunlop Jazz 208 or the Dunlop 3.0 mm Big Stubby. Maybe I have a light touch.

Interesting. I use the same picks and when I just can't get things to sound right I get a new pick and things just seem to get better.

Atticus · #7 10-15-2011, 09:37 AM

Picking technique makes a difference. I use 1.14 Tortex too, and I can definitely seen wear on picks I've used for a month when compared to brand new ones. It actually helped me work on picking technique because I could see the angle the pick hit the string and how much of the pick was hitting it by the wear.

At least picks are easy to replace.

Reg · #8 10-15-2011, 12:36 PM

I go through at least one pick a gig, and I use the sides, so I get two edges to wear out...

oldane · #9 10-17-2011, 12:17 PM

It's also a matter of the material the pick is made of. Dunlops Ultex (available under other names from other manufacturers) is very, very durable. I use a big triangular Ultex 1.14mm for my daily acoustic rhythm strumming. I have used one for a year, and it has not worn out yet (but then, of course, it has three points) despite the heawy strumming and the roundwound strings.