What do you like for a pick?

cubistguitar · #1 08-26-2011, 10:45 AM

Anyone "picky" about their picks here.

I used the venerable Dunlop Jazz picks for years, then got intop the V-picks for a while and and tried a lignum vitae SURFPICK and have lately used my Blue Chip almost exclusively.

I bet a lot folks use their hands around here, but I know some of these hot pickers must have a preference. What's your fave? I notice the more I practice the less this matters, but still.

fep · #2 08-26-2011, 10:57 AM

Main thing is I like them thick.

I use a Jim Dunlop Big Stubby 3.0 mm or a Jim Dunlop Jazztone 208.

It seems the plastic is softer on the 208 and I like the tone a bit better.

jorgemg1984 · #3 08-26-2011, 11:12 AM

D Andrea Pro Plec. Fender Extra Heavy is good also. Dont like the Jazztones or the Jazz III but a lot of people love them.

cubistguitar · #4 08-26-2011, 12:36 PM

I have never played the 208, must try that. I have heard those Pro Plecs are great too, must try those. I kinda have given up on the Jazz III anymore, they almost make a funny sound to my ears now.

morroben · #5 08-26-2011, 12:47 PM

I was born with 5 picks on each hand, so I just use those.

Vihar · #6 08-26-2011, 12:55 PM

My [censored].

NSJ · #7 08-26-2011, 01:10 PM

Red Bear lil Jazzer--yes, it's $20, but that's all I've spent on picks in 3 years--ie, haven't lost it.

Jake Hanlon · #8 08-26-2011, 01:13 PM

dunlop gator 2mms

although lately I've been working on ditching the pick altogether. i'll never give it up tho

hallpass · #9 08-26-2011, 01:15 PM

I have a recent thread about picks too.

I use to use the Dunlop Big Stubby 3.0mm on their rounded edge. I've just recently started using the Dunlop Jazztone 207. I also have the Jazztone 208, but I prefer the 207 for jazz (since it has a rounded tip) and use the 208 for rock.

cubistguitar · #10 08-26-2011, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NSJ

Red Bear lil Jazzer--yes, it's $20, but that's all I've spent on picks in 3 years--ie, haven't lost it.

20 isn't bad if you are pleased with it. Are you using the tortoise like material? do yours have the little grip holes? do you get these direct only? I like picks and these cool too.

fws6 · #11 08-26-2011, 02:09 PM

Have been using cheap buffalo horn picks from ebay for the last two years. The really thick ones not the thinnies. Have to reshape the tip, and wear them out in a couple of weeks, but they deliver a very nice warm tone. And at like $ 15 for 10 pieces they re OK pricewise too

Gramps · #12 08-26-2011, 02:26 PM

Bluechip TAD 40

robertm2000 · #13 08-26-2011, 03:10 PM

Dunlop Bakersfield Picks, now discontinued. They seem to have a "snap" or attack that I like in my sound. I bought the entire stock of the Bakersfields that a music store I used to work for had.

cosmic gumbo · #14 08-26-2011, 03:21 PM

I find that my finger can pick just fine.

Tom Karol · #15 08-26-2011, 03:47 PM

Dunlop Ultex Jazz III.

msr13 · #16 08-26-2011, 04:00 PM

When I use a pick, I really like the Wegen Gypsy Jazz.

brad4d8 · #17 08-26-2011, 04:00 PM

For years, actually decades, I used a Herco nylon, either the silver or gold, whichever is the heavier one. Then I went to the Dunlop Jazz III for a while, then about ten years ago I ran across the Butterfly pick and used a small heavy one of those until this year. recently, I've been trying a bunch of different ones, the buffalo horn ones mentioned above, blue chip, Everly, some others I can't remember. Lately I've been gravitating to the picks that Just Strings puts in every order. Not even sure what gauge they are, but seem to suit my style. Of course, it may be different tomorrow or when I pull out a different guitar.
Brad

mr. beaumont · #18 08-26-2011, 04:05 PM

I'm VERY picky about picks...

Right now, I like a John Pearse Fast Turtle 2.5mm for eletric playing on my tele, Hofner, or Kay.

For gypsy jazz playing on my Gitane, I'm currently liking a DUgain (3mm) the best, although I also have a Wave pick by Gravitypicks and a Wegen that I like as well...seems to me the wave is best for lead, the Wegen is good for lead and good for rhythm, the Dugain is good for lead and great for rhythm...

Yeah, some of those picks cost me $20...but 20 bucks for an improvement in tone? That's a bargain!

Jazzpunk · #19 08-26-2011, 04:10 PM

I'm currently using Clayton 1.90mm picks.

Gerard45 · #20 08-26-2011, 04:19 PM

My thumb.

cubistguitar · #21 08-26-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

I'm VERY picky about picks...

Right now, I like a John Pearse Fast Turtle 2.5mm for eletric playing on my tele, Hofner, or Kay.

For gypsy jazz playing on my Gitane, I'm currently liking a DUgain (3mm) the best, although I also have a Wave pick by Gravitypicks and a Wegen that I like as well...seems to me the wave is best for lead, the Wegen is good for lead and good for rhythm, the Dugain is good for lead and great for rhythm...

Yeah, some of those picks cost me $20...but 20 bucks for an improvement in tone? That's a bargain!

I could not make sense of the Wave pick's picture from Gravity's site. what is it like?

NSJ · #22 08-26-2011, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubistguitar

20 isn't bad if you are pleased with it. Are you using the tortoise like material? do yours have the little grip holes? do you get these direct only? I like picks and these cool too.

Yes to the tortoise like material and grip holes. I bought it at the Old Town School of Folk Music, but they don't sell em there anymore. Have to get em from the internet, I guess.

Mine is the "Lil Jazzer", as noted here:

Red Bear Trading Co. The Best Guitar Picks Made - Your Tone Starts Right Here

Scotto · #23 08-26-2011, 04:54 PM

Thumbs up.

When I was a kid, I took banjo lessons and played with my thumb and fingers. When I switched to guitar, i just used my banjo thumb pick. As a kid I felt embarrassed to play guitar with my thumb pick but that's what I felt comfortable with so I eventually got a regular pick. After years of playing, I got into jazz and once I saw Wes play with his thumb, I went back to the thumb and have come complete circle.

mr. beaumont · #24 08-26-2011, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubistguitar

I could not make sense of the Wave pick's picture from Gravity's site. what is it like?

Yeah, it's ha terrible picture.

I have a wave xl in 3mm size.

It's acyrlic, about the size of a jazztone 207, a little pointier. The "wave" is a pattern etched onto the pick for grip. It works well. The pick is bevelled, and I can get great speed with it.the tone is very bright and loud, great for gypsy jazz lead playing...it does not, however, have that great characteristic "swish" for rhythm playing like my dugain.

The dugain is the best swing rhythm pick I've owned...it's a little warmer and quieter for lead though, but I've been dealing with that.

Flyin' Brian · #25 08-26-2011, 06:31 PM

V pick traditional

tejastani · #26 08-26-2011, 06:58 PM

Either Wegen mandolin picks, or Papa's imitation tortoiseshell made of casein milk protein. They feel and sound great, but taste funny. $12 bucks apiece, but worth it.

Gerard45 · #27 08-27-2011, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotto

Thumbs up.

When I was a kid, I took banjo lessons and played with my thumb and fingers. When I switched to guitar, i just used my banjo thumb pick. As a kid I felt embarrassed to play guitar with my thumb pick but that's what I felt comfortable with so I eventually got a regular pick. After years of playing, I got into jazz and once I saw Wes play with his thumb, I went back to the thumb and have come complete circle.

I've played with a pick from 1956 untill 1965. That was when I saw Wes Montgomery playing with his thumb. From that moment on I play with my thumb too because of the sound. Never used a pick again.

Here's a short clip of Wes in the Netherlands (1965) with his beautiful (thumb) sound:

http://v7.tinypic.com/player.swf?file=168t0rq&s=7

wallburg · #28 08-27-2011, 02:33 AM

I used Big Stubby for many years, but after I tried BlueChip Jazz I use them exclusively. I use 2.0 and 2.5 mm and find that the pick lies firm in my hand, don't slip, gives good tone, playability and speed. And they last probably forever.

tsar nicholas · #29 08-27-2011, 03:21 AM

I used Claytons for years, then switched to Jazztones, but have now been using regular 1.0mm Dunlop Stubbies for about a decade and am very happy with the tone.

Kuz · #30 08-27-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

I'm VERY picky about picks...

Right now, I like a John Pearse Fast Turtle 2.5mm for eletric playing on my tele, Hofner, or Kay.

For gypsy jazz playing on my Gitane, I'm currently liking a DUgain (3mm) the best, although I also have a Wave pick by Gravitypicks and a Wegen that I like as well...seems to me the wave is best for lead, the Wegen is good for lead and good for rhythm, the Dugain is good for lead and great for rhythm...

Yeah, some of those picks cost me $20...but 20 bucks for an improvement in tone? That's a bargain!

I read your endorsement of these JP Fast Turtle 2.5mm and I bought a couple. GREAT picks. Very fast. Perfect blend of articulation without sounding "clicky" or too bright. They are my "go to" archtop picks. THANKS!!!