New Picks, New Tone!

[Rick Kay]

Because of the reviews here, I ordered a Wegen Gypsy, 3.5 mm. For the past several years I have been using Red Bear Trading picks exclusively. I was really surprised at the difference of the Wegen Gypsy and RBT Little Jazzer. I could not believe the fullness of my tone with the Wegen versus the RBT. The Wegen adds some horsepower that the RBT picks lacked, as well...I don't pick as hard to get volume. Wegen hs a new convert.

[FrankLearns]

Originally Posted by Rick Kay

Because of the reviews here, I ordered a Wegen Gypsy, 3.5 mm.

Funny, i recently had a similar experience. Having been a long term Dunlop stubby user my main complaint always was that it was slipping off my hand when playing fast. I ordered a Wegen twin that is only slightly larger than a stubby (but a fair bit thicker). The first moment i held it in my hand it seemed to "fuse" with my fingers and felt like i never had any other pick in my hand. I totally love the feeling of playing with this pick and the tone it creates. There are also subtle nuances in tone and attack that one can obtain from slightly varying the pick angle.

These picks are very expensive - but it one considers the money we all enjoy to spend on guitars and amps and other equipment i find the that such a big improvement in playing comfort and tone is worth it. (it was similar for playing my gypsy guitar with a Wegen Gypsy pick - fantastic, very natural feeling)

[Kojo27]

Originally Posted by JonnyPac

I'm into the Uletx Jazz III's- I feel crippled without them! I keep then in a Dunlop Picker's Pouch (key chain).

Ultex picks have to be the best cheap picks ever. They're like tortoise shell, sound-wise (to me), and don't wear out, and they 50 cents!

I buy the 1.14 "normal" shape and play with the back rounded corner.

For a couple of my guitars, I've lately learned to use the 3 mm V-picks while (somehow!) suppressing the awful clicking. Love 'em, esp. for Freddie comping. Big fat sound, and no string drag.

[Snap]

You guys use the same pics playing plugged or unplugged? I find they are totally different worlds. For electrics I use 2.0 mm Ultex or Tortex, but haven't fully explored my options yet. Since I mostly play acoustics I made extensive tests so any times in the last years. After trying dozens and dozens of different picks I always go back to Dunlop 3 mm XL Primetones and 2.0 mm Gators. Though they still sound good when I go electric, I don't use to choose them. For some reason I want somewhat brighter pics instead... Or should I say thinner sounding.

[Kojo27]

Originally Posted by Snap

You guys use the same pics playing plugged or unplugged? I find they are totally different worlds. For electrics I use 2.0 mm Ultex or Tortex, but haven't fully explored my options yet. Since I mostly play acoustics I made extensive tests so any times in the last years. After trying dozens and dozens of different picks I always go back to Dunlop 3 mm XL Primetones and 2.0 mm Gators. Though they still sound good when I go electric, I don't use to choose them. For some reason I want somewhat brighter pics instead... Or should I say thinner sounding.

I'm primarily an acoustic player too, Snap - archtops at that. I guess it's string type that determines my pick choice right now. My main acoustic archtop has Thomastik Infeld "Plectrum" strings - this has to be the world's weirdest set of strings: plain, flat-wound, half-wound, and round-wound, all in one set! But mostly, they're smooth and squeakless, so I use the V-pick.

On burnished or flatwound strings, the V-Pick is it.

However, it doesn't work for me on round-wounds. Too much clickety-clackety, drive me crazy.

On flat top acoustics and on electrics with round-wounds (which I almost never play) I use the Ultex. I like Ultex so much, sometimes I'll use it instead of the big V Pick.

[Snap]

You are right, Thomastik Plectrums and Spectrums are a different breed. I like them a lot but don't use them too often because they last for short. Ultex held reversed (rounder tips) work fine for me on the Thomastik strings. Never the pointy tip. And they sound more articulate and clear than the Gators or Primetones, but the Primetones sound fatter yet clear whatever tip you use. Most of the times I prefer the Primetones. Apparently a copy attempt of the Wegen GypsyJazz. I don't know how they compare tonally. It's been a long time since I lost my Wegen. I'll have to grab one to directly compare them... but I remember it quite clickey.

[Tom Karol]

Originally Posted by Tom Karol

Oops - I'm back to the regular Ultex Jazz III's (1.14mm, amber color). They seem to be more versatile than the 2.0mm black ones. But check with me next week!

We'll it is next week, and I still can't decide between the 1.14mm and 2.0mm versions though I am sure I like them better than Dunlop's other iterations of the same shape, so I've decided not to decide - I'm going to use both for awhile and see where that leads. Then again, if I happen to come across a Wegen somewhere ...

[oldane]

For amplified playing I have tried a lot of picks, but always come back to Dunlop Jazz Tone 205. The Dunlop primetone 3mm in the same shape as the 205 is also good. The 5mm version of the primetone is useless to me. For acoustic "Freddie" rhythm comping, I have settled on Dunlop Ultex 1.14mm triangular.

BTW, I tend to drop the somewhat slippery Ultex picks (Tortex are even worse in that respect), but a thin layer of "Shoe Goo" smeared on the center of the pick to dry up as a rubbery coat improves the grip considerably.

[JazzReggie]

Originally Posted by oldane

BTW, I tend to drop the somewhat slippery Ultex picks (Tortex are even worse in that respect), but a thin layer of "Shoe Goo" smeared on the center of the pick to dry up as a rubbery coat improves the grip considerably.

I happen to have some Shoe Goo and Ultex picks kicking around, I'm going to have to try this. Thanks for the idea!

[mr. beaumont]

Originally Posted by Rick Kay

Because of the reviews here, I ordered a Wegen Gypsy, 3.5 mm. For the past several years I have been using Red Bear Trading picks exclusively. I was really surprised at the difference of the Wegen Gypsy and RBT Little Jazzer. I could not believe the fullness of my tone with the Wegen versus the RBT. The Wegen adds some horsepower that the RBT picks lacked, as well...I don't pick as hard to get volume. Wegen hs a new convert.

For Gypsy Jazz, the Wegens are remarkable.

You might like the Dugain and "Moustache" picks as well...the Dugain sounds a little softer, better for chord melody type gypsy jazz stuff...to my ears, the moustache is the ultimate gypsy jazz lead guitar pick--however, I do not like it as much for rhythm.

[Pat Clare]

I've tried so many different pics over the years and the Dunlop Jazz III Red Nylon 1.38mm is the one I always come back to and prefer to use.

[SammieWammie]

I'm near the beginning of my pick journey, only been using them a year. I had a couple different ones but never liked any of them very much until my guitar teacher lent me one of his, one of these:

Wegen Big City Picks 2.2mm (4 Pack)

They really are great, feel and sound so much better than any others I've tried, I bought two off him and haven't lost one yet. Some day I'm going to buy one of every type of pick I can find and try them all out but until then these are great.

[Marcis]

I use Dunlop Max-Grip Jazz 3 but recently i realize that its little bit small for me .
Can someone please tell me one pick for jazzy tone (I am using Sadowsky semi-hollow & Gibson ES-165) which IS NOT SLPPERY (i hate this feeling)??????

[Philco]

Originally Posted by Marcis

I use Dunlop Max-Grip Jazz 3 but recently i realize that its little bit small for me .
Can someone please tell me one pick for jazzy tone (I am using Sadowsky semi-hollow & Gibson ES-165) which IS NOT SLPPERY (i hate this feeling)??????

1 Red Bear Big Jazzer (various thicknesses available)
2 Blue Chip BC Jazz LG (various thicknesses available)

Both of these will not slip at all.

The Red Bear has a slightly brighter sound.
The Blue Chip will help accuracy more so than the Red Bear.
They are both incredibly comfortable.

I have a stupidly large collection of Wegen, Blue Chip, Red Bear, V-Pick.
Multiple styles of each.

Red Bear and Blue Chip are my personal favourites.
If I HAD to choose just one it would be the BlueChip BC-Jazz LG. I change from the 35, 40, 50, 60 depending on my mood.
If I had to choose one it would be the 60.

Yes it's a $35 plectrum.
Yes it's worth every cent and then some.
It's not obscene, it's a part of the instrument. The part that touches the strings and begins the sound.

[SamBooka]

Originally Posted by Marcis

I use Dunlop Max-Grip Jazz 3 but recently i realize that its little bit small for me .
Can someone please tell me one pick for jazzy tone (I am using Sadowsky semi-hollow & Gibson ES-165) which IS NOT SLPPERY (i hate this feeling)??????

Of the pics I have tried, the ones with the best grip are dunlop max grip jazz pics (the ones made of carbon fibre)

Edit: Just reread your post.. sorry. I am a knob...

[Rick Kay]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

For Gypsy Jazz, the Wegens are remarkable.

You might like the Dugain and "Moustache" picks as well...the Dugain sounds a little softer, better for chord melody type gypsy jazz stuff...to my ears, the moustache is the ultimate gypsy jazz lead guitar pick--however, I do not like it as much for rhythm.

I like the idea of the softer sound of the Dugain. I will give the Moustache a try as well. Thanks for the tips, Mr B!

Changing and trying new picks are some of the simplest and easiest ways to enhance tone and have fun while doing it.

[Kojo27]

This might seem trivial to some, but for any of you using the super-clear V-picks, it's hallelujah time. Maybe it's the beginning of a time when, if you drop your pick, even on carpet, you can FIND the damned thing! The no-longer-invisible V-pick is here:



If this is important to you, write the V-pick guys and tell them to "colorize" all of them, or make it an option, for goodness sake.

kj

(This thing could have been around for years, but I'd never seen it. )

[pierre richard]

isn't it amazing...

just one pick from another changes the sound ! ! !

I discoverd that years ago and still adhere to the practice...

time on the instrument..pierre

[starjag]

My three favourite picks...



Wegen Trimus 250, V-Pick Bb unbuffed, Blue Chip TPR-60.

My right hand really likes the Trimus 250. The fit is very natural. The Trimus 250 is my "go to" pick.

The unbuffed portion of the Bb grabs the strings and adds something cool to your tone. The TPR-60 has by far the cleanest attack and tone.

The bevels are different of course, but the corners of these three picks are shaped is a similar way and I can go from one to the other without much adjustment.

Fantastic customer service from both V-Picks and Blue Chip. The Wegen came from djangobooks.com, also great at dealing with people. Fast shipments from all of them!

[Rick Kay]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

For Gypsy Jazz, the Wegens are remarkable.

You might like the Dugain and "Moustache" picks as well...the Dugain sounds a little softer, better for chord melody type gypsy jazz stuff...to my ears, the moustache is the ultimate gypsy jazz lead guitar pick--however, I do not like it as much for rhythm.

I find the Dugain in a multitude of materials. Do you have a preference Mr B?

[EinarG]

I've been testing out the proplecs I ordered this week, and I must say they are really good. I think I might have converted from the jazztones. Wich is weired, since they are two completely different picks. Took me a day to get used to, now the jazztones feel weird.

Great tone, definition, feel.

[mambosun]

Originally Posted by Rick Kay

I find the Dugain in a multitude of materials. Do you have a preference Mr B?

I've been using Dugain (ebony) for decades, very good griping (thanks to the carved shape) and smooth tone playing my ES335 Ibanez clone.
But I had less success with my 17" jazzbox (floating PU), the ebony sounding a bit too clunky to my ears but it might fit the bill for you.
The only problem I see, wood wears out quite soon and it became too expensive for me, hence I now use Dunlop stubby for rock and blues, and Dunlop Jazztone 208 for jazz.
For Gypsy jazz, I would suggest Dugain in bones or horn ..

http://www.dugain-picks.fr/medias/dugain-picks.htm

[Rick Kay]

Thanks, Mambosun, I'll look into the bone. I have a buffalo horn pick (not a Dugaine) that sounds decent, but not quite the tone I am looking for.

Rick

[zigzag]

Just compared a Jazz Tone 205 pick with a Jazz III. The Jazz Tone 205 had slightly more definition and brightness than the Jazz III, but not a lot of difference. I was expecting the opposite. I think I'll stick with my Jazz IIIs. If nothing else, they're easier to grip.

[mr. beaumont]

I like the faux tortoise for gypsy jazz.

I have a rosewood one as well but I only like it on electric guitar.

[anothersixstringer]

For all my Gypsy Jazz needs, the 5mm Wegen Fatone can't be beaten. Before it, I got a Wegen 3mm Gypsy Jazz, also very good. Also tried, Dugain bone, and a local coconut one (also nice), all good picks.
For regular rock, jazz, blues, the Dunlop Jazz III is the one for me
cheers!