New Picks, New Tone!

[BenThayer]

Been using Clayton 1mm, maybe thicker (they're too worn to read anymore) and just rec'd in the mail a dozen Pro-Plec 1.5mm. They make my plank sound all warm and toasty. It's a G&L Broadcaster (big single coil P-90 looking pu's, same as on ASAT Specials), with Cleartone 10-52's. Whoa, Baby, what a difference! Bet they'll help the Gretsch, too. One small problem for me is that the pick is a CH shorter than the Claytons, and that's enough that my index fingernail brushes the string before the pick. But I'll work this out, cuz I like 'em! Maybe they make a longer model.

Then I can send these back and demand a refund. After all, $6.99 is good for a 6 of green bottle beer.

Cheers,

Ben

[Steve Z]

Picks are the cheapest and least done equipment modification that has a huge difference in tone... a lesson I learned a while back after changing pickups, etc. By mistake I grabbed the wrong pick, which ended up being the right pick

[bluemood]

I use the Pro Plec triangle shape best tone of all of my picks .warm fat and very litle sting noise.

[EinarG]

I switched to Dunlops jazztone 208 about a year ago. Biggest improvement in tone I have ever experienced.

[Greco]

I was a my local music store a few days ago and one of the staff gave me a Pro Plec to try....I am very impressed and amazed at how it got me closer to the tone I was looking for.

This has been the most enjoyable "gear" purchase I have made in quite a long time, given how little I paid for the degree of return on the purchase.

Cheers

Dave

[bluemood]

I bought some Dunlop Jazztone I liked how they felt in my hand but the brite clicking string noise drove me nut .I hear some good things about gravity picks might try them next.

[raylinds]

Originally Posted by EinarG

I switched to Dunlops jazztone 208 about a year ago. Biggest improvement in tone I have ever experienced.

I am also a huge fan of the Jazztones, I've been using the 205 and 204 (small ones), but am going to try the 207 and 208.

[PTChristopher]

Likewise, I loves me some picks for a tone change. Every time I think, I am dialed in (well, as dialed-in as I will ever get), I find something a little better a year or two later.

Recent journeys that may help others:

>>> the brite clicking string noise drove me nut

I definitely dislike the clicks, even though they are pretty muted through an amp.

Pearse Buffalo Horn "Sarod" picks: Great tone, but fast wear and the clicking sounds as Bluemood mentions above. Not slippery, and even slightly hydrophilic, so sweaty fingers are no problem.

Wegen Picks of various sizes and shapes: Love the angled tip on the fat (~3.5mm?) Gypsy pick. The gripper slots are OK, but still slightly slippery. The clicking is intense, so if this bothers you, then it is a real problem with these.

Wedgie 3.1mm hard picks: Interesting sound, and nice and sticky on the fingers - but also sticky on the strings. I need to use a slight bit of Chapstik on the tip to get them to not stick to the strings. Not a pick for all-night use, but love how it makes some tricky staccato songs flow. It is not a dull thumpy sound, there is a slight high end shimmer in there as well. Weird, but a fun option.

V-Picks: Clicky like crazy. Otherwise nice tone - big round, easy to sand the pick a little to adjust the response.

Dunlop Ultex 2.0 MM: Surprisingly NOT-clicky. They only make the 2.0mm in the sharp tip, but it is easy to modify the tips to a normal profile. Love the sound and the inexplicable lack of clicking. I'd love to know what the mystical Ultex material is so I could try slightly thicker than 2.0 mm. The grip can get slippery, so I scratch them up with a knife tip every now and then. I suppose drilled holes would do it too. Cheap, and a good thing because the amber color disappears on many floor surfaces.

Gotta try the Pro-plec though.

[jazzrat]

I use the Jazztones and play my best with them. That being said, I tried the Pro-Plecs after a lesson with Corey Christiansen as that's what he was using.
I much prefer the tone of the Pro-Plecs, I just can't quite get used to the
larger shape. I even ordered some of their small teardrops...those are too small so for now I'm stuck with the Jazz tones but wishing I had the tone of the ProPlecs.

[Greco]

Originally Posted by PTChristopher

Likewise, I loves me some picks for a tone change. Every time I think, I am dialed in (well, as dialed-in as I will ever get), I find something a little better a year or two later.

....................................Gotta try the Pro-plec though.

With all your experience and knowledge of picks, I hope that you will try them soon and do a "pick review" of them for us.

Cheers

Dave

[AmundLauritzen]

Originally Posted by PTChristopher

Wegen Picks of various sizes and shapes: Love the angled tip on the fat (~3.5mm?) Gypsy pick. The gripper slots are OK, but still slightly slippery. The clicking is intense, so if this bothers you, then it is a real problem with these

I used to swear by the Dunlop Jazztone until I came across these Wegen picks. I've not experienced the issue you mention about clicking. Maybe it happens with a certain kind of strings?
I feel so much more control over the guitar with the 3.5mm pick. One might not think the extra weight of the pick would count much, but I feel I don't have to use as much force as with thinner picks. I agree about the gripper slots, but it hasn't been much of an issue for me. For electric guitar I find the ones that are smaller in overall size(but still 3.5mm) gives more accuracy, while I prefer the bigger ones for Gypsy Jazz acoustic guitars.

I highly recommend everyone to give these a shot. They have transformed my tone and playing.

[NSJ]

I have used one pick for the last two years, and it cost me $20 (!). It's a Red Bear "Lil Jazzer", and it's fantastic. Great grip, great sound, has some holes in it, like a button.

Apparently, it's made from a protein in a "petri dish", to approximate the tortoise shell feel. Who knows if its true?

But, I've been extra careful with this one, and I haven't lost it yet. Basically, if I lose my keys, I lose my pick. And I've never lost my keys. (knock on wood, *taps forehead*).


Yeah, $20 is a lot to pay for a pick, but if you "amortize" the cost over years, I imagine that my pick expenditure will not be out of line with others.

[PTChristopher]

Originally Posted by AmundLauritzen

I used to swear by the Dunlop Jazztone until I came across these Wegen picks. I've not experienced the issue you mention about clicking. Maybe it happens with a certain kind of strings?

I think it is more that my right hand technique is sloppy and that I notice the clicking more than others might.

There are certainly many happy Wegen pick users who do not experience my clicking problem. So I would tend to blame my playing sooner than blame the pick.

In any case, I can manage far better with the Ultex picks - which may just be mitigating sloppiness on my part.

[jorgemg1984]

I have tried tons of pics - to me NOTHING beats a PRO PLEC.

[Dookychase]

"Picks are the cheapest and least done equipment modification that has a huge difference in tone... "
Steve is right, but don't let the wives in on this.

I use dunlop jazz or something like that. I'm gonna try Pro Plec.

[Greco]

Originally Posted by Dookychase

"Picks are the cheapest and least done equipment modification that has a huge difference in tone... "
Steve is right, but don't let the wives in on this.

Good one !!

[Rick Kay]

[quote=NSJ;191130]I have used one pick for the last two years, and it cost me $20 (!). It's a Red Bear "Lil Jazzer", and it's fantastic. Great grip, great sound, has some holes in it, like a button.

Apparently, it's made from a protein in a "petri dish", to approximate the tortoise shell feel. Who knows if its true?

I've been using a Red Bear pick for 7 years. Amazingly, it has shown little, if any, wear. Its a traditional shape, ~ 1.75mm with a speed bevel. I have very little pick noise, and the bevel adds some brightness, but is not inappropriate or attenion getting.

I just received a "lil Jazzer" 3.5 mm pick, and am having a tough time acclimating to it...

In the past I was partial to the Clayton 1.5 mm gold picks, but they always wore kind of fast for me. I have yet to try a Wegen, but ay do so based on the opinions here

[Cobra]

After trying several dozen picks over the years, I've found the perfect pick for me.
Cool Picks Juratex Jazz thin, 1.0mm
Once I found these, nothing else I've tried comes close...

[whiskey02]

Originally Posted by BenThayer

Been using Clayton 1mm, maybe thicker (they're too worn to read anymore) and just rec'd in the mail a dozen Pro-Plec 1.5mm. They make my plank sound all warm and toasty. It's a G&L Broadcaster (big single coil P-90 looking pu's, same as on ASAT Specials), with Cleartone 10-52's. Whoa, Baby, what a difference! Bet they'll help the Gretsch, too. One small problem for me is that the pick is a CH shorter than the Claytons, and that's enough that my index fingernail brushes the string before the pick. But I'll work this out, cuz I like 'em! Maybe they make a longer model.

Then I can send these back and demand a refund. After all, $6.99 is good for a 6 of green bottle beer.

Cheers,

Ben

They make the Pro Plec in several different shapes and sizes. You should be able to find one that works for you.
Ahhhhh...a "CH"....really?

[mr. beaumont]

I use different picks with every guitar I own it seems...each guitar has a pick that best brings out it's tone.

[starjag]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

I use different picks with every guitar I own it seems...each guitar has a pick that best brings out it's tone.

Can you tell us a bit about your pick-guitar combinations? That would be awesome!

[AlsoRan]

Originally Posted by PTChristopher

.

Dunlop Ultex 2.0 MM: Surprisingly NOT-clicky. They only make the 2.0mm in the sharp tip, but it is easy to modify the tips to a normal profile. Love the sound and the inexplicable lack of clicking. I'd love to know what the mystical Ultex material is so I could try slightly thicker than 2.0 mm. The grip can get slippery, so I scratch them up with a knife tip every now and then. I suppose drilled holes would do it too. Cheap, and a good thing because the amber color disappears on many floor surfaces.

Gotta try the Pro-plec though.

I just ordered some of the Ultex 2.0s a week ago. I love the regular ultex, which I believe is 1.38 mm thick. I just want to get every advantage I can since I don't have time to practice 8 hours a day (like Jimmy Bruno states "real" Jazz guitarists should practice). I appreciate your sharing your thoughts.

[Jazzman301]

To me this is the best part about being a thumb player/finger style guy. For me using a pick is just another aspect to master and in my mind interfere with what I want to accomplish. But clearly playing with a pick is a great way to play

[mr. beaumont]

Originally Posted by starjag

Can you tell us a bit about your pick-guitar combinations? That would be awesome!

I tend to like a thick pick on everything, but materials are different…on electric guitars I really like John Pearse’s “Fast Turtle” picks…they’re made of casein and supposedly mimic tortoiseshell (I wouldn’t know, having never played a real shell pick)

They deliver a very even, quick attack with no “snap” when they hit the strings…somewhat oddly, these picks are too “clicky” to use on an acoustic for my tastes. I tend to play electric with a pick and fingers approach, and I’ve found with a light attack these picks sound most like my thumb, but with the added dexterity (and my soft skin not getting torn up)

For gypsy jazz on my Gitane Jorgenson modele, I go back and forth between a “moustache” pick (great pick, available a djangobooks.com) and a Dugain. The Dugain is the most comfortable pick I’ve ever used, but sadly, it just doesn’t work with every guitar…The Dugain is quieter than the moustache, but gives a better sound for rhythm. The Moustache excels for lead. I also have a Wegen which I usually perform with, as it falls right in the middle of where these two picks strengths are. If I were recording I'd bring the Dugain and the Moustache. For solo guitar interludes and playing at home, I usually stick with the Dugain.

For other acoustic guitars, I go back and forth between Dunlop Jazztones and Gravity picks. The Dugain also works with my flattop Taylor, but it’s “squeaky” on my archtops…the archtops definitely sound best with the jazztone, but sometime I like the volume the gravity pick (clear acrylic, like a V-pick) gives me, although the brightness can be a bit much—I get better dynamics with the jazztone (I like the 208’s)

[mambosun]

I've been using Dunlop Tubby for years, cheap and easy to find, mainly for playing Rock, pop or blues and still do, but much prefer the Dugain Ebony for Jazz.
Until I started to dislike the somehow clunky tone while playing with my new jazzbox and finally switched to Jazztone 208 which I like very much. I only miss the sculpted safer Dugain profile, but the Tone from the Dunlop is more vibrant.
I even tried the Dunlop felt but I 'm not convinced.

I still have to give a try to Dunlop Ultex Jazz III 2.0 and D'Andrea Pro plec 351(not avalaible where I live).
How do they compare with the Dunlop Jazztone, tonewise?

[BenThayer]

I still have to give a try to Dunlop Ultex Jazz III 2.0 and D'Andrea Pro plec 351(not avalaible where I live).

I got my Pro Plec 351's from musiciansfriend.com. $6.99/doz. delivered. Liked 'em so much I ordered another dozen. In another thread I said it was like doubling my guitar collection.http://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/image...es/biggrin.gif

[jorgemg1984]

Originally Posted by mambosun

I still have to give a try to Dunlop Ultex Jazz III 2.0 and D'Andrea Pro plec 351(not avalaible where I live).
How do they compare with the Dunlop Jazztone, tonewise?

Shop4Guitar

Picks :: Accessories :: Banzai Music

Two european places to get picks - the first one has Pro Plec in 20 bags the other one has Pro Plecs and Ultex and tons of others by the bulk.

[leodbil]

My girlfriend got me this for christmas



It's called Pick Punch PICK PUNCH Make your own guitar picks!

Kinda cool. Make picks from credit cards etc. At their site you can order all kinds and dimensions of plastics. I usually use Dunlop little stubby or big stubby 3.0mm so I have to glue pieces together and do some finish work to get a pick like that.




Pretty fun so far and I can think of all kinds of stuff to do like laminations and using chemicals to get a grip surface.

I don't work for those guys or anything, just sharing a fun present.

bill

[Soco]

Dunlop tortex jazz, the heavy purple ones with rounded edge is what I use. These sound better after a wile of playing. I can not use the ones with sharp edge. The jazz 1's are also good, sometimes I might use a jazz 2 for funk and R&B. I will avoid the jazz 3's. The sharp edge makes the picks thin-sounding imo.

[EddieLastra]

Thought I'd share my choice of pick, the BlueChip TPR 40. I was introduced to the Blue Chip pick several years ago by a country guitarist. These picks, though a bit pricey, are amazing. They don't wear out, I am still using the same pick from 3 years ago. The edges are ultra smooth and glide off the strings effortlessly, in fact when I started using them I had to adjust my playing a bit to accomodate the smoothness. They somehow stick to the fingers without being sticky. And most importantly, they give the exact tone that I like

Blue Chip Picks

Prior to these I used Dunlop 208 Jazztones, really liked the tone but could never get used to the thickness. On a gig they would sometimes become slippery and I'd lose them on stage. Always had to carry a few extra in my pocket. I also liked using the Fender 346 extra heavy triangle, but I constantly would need to polish the edges with very fine sandpaper. The plastic didn't last long though, so always had to have extras on hand. My teacher preferred genuine tortoise shells that he custom cut and heated to fit the exact gripping surface of his index and thumb. He showed me how to do this, but tortoise shell is not easy to come by nowadays. So, the Blue Chip pick was the answer for me.