Dunlop Primetone Picks

[JSanta]

This week I bought some new strings and picks online, and on a whim I decided to try the Dunlop Primetone 3mm Sharp pick and my usual Ultex Jazz IIIs.

I played a bit with my regular picks and then tried out the Primetone. My wife looked up from her iPad and commented on how much better my guitar sounded (which is huge considering she never says anything about my playing). I've read about little things like this can make a big difference, but never bought into it, but this pick has changed my mind. I recommend that you consider trying one out the next time you place an order for strings or picks, I am really pleased.

[balthazar]

My wife looked up from her iPad and commented on how much better my guitar sounded (which is huge considering she never says anything about my playing).

Hi JSanta,

It's a good sign.

I've never tried these but I will. And I will do this experiment in the presence of my wife too.

[JSanta]

I should add that the website makes them look almost poorly manufactured. They are actually quite smooth and polished, just as you'd expect a new pick to look.

Let us know if/when you order them if your wife hears a difference!

[jazzkatten]

I tried the primtone, but I didn't like them very much

[SamBooka]

funny.. the ones I got were pretty ratty.. didnt like them at all but that is a matter of taste.

[FrankyNoTone]

They look bad because of the white starch? or chalk? they dust them with. I think Dunlop does this for grip as its also on some other picks but not consistently. It'll wear off eventually or you can wash it off to get to the smooth black surface.

After that, you'll find they are just like the Jazztones, just thicker. They even have the same shapes and model numbering: Jazztones are "2XX" for 2mm while the Primetones are "3XX" for 3mm and "5XX" for 5mm.

Both Jazz and Prime tones are nice picks but I don't like rounded bevels so I put on a flatter speed bevel and they work for me when I want that clean polycarbonate tone.

[JSanta]

So for those of you that didn't like them, can you elaborate on what it is about them that you didn't mesh with? I have been using Jazz III picks since I was about 18 years old (back when I worshiped John Petrucci), and every other pick I tried just didn't seem to work for me until I got the Primetone.

[zigzag]

Tried the smallest one with the rounded edges... couldn't bond with it. I pretty pleased bouncinng back and forth between the Jazz IIIs and the Jazz Tone 204.

[jazzkatten]

The pick is very nice to hold, but I didn't like how it touched the string. It was like the pick fell of the string, and I didn't get the respons between the pick and the stings

[OldRocker]

I use primetone 3mm for playing Gypsy jazz on my Gitane. The rounded ones are good for GJ rhythm and I use the pointed ones for lead. They are good for everyday practicing without going to the expense of a Wegan.

[JSanta]

Thanks for the feedback! It's always interesting see read about someone else's perspective. One of the many reasons I like this site.

[Nabil B]

The primetone picks don't get much love here it seems. They are my current favorite picks, I use the ones that have the same shape and size as the jazz 3. Love the smooth tone and sensation when I pluck the strings, and the grip pattern is very well designed.

[JSanta]

The primetone picks don't get much love here it seems. They are my current favorite picks, I use the ones that have the same shape and size as the jazz 3. Love the smooth tone and sensation when I pluck the strings, and the grip pattern is very well designed.

That's the same style I bought as well. For the same reasons you've described, that's why I really like this pick. I was working on some comping last night to All of Me and the pick was great for that as well, not just the lead lines.

[bshen92]

I may be one of the few that have actually tried the primetone 5.00mm, seeing as most shops don't have them. They're all that I play at the moment. I've tried many picks, but nothing feels as good as these. Gonna order a half dozen when I get the time.

[oldane]

I have tried Primetones both 3mm and 5mm. The 3mm was OK for single string but I found them too clikcing and scratchy for chords. I coudn't get the 5mm to work for me. At present I stick to ProPlec 358 (small teardrop) for electric guitar.

[JSanta]

I have been playing with this pick almost exclusively for a month now and I really dig them. I do get a bit more of that clickiness you described, but they're helping me play with more touch and feel than I had before.

[willijay]

I agree that the Primetone picks are a little unsightly, because of whatever powder they coat them with, However, this is easily cleaned off, or will be lost due to normal use. I , and some of my friends, are fans of Wegen "Gypsy Jazz" picks, But they are prohibitively priced at around $25 ea. Not the sort of item you want to loose, or wash with your laundry!
The 'Primetone' # 308, is about the same size, and the bevel can be easily modified with abrasives to resemble the 'Wegen' at a fraction of the cost. This also applies to a 'reverse bevel' for lefties. Still annoying to lose a favourite pick, but at this price point, you can keep a few spares around ( they sell in packs of three anyway )
Also, custom bevelling your picks eliminates the clicking that some players complain of. Try it, and good luck !

[Runepune]

I used the Primetone 305 for a while, until I got to try a Wegen Big City. Love the angled bevel on these things, and they sound glorious. Much cheaper than other Wegens (4 for $20) and lasts forever. (comes in 1.4, 1.8 and 2.2mm)

[GNAPPI]

I like and use the Jazz III max grip picks, both the red and black. The way I lose picks I'd be hard pressed to try out a pick that's ~4-5x the price of the Jazz III :-)

[JSanta]

I used the Primetones for a few months. The person that bought my Eastman 605 was using the Jazztones, so I ordered a few to try and like them quite a bit. For the stuff I'm playing now, the 2mm pick seems to be a better fit.