Matters Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 I have tried the blue chips. I can't really discern that much of a difference, or at least enough difference to warrant to crazy cost. I know the material that they are made out of is very expensive and the process of making them is a bit labor intensive and contributes to the cost, but just not for me. Fair enough. Everyone's ear is different and so is their perception of $30ish being a crazy cost. I have a Wegen I can send you if you are interested. Teardrop shape in 1-1.2mm. Let me know. Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jchabalk Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 These are my favorites. I have a couple of expensive picks too - these ultex ones are pretty close. They come in a bunch of different thicknesses and shapes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortyearspickn Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 I've finally stopped 'the search' a couple of years ago when I found 2 I really like. within a few months of each other/ One is the Dunlop Ultex J.Chalk noted above. Seems to be less slippery and the tone is just right - not to bright, not too mellow. Some say like tortoise shell. Come in a lot of thicknesses (ex .78, .83, .90, 1.0, 1.14, etc. with different point shapes. About 75 cents each. The second is the GraphTech Tusq. which I like equally. As I recall it comes in three models - different materials used to give different levels of warmth vs brightness. Raised logos and stuff on both sides to give a good grip. About $1 each. I've nothing against $30 picks - I would be afraid of losing them though, and prefer to have a dozen or so in each room of the house. Sort of a visual reminder that I should be playing the guitar. Good thread, OP. Picks have a huge impact on tone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hall Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 A pick. Yea, I remember those things ...... kinda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars68 Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 I used to buy a lot of different picks whenever I was in a music store. I simply like to experiment, but all that stopped when I bought a Blue Chip for $20 about four years ago. I'm essentially at beginner level, although I have played for quite a few years. I always used to have problems with the pick slipping in my hand, or not being able to get the right attack on the strings (either too much or not enough). The Blue Chip really helped me with these issues. It tends to get a little tacky when warmed up from holding it, so it does not slip easily. It is also very smooth on the strings, with the least string noice of any pick I have tried. By the way, I never play with pointy picks, Instead I use the rounded end, which helps to prevent pick noice. On the Blue Chip you get all three corners bevelled so you can vary which one to use. I still use orher picks from time to time, but my issues than have a tendency to come back. So from the perspective of a beginner, these $20 were well spent. Good topic! I am a firm believer in the importance of picks and strings to get good tone. Lars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mafy31 Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 I used to buy a lot of different picks whenever I was in a music store. I simply like to experiment, but all that stopped when I bought a Blue Chip for $20 about four years ago. I'm essentially at beginner level, although I have played for quite a few years. I always used to have problems with the pick slipping in my hand, or not being able to get the right attack on the strings (either too much or not enough). The Blue Chip really helped me with these issues. It tends to get a little tacky when warmed up from holding it, so it does not slip easily. It is also very smooth on the strings, with the least string noice of any pick I have tried. By the way, I never play with pointy picks, Instead I use the rounded end, which helps to prevent pick noice. On the Blue Chip you get all three corners bevelled so you can vary which one to use. I still use orher picks from time to time, but my issues than have a tendency to come back. So from the perspective of a beginner, these $20 were well spent. Good topic! I am a firm believer in the importance of picks and strings to get good tone. Lars The problem with blue chips is they are already thick. I like to have a stiff pick, but flexible still. Something like 0.7-0.8 th eventually up to 1.0 max. Any high quality pick with that thickness? Actually i really like gibson 'M' and 'H', they're smooth, easy to play with and no string noise but the M are easy to break. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matters Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 The problem with blue chips is they are already thick. I like to have a stiff pick, but flexible still. Something like 0.7-0.8 th eventually up to 1.0 max. Any high quality pick with that thickness? Actually i really like gibson 'M' and 'H', they're smooth, easy to play with and no string noise but the M are easy to break. Charmed Life makes picks in the same material as Blue Chip but thinner. Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mafy31 Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 Charmed Life makes picks in the same material as Blue Chip but thinner. Matt Very nice thanks, did not know that brand. This one seem to suit my needs: http://www.charmedlifepicks.com/product-page/copy-of-nf-90-24-95 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matters Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 Very nice thanks, did not know that brand. This one seem to suit my needs: http://www.charmedlifepicks.com/product-page/copy-of-nf-90-24-95 The pick you linked is made out of a material that may not flex at all. You may want to email the owner and check. Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mafy31 Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 The pick you linked is made out of a material that may not flex at all. You may want to email the owner and check. Matt Yep i saw the other one, brown, 0.75 too. This last one seems to flex a bit, i checked reviews on AGF. It is nice, though i found out dunlops which seem to be cheaper and great too : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dunlop-Primetone-STANDARD-Sculpted-Plectra/dp/B00JB4WDG0 Wondering if these are made of same material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbpark Posted February 21, 2017 Author Share Posted February 21, 2017 Yep i saw the other one, brown, 0.75 too. This last one seems to flex a bit, i checked reviews on AGF. It is nice, though i found out dunlops which seem to be cheaper and great too : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dunlop-Primetone-STANDARD-Sculpted-Plectra/dp/B00JB4WDG0 Wondering if these are made of same material. I have some Dunlop Primetone and Ultex that should be here today. I'll report back with my impressions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dotneck Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 I liked the Dunlop Tortex (purple) until I tried Fast Turtles. I like them on the medium thickness although the thin and the real thick will do in a pinch. About $8-10 each. I've bought a couple a year so I have a nice stash of them now. I've experimented with V-picks and Gravity picks and some of those are fine, too. I do have a nice tortoise pick but I don't take that out of the house because I don't want to lose it or have to replace it. I have a little bowl of picks I keep on my desk and choose which one to use when I grab a guitar. A brighter guitar may require the tortoise to tame the brightness. My all 000-15 may get the V-pick to brighten up its darker tone. I like having different picks to use as the situation may dictate. One thing in common is all my picks are thicker...for me 1mm is a thin pick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 I have a little bowl of picks I keep on my desk and choose which one to use when I grab a guitar. A brighter guitar may require the tortoise to tame the brightness. My all 000-15 may get the V-pick to brighten up its darker tone. I like having different picks to use as the situation may dictate. I pretty much do exactly the same thing. I save the metal boxes with the hinged lids(about the size of a cigarette pack) that Altoids mints come in. Each of them has a dozen or so different picks in it, and I rummage through for a pick for the particular guitar I've picked up. Right now I'm playing mostly my Fuller's 1943 SJ reissue and my 1948-'50 J-45 (with non-scalloped top braces). Even though they are pretty much the same box, they are as different as chalk and cheese, and require different flat picks to get the tone I want. The picks I tend to grab most often are either cheap Dunlop Tortex (about 1- 1.14mm thick, blue or purple, fairly bright tone), or Red Bear (fairly mellow and full) Classic II with the holes through them for better grip. I really struggle to grip a pick firmly as I get older, and need something that is not slippery at all. I may even have to go with a larger pick, as I'm using more and more of my index finger just to stay attached to the pick when flat-picking fairly hard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedzep Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 I'm on the same page with you, Nick. Different picks for different guitars, but if you really want clicking and clacking try wood, pear wood specifically. Mine all became kindling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morkolo Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I'd recommend Dunlop Primetone, Dunlop Jazz III and even though they're a little bit expensive V picks Tradition. I use my Bluechip TD35RB when I use a pick 99% of the time now, I just love how it glides through the strings. As for "string clack" that can be attributed to poor or improper technique, a bit of practice and that's a non issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCowboy Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I'd rather have a good bottle of whiskey. Gentleman Jack gets my vote! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedzep Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Thanks (whoever) for the 'Charmed Life' pick reference. I'm OK with the Red Bear but I tried to get them to buff one down for me just a touch thinner and they wouldn't go for it. It looks like Charmed Life took care of it. Of course, I still get that moment of self-loathing when I think of paying 30 bucks for a flat pick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Of course, I still get that moment of self-loathing when I think of paying 30 bucks for a flat pick. Just wait until you misplace one for the first time. (Been there, done that.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCowboy Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Just wait until you misplace one for the first time. (Been there, done that.) That must hurt, 'cause it sounds really painful😖 Though I've never invested in a state-of-art flatpick, I do own a few Gibson picks from the 1930's. Misplace or loss would weigh heavily on my delicately maintained composure😧 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willie King Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I teach in a local music store and the proprietor shared a black pick with me last Monday that is the same specs as a Blue Chip but is made from some kind of aircraft material. Perhaps a hint more drag thank a BC but real nice feel and pull tone! Made my mando and guitar sing! I will let you knwo if they go into production and when. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardycreek1 Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Far away the best pick I've discovered is Pickboy 1.0. It seems to have great projection, very little pick noise, and glides off the strings. They aren't easy to find, just google them and see what you can get. They're about $1 each, and I like them better than the $10 picks or the $30 picks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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