Picks

Session 5

Session 5

Ambassador of Strings & Wings
Country flag
We have talked a few times about picks. Like many, I have also purchased and tried many out there. I have searched and searched to find the right one. Since I need a pick that's good for strumming and can do well for getting grit. Because I sing and play, I need an all around good pick. After months now of using this brand of pick, I have come to the conclusion this is the one for me.

TorTex Dunlop 88mm

1. Just the right amount of flex for strumming
2. Low pick noise
3. Firm enough for doing lead
4. Has good bite
5. Size is good not to small, not to large.
6. Life expectancy is good, I practice 2 hours average a day, plus gigs. I go through one every three to four weeks. I would consider myself more of a heavier picker.



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picks...................
well you can use any fiunger or thumb--

there is the index digger
the middle finger finder
the ring zinger
the pinky crawl ---(you can slowly get WAAAY up in there and really clear out some real estate that way)
or the thumb plumb (stick in your thumb pull out a plumb--booger that is)


hold on -- your not talking about picking your nose?????????????????????

never mind
 
Bare Knuckle send out a free branded pick with their PUs, and I like it best of the ones I've tried.

Screenshot 2020-02-04 at 20.25.16.png

Before that I used a Celluglo .70, but the BKP pick is probably a .85 or so.
 
 
When I use a pick it's usually a Dunlop, but not the Tortex, they call it the Gator Grip.
It's fitting here in the swamps of the rural southland.
I like the dark purple .96mm ones. They don't flex much, so I don't hear "pick slap" from them.
Image result for picture of .96mm gator grip pick


But the last several years I've been working on playing fingerstyle without one.
I let the nails grow out on a bit my right hand but keep them trimmed at just the right length.
Too long and they break, too short and I loose the dynamics of the finger picking style that I work so hard to bastardize.
But that's the direction I've been going.
I have found freedom from being tethered to the picks. No more keeping some in your wallet or pocket for emergencies.
No more finding picks in the washer & dryer.

It amazes me the clowns that show up to try out a guitar for sale that ask ME for a pick.
It was the same way at the guitar store. Talk about unprepared... They must have never been Boy Scouts. :rolf:

I have a whole box full of oddball picks that I've tried over the years.
Metal finger picks, plastic finger picks, thumb picks, thin, thick, hard, soft, bone, stone, wood, coins, and everything in between.
And every time I order strings from Just Strings they toss in a six pack of advertising picks.
I have enough picks to last my lifetime.
 
Session 5 said:
We have talked a few times about picks. Like many, I have also purchased and tried many out there. I have searched and searched to find the right one. Since I need a pick that's good for strumming and can do well for getting grit. Because I sing and play, I need an all around good pick. After months now of using this brand of pick, I have come to the conclusion this is the one for me.

TorTex Dunlop 88mm

1. Just the right amount of flex for strumming
2. Low pick noise
3. Firm enough for doing lead
4. Has good bite
5. Size is good not to small, not to large.
6. Life expectancy is good, I practice 2 hours average a day, plus gigs. I go through one every three to four weeks. I would consider myself more of a heavier picker.



View attachment 37861View attachment 37862
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I used that pick for about 30 years. Never found anything I liked better. But for some reason I started liking thicker picks a couple of years ago. I ended up buying a tin of 50 Gibson XH picks on sale in a Norwegian web store. They are nice. I tend to use the rounded edge of the pick for a slightly softer attack.

1580971445370.jpeg
 
Ive always used the green Dava picks but still struggle with holding on to them but I tried something a few weeks ago that works great on all of my different picks. I have a RC body reamer just like the hole reamers we buy for guitars and poke several holes in the pick from both sides. It leaves sort of a rough finish and very easy to hang onto.
 
Gahr said:
I used that pick for about 30 years. Never found anything I liked better. But for some reason I started liking thicker picks a couple of years ago. I ended up buying a tin of 50 Gibson XH picks on sale in a Norwegian web store. They are nice. I tend to use the rounded edge of the pick for a slightly softer attack.

View attachment 38017
Click to expand...

Yes Gahr, I really like the Tortex. But if I come across these picks you mention, I will try them out.
 
These here...
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Or these here...
81-Y3ztbnuL._AC_SY450_.jpg


I like 'em heavy, no flex. I find it easier to modulate the amount of attack with them, and the feel of the celluloid-style ones has just enough grip for me without biting into the strings too much.
 
I mostly use 1.0 mm blue tortex and now the gator grip 1.14mm too.
I have started putting a few light scoring cuts across them with a utility knife; more of a scratch than a cut.

I have tried the yellow .73 and orange .60mm, but feel I have more control with the thicker.
I use the orange on acoustic if I have it around, or whatever if not.

I get a lot of pick striking string sound out through amp.
When I try and soften my attack enough to mitigate that, the strings barely ring out.
My pick angle is not quite standing up perpendicular to the strings and rotated some, maybe 30-40° from parallel.

Advice?
 
1.00 mill. Tortex, Gators the blue ones.
Many moons past it was fender heavies, and at one time about 78-79 a nylon one with a hole in the center!!!
I am boring...
Cheers
 
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