Off Topic Need pick suggestions

[the24thfret]

I'm in a bit of a pickle (excuse the pun). I love the Jazz III and have used it for years but I'm starting to think that the size is actually hurting my playing more than it is helping it.

I think I want a pick with the same sharp attack and similar thickness as the Jazz III but just a larger surface so I can alter my grip a little bit. I guess a similar material would also work.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[ProtoChicken]

The Red Bear Big Jazzer in a heavy gauge, or if you don't want to spend $20 per pick see if you can hunt down some PickBoy Jazz 1.5's. Also Pete DuBaldo gave me on of his picks a couple of weeks ago, I think it was made by Cool Pics and was nice as well though not quite heavy enough for me. All 3 of those are very similar to Jazz III's at the tip but have a larger surface area.

A lot of people like the V-Picks but I wasn't a fan. I have a bunch of brand new ones that I have had for a year just sitting here, shoot me a PM with your address if you're in the US and I'll mail you some.

Again, my preference are the Red Bears as they feel and sound great and last forever, but I understand the reluctance to spend that much on a pick.

 

[bbake1]

I was an Ultex Jazz III fanboy and thought there was nothing better. The last pick thread here had me thinking about the V-picks. I ordered an assortment and have found they are for me. Give'em a try. Expensive, but worth it to me.

 

[browndog]

When I was at the music store last summer, my good sales friend Gary tossed me a couple of Dava picks to try. These cost a couple bucks each back then. I think they have come down in price for variety packs.

Been using them ever since. They have the most comfortable grip I have ever felt. Do a Google image search and you be the judge.

 

[glockaxis]

I mostly use Jazz III Eric Johnson red ones but occasionally will throw in a Dunlop Ultex yellow or green for change. How is it hurting your playing? I found it actually improved mine.

 

[Tung]

I love the VPicks, 4.1mm with the pointed end. Stones picks are great for me as well, I use a large tear drop shape custom made for me from Picks and Stones. But right now I'm digging the VPicks for its accurate and strong attack

 

[DTJPPR]

Dava Jazz Picks are killer. They aren't much larger, but the surface is more desireable and grippy.

I used to be a Jazz III fanboy, but now I use the Dava's and Dunlop "The Wedge"

 

[morsecode]

I'm finding the EJ picks are more and more for me and using the Jazz III's much less so.

I like the V-Picks as well. I had a bunch thrown in a pedalboard case that I had bought a while back and it took me awhile to even try them. The thickness of the picks took some time to get used but I find that they really help you in getting a sharp and aggressive attack.

 

[Assumer]

Love the ultex

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Chris I will send you some of the Jazz picks I have been using - normally they are 1.2mm but I just got in some 1.5mm that are closer to Jazz III thickness (Jonah got a 1.2mm). They are slightly larger than the Jazz III but have the same type of point and overall shape.

 

[ScoobySteve]

The EJ Jazz III's have a different comp. and have more texture for better grip.

Give those a try, they're all I use. The V-Picks are something I have to try soon too.

 

[PugNinjas]

Last year my son went to GC to hook me up with some new picks as a gift, he bought me the Tortex Pitch Black Jazz 1.14mm ones and I haven't looked back since !!!

 

[petruccirocks02]

I'm in a bit of a pickle (excuse the pun). I love the Jazz III and have used it for years but I'm starting to think that the size is actually hurting my playing more than it is helping it.

I think I want a pick with the same sharp attack and similar thickness as the Jazz III but just a larger surface so I can alter my grip a little bit. I guess a similar material would also work.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

If you dig the Jazz III's but want something bigger, why not try the Dunlop Jazz III XL's?

-Phil

 

[Slingy]

Man doesn't anyone use normal shaped picks like a yellow tortex? I hate strumming with those tiny jazz things, though they are nice for single note playing.

 

[guertzi]

I used to use Jazz III for a long time and then switched to Clayton Ultem Teardrop picks.
But as Slingy said: strummimg can be a real pain with these.

Then I tried the Paul Gilbert Signature picks and they are great for single notes as well as for strumming. They have a slightly different shape than the normal shaped picks with a sharper point (somewhere in between a Jazz III and a normal pick) and a slightly smaller grip so they fit nicely between my thumb and index finger.
I use the white ones, they are made of celluloid.

 

[bbake1]

Man doesn't anyone use normal shaped picks like a yellow tortex? I hate strumming with those tiny jazz things, though they are nice for single note playing.

I had the standard Ultex when they first came out, then I saw the Jazz III Ultex and gave 'em a try. I was hooked. Now a "normal" size/shape pick is too much and I don't like the feel. Now moved to V-Picks and very happy there.......for the moment.

 

[Bryan]

I mostly use Jazz III Eric Johnson red ones but occasionally will throw in a Dunlop Ultex yellow or green for change. How is it hurting your playing? I found it actually improved mine.

I gotta +1 all this. I went from Fender 351 mediums to Jazz IIIs and never looked back. But when the EJs came out I was in heaven. Same shape but a better gripping surface that a regular Jazz III. I say try those before moving to another pick.

 

[Craiguitar]

Fender 358 Heavy's for me. I can't seem to find a better choice.
Claytons are a pretty close second, they are nice too.

Why dont EB do a 358 style pick??

 

[fsmith]

I kinda like that new silver pick I found in a pack of Slinky 9's last week...



Actually, if you are looking for something bigger but with the same sort of point as the Jazz pickups you might want to look at the new Ultex Sharps...

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Dunlop-Ultex-Sharp-Picks---6-Pack-105498091-i1466329.gc

I bought a couple packs and while I thought they were alright, I keep coming back to my trusty old Ernie Ball picks.

If you want to try a couple risk free PM me your address and I'll ship you a couple, I have different sizes, .73 and I think 1.14 but don't hold me to that.

Oh yeah, just kidding about that silver pick, but I am trying to increase my chances of winning something in that contest. You always need strings right?

fred

 

[the24thfret]

Guys, you're all super awesome with the help. Love the feedback. To respond to just a few of the questions:

Never heard of the Jazz 3 XL, Phil. Will look into it.

Like I said, been playing the Jazz III for years, including the EJ signature (found them in Hiroshima when I was there) and really love them, but lately I feel cramped up in my grip and need more real estate to hold onto and relax my form...

I have actually tried the Dunlop sharp Ultex, and I like the shape and size, but not the material or the way the pick feels when attacking the string...

I don't strum much, but I'd love a pick that strums slightly better than the Jazz III for when I do...

....and I've PM'd lots of you guys based on offers to send stuff... you're generosity is noted... drinks are on me!

Thanks everyone.