Pick Type & Gauge

[candid_x]

Can't help but chuckle a bit at the fine art of guitar pick choices. I mean, when we have to examine them through a microscope for imperfections, pick choice and maintenance enters a whole new paradigm. In 1963 I was in the Navy when a mate offered to show me how to play a chord on his acoustic guitar. Soon we were both strumming and singing Hank and Buck tunes. For some reason we didn't invest in picks, and even in Norfolk they were precious hard to find. On most occasions we'd cut picks out of red plastic lenses, pinched from flashlights found about the ship. Given the heavy strings and our even heavier hands, they'd be shrapnel in an hour or so, and we'd have to venture out to find more flashlights, or settle for our folded matchbook covers.

 

[the24thfret]

On most occasions we'd cut picks out of red plastic lenses, pinched from flashlights found about the ship. Given the heavy strings and our even heavier hands, they'd be shrapnel in an hour or so, and we'd have to venture out to find more flashlights, or settle for our folded matchbook covers.

That's awesome. Totally awesome. Great story!

 

[DrKev]

I love teardrop picks. Anything else is just too big and unwieldy. I started using them about two years back, changing my picking technique and the way hold them (further back on the thumb to minimise the thumb-forefinger motion and get more action from the wrist). Took a while but definitely improved my playing.

I was using heavy gauge Fender 358s but I can't get them anymore so I've got a few dozen 1.0mm Clayton Acetal Teardrops. Great picks and I would highly recommend them. Unfortunately the acetal is softer than I thought it would be, similar to the red Dunlop jazz IIIs. I'll definitely try the Clayton Ultem picks next time, which are closer to tortoise shell or celluloid.

I'm just about out of medium gauge Fender 358s for the mandolin (four pairs of strings tear picks to pieces!). Don't know what I'm gonna do - it'll eat the Acetal picks up in no time at all. Maybe it's not such a bad thing - I'll order the Ultem picks faster I guess!

For the record, I play a lot of rock, blues, and folk type stuff.

 

[andynpeters]

Can't help but chuckle a bit at the fine art of guitar pick choices. I mean, when we have to examine them through a microscope for imperfections, pick choice and maintenance enters a whole new paradigm. In 1963 I was in the Navy when a mate offered to show me how to play a chord on his acoustic guitar. Soon we were both strumming and singing Hank and Buck tunes. For some reason we didn't invest in picks, and even in Norfolk they were precious hard to find. On most occasions we'd cut picks out of red plastic lenses, pinched from flashlights found about the ship. Given the heavy strings and our even heavier hands, they'd be shrapnel in an hour or so, and we'd have to venture out to find more flashlights, or settle for our folded matchbook covers.

I guess we're all a bit spoilt these days Candid, none of us can play a note unless we have exactly the right guitar, pickups, strings and pick, played through the same effects and amps as the current fave superstar.
I remember the good old days, playing a cheap Japanese copy through an old record player with only 5 strings and using the end of a plastic spoon for a pick.



Mind you it sounded bloody dreadful!!!

I use anything teardrop shaped and medium gauge , but the way I play precision isn't an issue I fear. I might try the jazz III after all these recommendations.
The reverend has a point too, sometimes it's nice to lose the pick altogether & get some skin on the strings.

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Jazz IIIs back ordered at MF. Grmph...

I know! I've got a gross back ordered.

... we stock Jazz III ...

 

[Bungo]

I guess we're all a bit spoilt these days Candid, none of us can play a note unless we have exactly the right guitar, pickups, strings and pick, played through the same effects and amps as the current fave superstar.
I remember the good old days, playing a cheap Japanese copy through an old record player with only 5 strings and using the end of a plastic spoon for a pick.

All true. I seem to remember cutting picks out of the sides of old plastic washing up liquid bottles long ago.

Bit rubbish but they worked!

 

[candid_x]

Thanks, Pete. I may be giving you a holler.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Has somebody got a picture of one of these Jazz III's next to a regular shaped pick, for comparison?

 

[Dizzy]

Just got the Jazz III's.

I'm trying to work out why I ever changed from them !!

Think it was when I was working in the bush years ago, and only had my acoustic with me........ just got used to the Tortex picks.?

I won't be changing again !

 

[jeffrey]

... we stock Jazz III ...

Got a gross in stock?

 

[Wide'Iwas]

here are my custom picks d'andrea medium guage vintage celluloid!

my sig pick I have used these for 9 years!

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[MrTim]

It's all about the Dunlop ULTEX picks, they make your strings sound brand new no matter what, I use 1.0 so the feel comes more from my wrist and fingers, I also use the rounded edge ala stevie so I can get around the strings better.

 

[candid_x]

Has somebody got a picture of one of these Jazz III's next to a regular shaped pick, for comparison?

Here ya go, Tim.

View attachment 3674

I'm totally sold on the black ones now. Can honestly say they make me a better and more intuitive player.

 

[meenahga]

I use the little plastic squares, that hold the plastic bread bag closed! Wicked power pick slides. or

(red tortex)all music styles mainly blues, rock, and country (and some rock-a-billy also).