Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

At The Back => Time Out => Topic started by: MrBump on February 29, 2008, 08:05:54 PM

Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: MrBump on February 29, 2008, 08:05:54 PM
I've just changed the picks I use.

For about 15 years I've been using Dunlop 2mm slabs, but I got sent a couple of (I'd guess) .7 mm picks with some stuff I ordered, and I've found that they've improved my picking speed AND my tone.

Anyone else found this?

Mark.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Davey on February 29, 2008, 08:12:53 PM
since last year, i've started to use the ibanez paul gilbert signature picks. my speed improved quite a bit going from one to the other (that being, from fender heavy, to ibanez sig)

the tone.. well, that's depending on the person alone :D
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: MrBump on February 29, 2008, 08:35:21 PM
You can get signature picks now?

Dang, you kids are FUNNY!!!

 :wink:
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on February 29, 2008, 09:02:01 PM
Fender Heavy Premium Celluloid confetti. Best picks ever!
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: headtheball on February 29, 2008, 09:12:02 PM
JD 1 mil Stubby, and two fingers. All you need.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Adam.M on February 29, 2008, 09:23:05 PM
Dunlop Jazz  III's here. I think they help my speed, don't know, i just like them.

Though sometimes i like a certain deep blue cheapo Stagg one that i've had for a long time, but i always go back to the Jazz III.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Fourth Feline on February 29, 2008, 10:10:49 PM
Celluloid 1.21 mm ( from BKP shop of course ).
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Twinfan on February 29, 2008, 10:45:55 PM
Dunlop Ultex Jazz III for me.  Bite and speed  :twisted:

(http://www.jimdunlop.com/files/1173408843_ULTEXj3463x342.jpg)
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Will on February 29, 2008, 10:47:57 PM
Quote from: Twinfan
Dunlop Ultex Jazz III for me.  Bite and speed  :twisted:

(http://www.jimdunlop.com/files/1173408843_ULTEXj3463x342.jpg)


Tasty, looks like I shall have to try that.
oh.. Jazz IIIs for me too really, love the pointy tip
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: il˙ti on February 29, 2008, 10:54:05 PM
Been going through a bunch. At first I used light picks of whatever brand I could get, then up to 1mms. Vai sigs, Ibanez sand grip, little gold colored ones (that look great in a necklace btw ;)) then moved on to Jazz IIIs and used them for a few years. They took some getting used to becasue of their small size but I became very comfortable with it, and they somehow feel more accurate. Then I heard about a company called "picks and stones" that makes  guitar picks from some very attractive kinds of stone, and I ordered a 1,5mm jazz type pick. That's what I use now, for everything. It feels easier to get from string to string, there's more dynamics, and most importantly: there's much less of that annoying pick-attack sound. Stone picks rule.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Adam.M on February 29, 2008, 11:20:56 PM
Quote from: ilyti
Been going through a bunch. At first I used light picks of whatever brand I could get, then up to 1mms. Vai sigs, Ibanez sand grip, little gold colored ones (that look great in a necklace btw ;)) then moved on to Jazz IIIs and used them for a few years. They took some getting used to becasue of their small size but I became very comfortable with it, and they somehow feel more accurate. Then I heard about a company called "picks and stones" that makes  guitar picks from some very attractive kinds of stone, and I ordered a 1,5mm jazz type pick. That's what I use now, for everything. It feels easier to get from string to string, there's more dynamics, and most importantly: there's much less of that annoying pick-attack sound. Stone picks rule.


But what are they like for string life? are they like metal picks, deadly string killers?

Sounds good though, i hate the pick-attack sound and it's what annoys me about a lot of digital units which seem to accenuate that factor of the sound quite a lot.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: noodleplugerine on February 29, 2008, 11:53:32 PM
I buy 2mm Stubbies in bulk, they wear down so damn quickly - Are the Ultex Jazz IIIs longer lasting?
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: il˙ti on February 29, 2008, 11:54:18 PM
Quote from: Adam.M


But what are they like for string life? are they like metal picks, deadly string killers?

Not at all! Black spots around where you pick does seem to devellop a little faster, but it makes no difference to the sound and sustain of the string. Haven't broken a string this way either. The surface on these are extremely smooth.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Bird on March 01, 2008, 04:30:54 AM
Quote from: Twinfan
Dunlop Ultex Jazz III for me.  Bite and speed  :twisted:

(http://www.jimdunlop.com/files/1173408843_ULTEXj3463x342.jpg)
+1  8)
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Scott674 on March 01, 2008, 05:15:29 AM
1.5mm gator grips are my choice at the moment (I really like the gator grips...there's a powdery substance on them that sucks up your sweat...  It's really nice but only lasts one use :(  But even after the powder is gone the material is nice and doesn't slip/slide around much).  
I'm waiting to get back to my local to pick out some of the jazz picks though... My instructor uses them, several of you apparently use them, and I've heard a few other big names like them (John Petrucci comes to mind--if I'm not mistaken).
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Peter Antal on March 01, 2008, 11:27:43 AM
+1 to stone picks, I use a teardrop style grip pick - it's smoooooth... I also like Wegen picks, I have a set of 3-mm Twins.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: PoshCollins on March 01, 2008, 12:31:30 PM
My signature pick.


[/img]http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/3631213/2/istockphoto_3631213_hand_palm.jpg(http://[size=7px]Note : I usually use Ibanez PG picks. Used to use Jazz III's but they sucked ass.[/size])
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: _tom_ on March 01, 2008, 12:34:21 PM
Tortex green ftw, I think they're .88mm which feels perfect to me.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Elliot on March 01, 2008, 12:41:13 PM
Fender confetti mediums for single coils and Green tortex for humbuckers
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Woogie on March 01, 2008, 12:43:25 PM
Fender heavy all the way. The Gibson mediums feel quite sweet aswell.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Twinfan on March 01, 2008, 05:40:19 PM
Quote from: noodleplugerine
I buy 2mm Stubbies in bulk, they wear down so damn quickly - Are the Ultex Jazz IIIs longer lasting?


They last me for ages.......
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: noodleplugerine on March 01, 2008, 06:23:01 PM
Quote from: Twinfan
Quote from: noodleplugerine
I buy 2mm Stubbies in bulk, they wear down so damn quickly - Are the Ultex Jazz IIIs longer lasting?


They last me for ages.......


They lose their point in like 30 mins of play =/
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: silentrage on March 01, 2008, 06:33:42 PM
Quote from: Adam.M
Dunlop Jazz  III's here. I think they help my speed, don't know, i just like them.

Though sometimes i like a certain deep blue cheapo Stagg one that i've had for a long time, but i always go back to the Jazz III.


I used a jazz III for the longest time, but I tried out a fender (i think) 0.73mm and realized that everything sounds brighter and a little more articulated with it, and there's less of a pick attack.
So I'm only using the jazz III for heavy stuff now :D
the 0.73mm won't push around my 7th string like a thick jazz III or a ibanez paulgilbert :D
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: ailean on March 02, 2008, 12:26:22 AM
Used to be a Tortex Sharp (white), now I'm using a Jazz 3 (red)
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: MDV on March 02, 2008, 12:47:16 AM
Quote from: Twinfan
Dunlop Ultex Jazz III for me.  Bite and speed  :twisted:

(http://www.jimdunlop.com/files/1173408843_ULTEXj3463x342.jpg)


Thems my picks too.

Great stuff. Precise, low wear.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Scotty477 on March 02, 2008, 01:20:35 AM
I've used Dunlop Tortex reds for about 10 years solid now. I tend to hit a guitar quite hard, so .50 is enough for me.

I may take a look at the Ultex Jazz III's though.


(http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/3/8/6/367386.jpg)
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: plastercaster on March 02, 2008, 09:44:01 AM
I love Jazz IIIs, but the XLs are too hard to come across and are nylon so wear down fast.
I use Tortex .73mm usually (yellow)
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: maverickf1jockey on March 02, 2008, 01:32:36 PM
Big Stubby 3mm all the way. 8)
+1 on them wearing down though.
Whack on some .11 D'Addario strings and I could just shred for hours (then I'd probably need to replace the plectrum in an ideal world... :cry: ).

This is a great way to freak out acoustic players as I use them for acoustic too (but with .12s this time) and I have a very aggressive picking style. Watching me play guitar must be like watching listening to somebody tuning in that respect...
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: dave_mc on March 02, 2008, 02:21:31 PM
Quote from: Twinfan
Dunlop Ultex Jazz III for me.  Bite and speed  :twisted:

(http://www.jimdunlop.com/files/1173408843_ULTEXj3463x342.jpg)


i didn't know you could get ultex jazz IIIs, that's interesting. I use gator grip 1.5mm picks... they aren't too slippy, and have lowish wear. ultexes have less wear, but they don't come thick enough, and feel a little "big"... but those ultex jazz IIIs may sort that out. still perhaps a little slippy though. for the cost of a pick, though, might as well try one.  :lol:
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Jonny on March 02, 2008, 02:42:29 PM
I have yet to find a good pick to use.

Metal, 11 gauge, dunno what would suit that. Or least haven't found one that does. I just use the BKP ones currently.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: indysmith on March 02, 2008, 04:00:06 PM
I use a tiny little black dunlop tortex one which i nicked from a guitar shop by accident after trying some stuff out, and have never managed to put down. i need to get some more of those lovelies
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: opprobrium_9 on March 03, 2008, 10:41:09 AM
Quote from: TwilightOdyssey
Fender Heavy Premium Celluloid confetti. Best picks ever!


I use these too!  :lol:  I am gonna try some other stuff though, cuz i there might be something out there better suited for me.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: MrBump on March 04, 2008, 07:28:28 PM
OK, so just ordered a joblot of Dunlops from Ebay.

Now for a few minutes of peace and quiet to try them all out...

Mark.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: sambo on March 04, 2008, 07:59:33 PM
Mr.Bump-


The black and grey two in the top row, and the green + yellow tortex are my favourites!
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: gamesandy135 on March 04, 2008, 08:12:32 PM
I've went through loads of brands and types of pick and for now, I've settled on the Dava grip tip.

They never slip and they're hard tipped with a bit of flex in the middle, perfect for me.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: MrBump on March 04, 2008, 08:46:00 PM
The tortex is pretty good - like the feel.  .88 is just about right.  But they sent me a load of nylon picks too - haven't used one of these for about 20 years, and I'd forgotten how great they feel!  They don't give much pick attack, and make the tone really smooth...

More investigation needed, methinks.

Mark.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: sambo on March 04, 2008, 08:51:48 PM
Yup- the nylons are fantastic!  :)
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Simon D on March 04, 2008, 09:12:00 PM
I've been using Dunlop Tortex 1mm for about 12 years. Pretty much the first 'brand' pick I ever used, just stuck with it.
Bought a couple of Dunlop Jazz IIIs after reading a mag article about them, but can't get on with them - they're too small and expose my sloppy technique.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: JDC on March 04, 2008, 10:37:57 PM
Quote from: noodleplugerine
Quote from: Twinfan
Quote from: noodleplugerine
I buy 2mm Stubbies in bulk, they wear down so damn quickly - Are the Ultex Jazz IIIs longer lasting?


They last me for ages.......


They lose their point in like 30 mins of play =/


I used to be a jazz III xl user, I'm on the big stubby 3mm picks now, noodleplugerine they make a nylon version of the big stubby now, lasts a lot longer than the normal ones

I highly suggest anyone using jazz IIIs try a stubby, at first I preferred the 2mm stubby but now I prefer the 3mm, I find I use even less effort from the picking hand (I'm a light picker, lighter = faster :) )
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Buddha on March 05, 2008, 09:15:17 PM
Jim Dunlop tortex 1.14 mm purple, and 12s for strings, yes the picks wear down very quickly lol  :lol:
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: jibidy on March 06, 2008, 09:47:35 AM
ive always used Jazz III's since i played for the first time. (on a freinds Nez) I find that when i use a brand new one its amazing but loses out after a while. do you think its worth trying out loads of different picks?

Them picks and stones pics are exspensive but i would mind one.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: MrBump on March 06, 2008, 12:36:20 PM
Quote
do you think its worth trying out loads of different picks?


You know what?  I think that sometimes it pays to shake things up a little, be it different picks, different gauge/brand of strings etc.  Things like that make you readdress your playing, I think.

Hence the pick re-evaluation!

Mark.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Dakine on March 06, 2008, 06:59:54 PM
these;
(http://www.jimdunlop.com/files/1153434762_STUBBY_474_GRP_463X342.jpg)

these;( rounded tip for blues mostly)
(http://www.jimdunlop.com/files/1153434040_TORTEX_JAZZ_472_GRP_463X342.jpg)

and often this (not a pick but def. attack tone diff.);

(http://www.peacelandmusic.com/Images/10SizesinBrass.jpg)
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: MrBump on March 06, 2008, 09:47:00 PM
Quote
and often this (not a pick but def. attack tone diff.);

 


What the hell are they?
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: sambo on March 06, 2008, 09:54:58 PM
Special guitar-player knuckledusters?! :lol:
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Machek on March 06, 2008, 10:17:44 PM
they're like smaller metal bottlenecks right? small enough to still have the ability to use your finger to fret strings...
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: MajorPentatonic on March 06, 2008, 10:22:49 PM
Used a ton of different shapes and sizes over the years, but nowadays I just stick to good old Gibson Standard Heavy, though I prefer thin picks if I'm strumming on an accoustic.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Dakine on March 06, 2008, 11:13:33 PM
Quote from: MrBump
Quote
and often this (not a pick but def. attack tone diff.);

 


What the hell are they?


slides  :twisted:

worn like a ring and easily turned so still able to chord/solo. Use slide quite alot and these are best have found for me. Allow for great pulloff and fast effects.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: sambo on March 06, 2008, 11:20:32 PM
^Where can you get those ring-slides Nick!? :o
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Dakine on March 06, 2008, 11:27:32 PM
http://www.peacelandmusic.com/mringorder.php

have tried ALOT of slides and brass is my preference for warm biting rock and these are (for me) the best/easiest to use as can do some 'tricks' with em.

Thing is slides are VERY personal and it really IS best to try before ya buy (although most are'nt gonna break the bank).
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: sambo on March 06, 2008, 11:32:17 PM
Awesome, I am getting me some of them for sure. One of the littler ones me thinks.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: 38thBeatle on March 06, 2008, 11:57:17 PM
Hmmm, I was looking at those slides Nick. So you rate them eh. I have a glass one and a brass-in fact I was gigging tonight and played a bit of slide. I shall have  a think about getting one.
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Scott674 on March 07, 2008, 12:04:47 AM
All this pick talk brings me back to my Moshay picks.  Years ago, after not long after I started to play guitar, my Mother got me a set of Moshay picks for christmas one year.  I don't know how she got them, or why she happened to pick out those, but they were fantastic!  They were nylon and had a hole in the center.  They were fantastic!  I got a couple dozen of them, and now, sadly, I've lost all but one of them over the years.  I still have it, and I'd be damned to find any wear on it, and I can guarantee you it has been played.  I took a leave from playing for about 4 or 5 years, and started to play alot again last summer.  After I started to play again, I came across my last Moshay pick and decided I'd like to have some more, but they were terribly hard to find. I finally did, and they were over $20 a dozen!!!  Anyone else ever use a Moshay?  

http://www.jhalemusic.com/pages/strings.html
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: sambo on March 07, 2008, 12:07:40 AM
^Nope, but they look interesting! :)

What's so good about them?
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: Scott674 on March 07, 2008, 12:27:36 AM
The didn't wear hardly at all... I'd have a fender pick down to a nub, and hardly anything taken out of a moshay.   The hole was nice too... I've seen other picks with holes, but the moshay's had a good edge to the hole, kind of rigid or sharp... Think of drilling a hole through metal and not filing it after, only this was in plastic of course.  It held really well, never moved around really.  Normally, to me, nylon picks get slippery and slide around as I sweat alot, but these didn't.  The sound was good to.  It had that nylon warmth, but was a bit brighter than a standard nylon was...  

Or maybe it was just the mojo of the first pick that one grows comfortable with...
Title: Plectrums/Plectra/Picks
Post by: sambo on March 07, 2008, 12:32:58 AM
Hmmm sounds good!


Added to the list I think. Slide-rings and Moshay picks! :D