Tone hounds -- how far are you willing to go?

[Ted 'N' Leo]

It's a little known fact that all plectrums come with small, invisible legs and a mind of their own. When not being used to play guitar they get bored and go off looking for something more interesting to do. They can often be found getting it on with your loose change, chilling out down the back of the sofa or forming an integral part of your son's or daughter's lego constructions.

+1

Mine sometimes end up going for a swim in the washing machine too

[WezV]

i just recieved one... i'm convinced!    there is a increase in clarity and a  bit less string noise (the unwanted kind, not the actual note;)).  i did direct comparisons with fairly standard jim dunlop thin and fender medium plecs.  i could get similar sounds with all 3 but everything just seemed that bit easier with the red bear wheras i had to dig in a little deeper with the standard ones to get them similar

[TwilightOdyssey]

i just recieved one... i'm convinced!   

Me, too. Not only is is the Red Bear nigh indestructible, but it never slips from your hand. Due to it's organic nature, it absorbs moisture, so the more you sweat, the better it sticks. After months of constant use, playing both guitar and bass, the edge hasn't even begun to wear. I estimate that I've saved ... about 60-70 picks thus far.

[gingataff]

Nice to hear you guys have taken the plunge, I'm really tempted myself now.
Ben, you mentioned the non-slippiness of the pick, I must say that most picks end up spinning around between my fingers and I've tried most kinds around (my pick collection is huge, almost everything from titanium to buffalo horn). Did you get the regular flat pick or one with holes in? (I have a pick-boy pick with holes in that stays pretty secure when I play)
What shape and thickness did you go for? Did you get the speed bevels? Pictures or they don't exist 8) :lol:

[TwilightOdyssey]

Hey ginga ..

Classic II, thin (which is about as thick as a heavy celluloid), no holes.

Having played MANY gigs in very hot places, and being in possession of a large number of sweat glands, picks routinely betray me more than the Ring betrayed Frodo. The first time I played with the Red Bear I could feel the 'grippiness' of it.

[WezV]

i got sent a second by Phil, its a second because of an engraving mistake... not much of a mistake to me but the writing isnt overly clear.  It has no holes but does have the speed bevel.  I just ordered two more

the 'grippiness' is good as you really dont have to hold on much at all, helps keep everything fluid and easy

[PhilKing]

I am a real believer in them having tried a few shapes and thicknesses (when I first got them I got all 4 thicknesses, light, medium, heavy and extra heavy).  At this point I have reordered lights for everything!  I think that they will last until they snap (which will probably be a long time), and they do really feel great to use.  They have a nice tactile feel and Dave (who makes them), told me to do the wet finger test, which is to moisten the end of your finger and push it down on the pick.  You can then lift the pick up with just that finger - that's how good the 'stickyness' is with them.

[il˙ti]

Told ye so. ;)

[AndyR]

OK, I got one as well now...

I ordered when Wez posted to say he'd got his and was convinced. I even started using the BKP picks to get used to the weight and feel (and wore out 3 of them in the last week!!) before it arrived because I've been using dunlop nylons for years and years...

I was very sceptical but thought "wot the hell..."

I've been trying it for just 10 minutes, comparing it to the BKP picks I've got used to now and my old nylons (never going back, sorry Rory :lol:) - and WOW! The folk that have been "taken in" by these already are absolutely right - it's more comfortable, seems glued to your fingers, encourages a lighter touch from me, and it seems to produce all note and attack without the extra "noise" that other picks do. It gets me all the tones I want, digs in nicely, etc, etc, I'm sold...

Very impressive - and if it turns out it doesn't wear down either... WOW!

Now... where did I put the wretched thing?? :lol:

PS In case there are any real Rory anoraks (like me :oops:) reading, I know he didn't use dunlop nylon, but years ago it was the closest I could get to one of his picks I got my hands on from the front row of a gig (Herco I think? can't remember, worn out and lost many years ago), and they're cheap and everywhere...

[Will]

I want a Jazz III XL style one, I wonder if they can make it

[WezV]

i think they will do custom shapes... might be a minimum order though.

I had my other two appear this week!

[Will]

How can there be a minimum order of picks that last a lifetime, not fair!
I will see if I can order one, at extra cost.
Oh, Wez, thanks for the post :)

[WezV]

there might not be a minimum order but i wouldnt be surprised... definately still worth asking.  anyway, i decided i wanted mroe than one because i know will still olose them at some point.  I mislaid the first one the other day -  the cats had hidden it under the rug!!

[PhilKing]

They make custom shapes, however there is a minimum order for lights, and you have to realise that the light we are talking about here is more like a medium/heavy celluloid pick.  The reason there is a minimum order is that Dave has to sand down the thickness of a sheet and once it is sanded to thin, he can only use it for light picks.  However he has jazz picks as a standard shape.  I have a couple of different custom picks coming.  One is a copy of my real tortoiseshell picks that I use for acoustic playing,  the size is a little larger than a regular pick, the other is an asymmetrical pick that I have been using for years.  I was able to get the custom order for 5 picks in medium and 10 in light.  However I have already given away about 6 picks, so I think that this set might not last forever either!!

[Will]

Thanks Phil, so minimum order isn't like industrial quantity atleast.
Its the Jazz III XL that I am interested in really, its close to the Classic II in dimensions, just Jazz III shape.
Hmm thickness is going to get me thinking.
Either way, I'm up for it