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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
 Posted - 04/06/2007 : 16:37:15
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Hi Guys
I wasn't sure, if I should post this into:
Off Topic
or Non Boss Gear discussions.
I thought it might be interesting to know, which type & brand of plectrums you guys are using.
And tell us what's why you use it, & what's special about it.
Maybe it's the type of music you play?
Me, when I play with a pick, I prefer Jim Dunlops
in 0.88mm and 0.60mm.
Most of the time, I play only with my fingers, but when I live gig, the plectrum seems to give me that little edge to cut through & keep up with the rest of the band.
The JD's have a nice grip, even with sweaty hands
I also have a Black Carbon Graphite 0.8 pick, I got it may years ago,
I can't remember the brand, but it has a Hemp leaf on it, for grip.
That's the pick I use when I record. it has a brighter tone, than the Jim Dunlops.
Fender California Clears, chip too easily & too often. & are slippery.
My Guitarist son swears my Dava Control Plectrums, these are an interesting Pick, Soft Med. & hard all in one pick. You should get a least one of these Dava's, to try out.
Here is a link:
http://www.playrecord.net/dava-control-pick-one-plectrum-p-236.html.
Sometimes when I play Bass, I use a plecrtum made of hard felt, try it out before you can the idea.
I do know that if you are doing a lot of harmonic-s squeals, a very hard plectrum is preferable, & seems to work better in my case.
For this type of playing I use Jim Dunlop
Stubby 2.0mm - Stubby 1.0mm and Big Stubby 1.0mm, although the small stubby seems to give a more defined harmonic & is easier to control.
Not to mention a lot of gain or boost-overdrive.
Urban legend has it that Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top fame, used a quarter or a peso as a pick.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Gibbons
It's not the original link I was looking for, but it does mentions his choice of pick, I guess he went through a lot of strings, this way.
Who wood have thought, there was this much info, on just picks.
I suppose we should also have a Thread, on the type of strings we use?
Regards Dr. Bob  |
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jack
Platinum Member
USA
1418 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 16:56:39
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Nice topic Dr. Bob. I have played with all kinds of different picks, metal, plastic, ones with cork gripping areas, etc., but I have been a user of Dunlop Toretx .88mm picks since the late 80's. However, about a year ago, I was getting tired of how the regular pick shape would seem to get edges that would catch on the strings and affect picking. So I remembered how I had uses a few Tortex Jazz picks (with the point) and liked the pointed end as it was easier to pick notes cleanly, the edges wear evenly, and never get caught up on strings, but the small size of the picks were a hassle at times to hold onto. Finally, I found these: http://www.suncreekmusic.com/product_info.php/products_id/1089
The pointed tip that I like, but with the body of of a regular sized pick. I have been using these ever since. Pretty much the only pick I need. Period.
I believe the Billy Gibbons story is true. I don't know if they still do it or not, but Guitar Player Magazine used to publish a poster of picks that players are using, and I distinctly remember there being a quarter who's shape was altered a bit to make a guitar pick. |
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gurran1928
Gold Member
Sweden
650 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 17:08:05
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| I use dunlop Jazz III only red ones.. |
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Dirk
Platinum Member
Netherlands
1309 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 17:29:35
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After using dunlop tortex 1.14 purple for years (on bass) I switched back to Dunlop nylon 1mm black, they give a bit more of a fingerstyle sound I like, some picks have this high pitched clicky sound I hate, the nylons don't.
On electric guitar I still use them though.
On acoustic guitar I prefer an .88 nylon for the same reason I mentioned before. |
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Dr. Bob
Moderator
Australia
6593 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 18:21:09
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quote:
Originally posted by jack
Nice topic Dr. Bob. I have played with all kinds of different picks, metal, plastic, ones with cork gripping areas, etc., but I have been a user of Dunlop Toretx .88mm picks since the late 80's. However, about a year ago, I was getting tired of how the regular pick shape would seem to get edges that would catch on the strings and affect picking. So I remembered how I had uses a few Tortex Jazz picks (with the point) and liked the pointed end as it was easier to pick notes cleanly, the edges wear evenly, and never get caught up on strings, but the small size of the picks were a hassle at times to hold onto. Finally, I found these: http://www.suncreekmusic.com/product_info.php/products_id/1089
The pointed tip that I like, but with the body of of a regular sized pick. I have been using these ever since. Pretty much the only pick I need. Period.
I believe the Billy Gibbons story is true. I don't know if they still do it or not, but Guitar Player Magazine used to publish a poster of picks that players are using, and I distinctly remember there being a quarter who's shape was altered a bit to make a guitar pick.
Hi jack
Thanks for the positive comments.
You wouldn't believe it?,
I have, a never used, Green Torex pointy tip, like the ones in your link, mine is so old it is labeled M3 not 0.88 like on the one in your link.
I will give it a try, I guess I just bought a bunch of picks & put them into a zip lock bag & thew it into my guitar case.
I also found a a Yellow 0.73mm Torex, but it's the standard JD tear drop shape.
At least I will be able to compare the two different shapes.
In my original posting, I mentioned that some smooth picks, were slippery to hold,
I have a simple mod I do to smooth picks, I just drill 3 small 1mm to 2mm holes near the center of the pick, & in a triangle, about 4 or 5mm apart.
This simple mod increases the grip unbelievably.
Some of my Muso friends, have resorted to using a product that drummers use on their drum sticks, it's called Gorilla Snot,
& its as tacky as the name implies; They put a dab on the thumb part of the pick.
Here's a couple of links, so you guys don't think I'm full of crap.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--GRSGOSNOT
http://www.nevadamusic.co.uk/acatalog/Gorilla_Snot.html
http://www.stagebeat.co.uk/P/3748/GORILLA+SNOT
It kills me,   every time I hear my friends talk about it, or worse still having to be next to them when they buy it.
When you first find out about Gorilla Snot, you just have to buy a container, it's a great marketing name. I wonder how many they sell just because of the name? 
The three holes works great for me, I don't like Gorilla Snot.
I just found out that there is a mixed drink called Gorilla Snot as well. (Google it )
Hey Jack, any chance you might be able to find that Guitar Player & plectrum poster, it would be great to see & have.
I just noticed that the Torex is not as slippery as the California Clears & other Fender picks.
Regards Dr. Bob |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 18:30:59
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the black 1mm jim dunlops when i can find one...mostly i've been using my fingers lately,i bought a cheap yamaha nylon string a while ago and it seems to have got me using my fingers on electric as well..but i agree a plec helps in a live gig to cut through easier sometimes the fingers get sort of lost in the louder sections.... |
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mattoqua
Silver Member
Canada
438 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 19:13:07
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I use the Steves music store brand. Theyre extreamly cheap, and if you buy anything, they'll let you pocket 20. I dont know why, but they are amazing. And the size is heavy.
I used to use fender medium/heavy/extra heavy while i was still trying to find the perfect one. After these, I dont need anything else. Im almost out though, so I'll buy 100 next time I go, probably for $5-10CAD |
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Vim Fuego
Gold Member
Denmark
566 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 19:16:15
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| If not using my fingers I�ve always used the grey Dunlops - 0.60mm |
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DeFrag
Moderator
USA
3409 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 19:53:10
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| Grey Dunlop .73mm |
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tomwest
Silver Member
United Kingdom
436 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 20:08:32
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| Usually Dadi thin aluminium picks, however I just got some Planet Waves Surepick 0.91mm which I'm not all that impressed with. |
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redundant
Silver Member
Turkey
247 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 22:40:23
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Dunlop 1mm black - hard to find in Istanbul, but worth checking every shop.
OK - the wierd part: for years, picks always slipped from my fingers until I discovered blue-tack (the gooey substance you use to put up posters) brilliant stuff, just use little pieces on both sides of the wide edge of the pick, & never drop a pick again. Replace as needed. Or am I just strange? |
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jack
Platinum Member
USA
1418 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 23:18:06
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| As far as keeping picks in your hands, the Tortex picks are nice because I just get a knife and make about 3 light scratches on each side of the pick whenever I need more grip. The scrathes aren't too deep, and they look like they won't make any difference, but they do. I just do this occasionally as I grip my Dunlop Tortex Sharps as if they were a small jazz pick, but the extra size/material keeps them in place usually... |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 23:22:26
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| no.... that happens to me as well during gigs so when our rythmn guitarist/singer is in the music shop i tell him to get me a few spares and leave them on top of the amp.... but its not all because of sweaty hands,maybe to many of theseduring the gig can cause it too..... .... |
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DeFrag
Moderator
USA
3409 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2007 : 23:32:28
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Regarding the dropping of picks.. they are made to be thrown by threes at the crowd! duh  |
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jack
Platinum Member
USA
1418 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2007 : 02:43:23
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quote:
Originally posted by DeFrag
Regarding the dropping of picks.. they are made to be thrown by threes at the crowd! duh
Unless you use metal picks. I remember reading an interview with George Lynch in the late 80s where he mentioned that he preferred metal picks but changed to regular picks as people were injured or almost injured when he would throw metal picks into the crowd... |
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guirat
Silver Member
United Kingdom
186 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2007 : 03:20:47
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For the past couple of years it's been the Ibanez Paul Gilbert plectrums, the ones with the signature & cartoon graphic on. They're smaller than what I was used to before, but just felt right when I tried one. The white's are my favourite, no idea what spec they are, medium I'm guessing.
Before this I liked to use the black Gibson M's (regular or heart shaped) - I have 2 left. They feel good but I kept splitting them, they didn't last long. I think they're the ones that disappear in a puff of smoke if you light them
I tried a sixpence ala Brian May, and it makes a nice sound, but never felt comfortable to me, it's too small to hold. Probably expensive on strings too.
I do have a plectrum question, I still have a 'Sharkfin' one from a few years back, very thin and I liked it for gentle strumming, but I could never work out if the hooked 'fin' part or the serrated edge had any practical use. Do they? |
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What Pletrums (Picks) do you use
