Picks and Plectrums

eric-vaxxine · 2012-08-06T01:46:12+00:00

For many years, the only pick I ever used was a Jim Dunlop Jazz III. But over the last few years I have dumped the JazzIII, I've become a bit more 'picky'.....

Picks and Plectrums

AlanRatcliffe

Fingers only. Plectra feel weird - to far removed from the guitar strings for me. Pick attack is the only thing I miss and I've developed workarounds for that.

The percussiveness of a pick accentuates any timing looseness, but when you get it right it really drives the rhythm and makes the guitar stand out, even in a heavy mix.

Nitebob

Herco (apparently) manufactures thumbpicks in different gauges (if google says so, it has to be true) Anybody know where you can get some locally?

Bob-Dubery

Nitebob wrote: What do you mean by hybrid picking?

Flat pick and fingers.

Clearly on display at the start of this clip by Jerry Donouhe where the camera is on his right hand

Pretty much any time you get the right hand in shot you can see him working the pick and fingers.

deefstes

I've fallen in love with these Dunlop Ultex plectra. I specifically like the 0.73mm as it offers just enough stiffness for solo and just enough flex for strumming.

But to be honest, I actually wish I could divorce myself from the plectrum altogether. I'd love to be able to play right hand a la Mark Knopfler, Jeff Beck or John Mayer. On the electric guitar I just feel totally lost without a plectrum and on an acoustic I obliterate my nails if I strum without it.

strataxe

Alice Picks... mostly use the 1.2mm, now and then .96.

Nitebob

strataxe wrote: Alice Picks... mostly use the 1.2mm, now and then .96.

I also like Alice...I buy the kits at the counter at Oosthavens, keep those below 0.71mm and donate the rest.

Chabenda

Recently slimmed down to black sharkfins. Sometimes a hassle having to pop a string back into it's groove in the nut if you get a bit carried away! Hybrid picking too (you're right about the pinky Singe).

Nicholas-L

Just to add another option to your table, but maybe check out dava pics.

I have some of the Delrin ones. They come in sizes "similar" to the Jazz III and the Tortex, however not the exact shape.

Psean

Nicholas L wrote: Just to add another option to your table, but maybe check out dava pics.

I have some of the Delrin ones. They come in sizes "similar" to the Jazz III and the Tortex, however not the exact shape.

Where do you get these?
I find that most shops just stock the more popular stuff - mainly dunlop, sharkfin and fender + a few others.

Nitebob

Psean wrote: Where do you get these?
I find that most shops just stock the more popular stuff - mainly dunlop, sharkfin and fender + a few others.

So true, half the cool stuff we don't even get here in SA, you have to buy what everybody is using. If only the had the cool stuff, everybody would be buying that, but that's another thread altogether.

Nicholas-L

Nitebob wrote:
Psean wrote: Where do you get these?
I find that most shops just stock the more popular stuff - mainly dunlop, sharkfin and fender + a few others.
So true, half the cool stuff we don't even get here in SA, you have to buy what everybody is using. If only the had the cool stuff, everybody would be buying that, but that's another thread altogether.

Too true guys. I bought mine through takealot.com the one day as they were on discount plus i wanted a few other things. so I just added to the package. Arjun is actually the one who introduced me to them. Not sure where he got his from.

Psean

Nitebob wrote:
Psean wrote: Where do you get these?
I find that most shops just stock the more popular stuff - mainly dunlop, sharkfin and fender + a few others.
So true, half the cool stuff we don't even get here in SA, you have to buy what everybody is using. If only the had the cool stuff, everybody would be buying that, but that's another thread altogether.

Yip. Fortunately when it comes to plectra, I'm happy with the Dunlop stuff.

Psean

Nicholas L wrote:

Too true guys. I bought mine through takealot.com the one day as they were on discount plus i wanted a few other things. so I just added to the package. Arjun is actually the one who introduced me to them. Not sure where he got his from.

Cool. I didn't know takealot did guitar stuff.

Bob-Dubery

Oh the options...
http://littlebrotherblues.com/Gear/Thumbpicks/index.html

I believe the Fred Kelly stuff can be ordered direct from the manufacturer. Same might apply for other brands.

Nitebob

X-rated Bob wrote: Oh the options...
http://littlebrotherblues.com/Gear/Thumbpicks/index.html

I believe the Fred Kelly stuff can be ordered direct from the manufacturer. Same might apply for other brands.

Thanks Bob ?

Psean

X-rated Bob wrote: Oh the options...
http://littlebrotherblues.com/Gear/Thumbpicks/index.html

I believe the Fred Kelly stuff can be ordered direct from the manufacturer. Same might apply for other brands.

Wow. A lot of interesting designs. These ones look like they're giving you the finger:

Nitebob

Strings and beyond also has the hemco stuff, think I'm going to try a little experiment forst though...

Delta-Male

White Dunlop 0.46mm..... For lead and rhythm... Although my lead aint really that much :-[

deefstes

X-rated Bob wrote: Oh the options...
http://littlebrotherblues.com/Gear/Thumbpicks/index.html

I believe the Fred Kelly stuff can be ordered direct from the manufacturer. Same might apply for other brands.

Great link, Bob! You've showed me that Fred Kelly Bumblebee thumb pick once and I think it is by far the most comfortable thumb pick I have seen. I've been keeping my eyes open for it at every music shop I've walked into but have yet to find some (or a salesperson who's even heard of them). The first shop that I find with these, I'm buying a few dozen.

http://fredkellypicks.com/bumble-bee.html

ftcl

Dunlop Max-Grip 1.14mm. Although it appears as though it has made me lazy. Played with a smoother pick the other day, and it felt like I had to consciously grip it harder...