Renesongs
For the last 10 years I have had a tempestuous relationship with plectrums, (guitar picks). I am a bit of a hybrid hack (I use fingers and pick at the same time). About every few months I discover a new shape or textured pick and swear that "this is the one" and with steely jaw become determined that I will be monogamous and never use another pick again.
Out of the many dozen picks that I hoard the one that I seem to go back to are either the Dunlop Jazz III or the Awl-in-one. Can any of you shredaholics out there point me towards the "Holy Grail" of plectrums or a least share your experiences with your "pick of destiny".
AlanRatcliffe
I'm as far from being an expert in plectra as you can get, not being a plectrum player, but I can tell you what the popular ones were when I was working in music stores: Sharkfin white, Dunlop Stubbys, D'Andrea ProGrip, and the various Fender "tortoiseshell" ones.
NorioDS
I'm a big fan of medium-thick Dunlop Lucky 13s. I've only tried a few different picks but I dig these coz they don't slip out of my grip and they're still smooth ?
Mr-M
Dunlop Ultex Standard.
Probably not the shape you're after, but these picks are grippy (because of the type of plastic) and they have the most "attack" of any pick I've used, without being super-bright. Have used lots of different Dunlop picks: Jazz III, Jazz Clear, Tortex Fins, Tortex Standard, Nylon Standard, Nylon Glow. And a few Planet Waves, Fender, Sharkfins PRS.
These are my favourite by a mile for the balanced tone you get. Not something you'd normally say about a pick I know. Also much more durable than regular Nylon/ Delrin picks. I do alot of pick slides and the picks still look new, except for the graphics printed on it, which wear off like any pick. Been using them for 3 years.
I use the 1.0mm.
http://www.jimdunlop.com/index.php?page=products/pip&id=18&pmh=products/capos
Singing the praises of a pick. Weird......
arjunmenon
+1 with Rene on the Dunlop Jazz IIIs.
I started out using fender mediums, and then got hooked on to Ibanez small triangle shaped mediums and the ibanez paul gilbert ones. For a while, i was hooked on Dunlop 1mm stubbies, and now i strictly play with the Jazz IIIs.
And this Saturday, Guy (from the forum) gave me a Dunlop tortex (the one thats shaped like the Jazz III) to try out. SO, i guess i'm still en route to finding that pick of destiny ;D
Cheers
Renesongs
I like the shape and the size of the Jazz III I'm just not crazy about Nylon, the edges become dull very quickly. I have a transparent stubby shaped like the Jazz III but it is bit to brittle and chips easily. I guess I'm looking for a Cinderella Jazz III, not too hard, not too soft, hmm tortex would be just right. I've checked the Jim Dunlop site a while ago but they did'nt have a Jazz III in tortex in their catalogue mind you I have a few Dunlops that aren't in their catalogue either - so It's back to trolling the music stores.
Riaan
Does anyone use coins as picks? I've heard that Brian May still does. On the subject of picks: a guy I know had to play at a wedding and when it was his moment, he picked up his guitar, got ready and then realised he'd forgotten to pack his picks...nothing in his guitar case. So he took out his wallet, pulls out a credit card and plays using that as a pick as if he does that every day... ;D
AlanRatcliffe
Does anyone use coins as picks?
Brian May and Billy Gibbons.
So he took out his wallet, pulls out a credit card and plays using that as a pick as if he does that every day...
;D I've seen guys do that, also cut picks out from coffee tin lids.
Guy-Onraet
Rene, I'm sure Music Connection has a ton of tortex picks that are the same size and shape as the Jazz III.
I use the purple one. It's not as thick as the Jazz III, but it doesn't bend at all and it also lasts quite long before getting dull. The attack isn't as bright as the Jazz III, so if you pick the first note on each new string during legato runs, it's great for a consistent tone.
I haven't tried the Ultex version of the same shape, so i don't know if that's better.
dirkv
I have always been a fan of the Jim Dunlop picks, the grey ones (not sure of the name ?) but recently i have started playing with the Dean Markley LH Picks. They are a plain white pick that feel as tho they have a slight powder coating on them. The reason i like these is the fact that becasue this "coating" the pick does not slip out of my fingers when i play.
Renesongs
@ Guy - found some Jazz III shaped Tortex - Just what the Dr ordered - brilliant attack, good grip and the right size and thickness - I see Jim Dunlop label says Tortex H3, which is not in their catalogue. ?
Wessel
I also use the Jazz III. My friend Manfred who is also on the forum gave me my first one. It is ideal for in between string licks and sweep picking. Al of mine are moulded to my fingers after a while so after a while the point that is curling back becomes a problem. I am currently struggeling to get a new one.I would order a box if i could.None of the shops near me has any.(music mate or musiek wereld)The world is sharkfin crazy.
Manfred-Klose
The jazz 3 is the Pick of Destiny..........for those who didn't know that, thats just my opinion.
I prefer the Red one.
The black and red is so much different in their character.
It is very rare to find, if you find one at a guitar shop, your lucky!!!
If you order you can probably get it also.
This guitar plectrum is underated, but almost everyone uses it!!!
Renesongs
I was sold on the Jazz III for many years even before I watched heard what Eric Johnson could do with them but in the quest for the "Pick of Destiny" there shall be Jazz III's made of Torex not nylon, for nylon becomes blunt, then we shall play not like man but like Gods of Rock
BTW I have heard that rumour that Jazz III's are scarce. Bothners Plumstead have a huge stock of them - red ones
trungboyshigh
Well i am no expert but from my own experience...Thick picks are more for lead playing solos etc. Thin picks are more for strumming, rhythm playing. I play with a pick thats in the middle of the 2 extremes (thickness of about 0.88mm) so its more flexible. And choose picks with a rough rather than a smooth surface cos it gives a better grip. Dunlops are probably one the best out there, fortunately picks are the most affordable guitar accessories so u dont have to compromise over quality. I also find some guitarists, especially classical players who grow the nails on their picking hand really long so its as if theyre playing with 5 picks at the same time, thought that was quite clever. Hope that helps
arjunmenon
@Wessel: I'm not sure about the difficulty your facing in finding Jazz 3s but the Musiek Wereld in Bellville on Dirkie Uys stocks 'em along with some tasty gear. And Bothner's has most definitely got 'em. Marshall Music on Buitengracht has most definitely got 'em.
@ Rene & Guy: I'm starting to enjoy using the J3 shaped tortex pick. Has a very nice attack that doesn't sound like a hacksaw being raked across the string ? I'm almost sold on 'em but i have way too many Jazz 3s to go through...
Cheers.
Martyr
i use Dunlop Jazz III's...i like 'em alot,they help you play more accurately...but there is a downside to 'em,if you ever lose a pick at a gig and you need to lend another one,if it's not a Jazz III it feels SOOOO weird to play with IMO
andrewjbryson
I always used the RED sharkfin
and then when I went to Cape Town , I was jamming with Guy at Marshall Music, he recommended I try the
Dunlop JAZZ III , felt a bit wierd at first...
anyways I walked out of the shop with the pick in my pocket (what a crime)
NOW I CANNOT believe that I used to jam with such thing/ light / large picks ,
my alternative picking has improved dramatically with the JAZZ III
its bizarre how a pick can change things....
