Pickers - what picks are you using?

Moe_Zambeek · November 2016

I usually use a JD nylon .60 for acoustic stuff by default...but as I've experimented a bit on electric and found 2 very different favourites there, I guess I should do the same for acoustic. Plus, even though I've been using these for years, I don't really like them

So, acoustic pickers and strummers of tFB, what are your favourite picking devices?

Lewy · November 2016

I use a real mixture but mostly gravitate towards Wegen Bluegrass picks and one of these from Charmed Life:

http://www.charmedlifepicks.com/product-page/fbb08a19-ab87-d6e2-0bba-3119c233246a

If I'm looking for a really clear and crisp sound then Dunlop Ultex 2.0mm work well too.

I've tried Red Bear - just sounded scratchy to me. Blue Chips too - they sound and feel amazing but I haven't found a shape of theirs that I get on with.

bluechargeboy · November 2016

Ultex .94 (James Hetfield), Tortex green 0.88, and currently experimenting with Tortex yellow 0.73. This is for playing lead lines rather than strumming.

I like the attack of Ultex, it sounds like celluloid but lasts a bit longer.

guitarfishbay · November 2016

Dunlop Nylons, .60 or the Max Grip if I want stiffer. Tortex .50 for bright strumming tones. .73 or .88 nylons for lead.

richardhomer · November 2016

Dunlop 0.88mm Nylons for everything - unless I'm using my fingers.

They're light enough for rhythm playing and stiff enough for lead parts. I like their tone - not as 'sharp' sounding as other materials - and blend well with fingers when hybrid picking.

Moe_Zambeek · November 2016

@Lewy those are some big picks - is that normal in the Bluegrass world?

Lewy · November 2016

Moe_Zambeek said:

@Lewy those are some big picks - is that normal in the Bluegrass world?

Very normal, yep. Thick picks, medium strings, dreadnought guitars is the typical set up.

The bluegrass rhythm/strumming technique is quite specific and enables you to play quickly and lightly with a thick pick and then dig in for accents/bass notes with a lot of power using rest strokes. It's not a typical strumming approach (i.e. hitting all 6 strings, wide arc of movement) which would be better served with more flexible picks maybe.

Moe_Zambeek · November 2016

Interesting, thanks!

Sassafras · November 2016

Fingernails.
Or claws as they're sometimes described.

Winny_Pooh · November 2016

Wegen Bluegrass as mentioned. They sound so much better than any off the shelf pick that even drummers hear the difference.

BigLicks67 · November 2016

JD Nylons .60 .88 - Martin & Co .96 - JD Big Stubby 3.00mm or JD Thumb pick depending on what style I'm playing, but mostly it's just nails and side of thumb.

mgaw · November 2016

moustache picks 3mm or 4mm or blue chip

Moe_Zambeek · November 2016

I tried a 1.0 ultex today and actually it sounded pretty good with the Lowden.

stratman3142 · November 2016

Jazz 3 Ultex 1.38mm for acoustic, electric and bass when I use a pick.

thomasross20 · November 2016

Great thread as I have two thin-medium plectrums only and need more!

pintspiller · November 2016

Jim Dunlop USA Nylon .6, .73 or .88 depending on mood. I used to exclusively use the 1mm, but find myself stroking rather than stabbing these days. Even on bass.

Sassafras · November 2016

pintspiller said:

Jim Dunlop USA Nylon .6, .73 or .88 depending on mood. I used to exclusively use the 1mm, but find myself stroking rather than stabbing these days. Even on bass.

That's reassuring for everyone that lives near you.

DavidRees · November 2016

Dunlop Gator grip 2.00 for me ...

mellowsun · November 2016

I got one of the brand new picks from Wolfram (not the metal ones), it's one of the only thick picks that doesn't sound dull and thuddy, down to the way the bevel is made and polished.

axisus · November 2016

Can't do plecs with acoustic. Finger strumming and fingerpicking for me.

Winny_Pooh · November 2016

axisus said:

Can't do plecs with acoustic. Finger strumming and fingerpicking for me.

It's not all about you.

Sassafras · November 2016

mellowsun said:

I got one of the brand new picks from Wolfram (not the metal ones), it's one of the only thick picks that doesn't sound dull and thuddy, down to the way the bevel is made and polished.

I can only find the tungsten pick on their site.

mellowsun · November 2016

Sassafras said:

mellowsun said:

I got one of the brand new picks from Wolfram (not the metal ones), it's one of the only thick picks that doesn't sound dull and thuddy, down to the way the bevel is made and polished.

I can only find the tungsten pick on their site.

He was taking special orders at the London Acoustic Show, I think he's releasing them publicly after XMas.

They are made from acrylic and cut on a laser cutter, then the bevel cutting, shaping and polishing is done by hand.

They are incredibly smooth, just gliding across the strings.

axisus · November 2016

Winny_Pooh said:

axisus said:

Can't do plecs with acoustic. Finger strumming and fingerpicking for me.

It's not all about you.

Actually I have a note from God saying that it is, but hey, spoilers.

Sambostar · November 2016

Still trying to find a decent thumb pick but I cut down and modified the one I have, it can basically do it all, from little lead lines to strumming to thumb picking, although I'm still on a big learning curve, it seems the best all round thing to do if you haven't got any nails.

daveww · November 2016

Mainly fingers but also 3mm jazz stubbys

xSkarloey · November 2016

Anything thin for strumming but mostly fingers.

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Pickers - what picks are you using?

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