I just geeked out on picks...

[FuzzyAce]

I hate the way they drag on the string myself.

The brass teckpicks are better for tone imo. They are actually warmer overall compared to the Flow imo. They're certainly not ideal for someone that's a strict alternate picker, which I'm not. I used one as my main pick for about 3 yrs. The stainless picks are cool for a certain texture. I learned that from Satch, as he uses/used on for certain glissando techniques.

 

[FuzzyAce]

They are plastic aren’t they?

You mean wooden nickels.

 

[Eagle]

Did anyone ever try those absolute garbage rubber picks? I can’t remember the brand.

 

[metropolis_4]

Did anyone ever try those absolute garbage rubber picks? I can’t remember the brand.

Do you mean these?

 

[FuzzyAce]

Did anyone ever try those absolute garbage rubber picks? I can’t remember the brand.

I did have rubber pick, long long time ago. I think it had the pin holes in the grip area? Terrible for guitar but worked on occasion for bass.

Now that I think about it, it was one of these types. Not sure if same brand though.

 

[AlbertA]

I’d been rotating through Tortex Flow picks in 1.0, 1.15, 1.35, and 1.5mm, and had settled on the 1.35mm — but they all wear out way too fast.

This thread got me to try the Petrucci signature Ultex Jazz III 1.5mm.

I’d given up on Jazz III picks a while back because the size felt too small, but I think I’ve adjusted now.

It took a few days to get used to the JPs (because of the size) but they’ve quickly become my favorite.

The beveled edge makes them feel thinner than the 1.5mm Tortex Flows — basically right around the 1.35mm sweet spot I’d landed on.

Grip is excellent (haven’t dropped one yet), and the wear resistance is a huge step up.

I noticed Dunlop also makes Ultex Flow grip picks. I might give those a shot too.

 

[Eagle]

I did have rubber pick, long long time ago. I think it had the pin holes in the grip area? Terrible for guitar but worked on occasion for bass.

Now that I think about it, it was one of these types. Not sure if same brand though.
View attachment 62099

That’s the one. Unbelievable garbage.

 

[Eagle]

Do you mean these?

They at least have a tip .

 

[Blix]

Do you mean these?

The Dava picks are great! I like those a lot. You get the sound of a red Jazz III with a bit more flexibility.

 

[metropolis_4]

They at least have a tip .

Oh wow, I didn’t know there were picks that were all rubber! Yeah, that sounds like a horrible idea. It’s hard to think of a worse material to make picks out of

The Dava picks are great! I like those a lot. You get the sound of a red Jazz III with a bit more flexibility.

I like those too. They’re a really nice size and I love the grip.

My one small gripe was I wished the tips were beveled, but it’s easy enough to file them down

 

[la szum]

It's possible Billy used one, wouldn't be surprised at all! I only remember hearing about Brian May using a coin when I had tried it. IIRC, I was at a jam situation where I needed a pick, didn't have one and neither did the other musicians, but I had same change in my pocket. So grabbed a quarter and went to it. Worked out well I'd thought.

I tried some Metal Picks back in the day. I had a Copper one.



Looks like Rev. Willy used a Peso. Totally makes sense.

“He always has a stack of older six-penny pieces he could rely on.” Why old coins proved the perfect guitar pick for Brian May

The guitarist is famed for his use of his Red Special guitar and a Vox AC30 amp, but a Queen expert believes his unusual choice of pick is just as important to achieving his tone

www.guitarplayer.com

 

[la szum]

I would use my fingers in that situation. A coin sounds terrible. Brian May smoothed out the edges to reduce the scrape and used older actually silver sixpences , softer metal and sounds less harsh.

My experience checks out.


That said, a lot of Banjo and Bluegrass players use metal fingerpicks, and Lap/Steel Guitar pleyers, too. So.

 

[FuzzyAce]

I tried some Metal Picks back in the day. I had a Copper one.



Looks like Rev. Willy used a Peso. Totally makes sense.

“He always has a stack of older six-penny pieces he could rely on.” Why old coins proved the perfect guitar pick for Brian May

The guitarist is famed for his use of his Red Special guitar and a Vox AC30 amp, but a Queen expert believes his unusual choice of pick is just as important to achieving his tone

www.guitarplayer.com

Very cool. I sorta remember now about the peso. I do have some British coins stashed away, doubt a sixpence though. The quarter has a similar serrated edge though, and it's kind of cool the tones you get.

And yes, the older coins the better.