What kind of picks do ya'll use?

TNFrank · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 4:12 pm Post subject: What kind of picks do ya'll use?

I've been using Dunlop Nylons for as long as I can remember with my guitar and then with my bass. I used the .60mm for guitar and the 1.0mm(and sometimes the .88mm) for bass. I ordered some more .60mm since all I had were the 88's and 1.0's because I've only played bass for the last 10 years. I'm hope that the .60mm will be thin enough for quick "diddles" on the mandolin. So what do ya'll use? Talk to ya'll later and don't be shy, post a bit more. Thanks. Wink

TNFrank · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 4:10 pm Post subject:

So don't tell me NO ONE uses a pick with there mando. Shocked

What, are ya'll a bunch of finger pickers,LOL. Laughing

So what do ya'll use?

lvillefddlr · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:17 pm Post subject:

Most of the good Mando pickers I know of use very thick or unbending rounded off picks. preferrably turtle shell (cant spel tortuss) Embarassed

TNFrank · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 5:46 am Post subject:

So thick picks are what most are using, guess I'll have to try some of the 1.0mm Nylons that I've got and see if they work any better then the .60mm. I've noticed that some even go so far as to use a 1.5mm, that seems really thick to me but I guess that whatever works is best. Anyway, thanks for the reply. Wink

lvillefddlr · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 6:17 am Post subject:

TN. Not just thick pick but I guess I should have mentioned if you want to pull any tone from your instrument you may want to stay away from nylon and softer picks. Try out harder plastic and compare to see what you think. I know it is harder to hang onto but that can be fixed by roughening the holding surface on the pick by sanding w/coarse sandpaper or inserting grooves with a knife.

TNFrank · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 9:39 am Post subject:

The main reason I switched to Nylon all those years ago was because the thinner plastic picks I was using would tend to break a lot. Never had a Dunlop Nylon break on me. I guess with a thicker plastic pick it'd not be such an issue though. I'm sure as I play more and get more comfortable with the mando I'll start expirementing with different picks to see if one or the other will give me a better sound.

tripdad · New Member Joined: Aug 21, 2008 Posts: 1

I use Dunlop Stubbies (purple) most of the time - they're very rigid and easy to hold with a concave scoop. Occasionally, I use a high .mm National pick cut down to the size I like.

BARNAGRASS

CarlTowns · New Member Joined: Sep 14, 2008 Posts: 1

I use a Golden Gate Synthetic Tortoise Shell

I used "flimsy" picks in the past but the tonation and volume are decreased quite a bit, plus with flimsier picks you get more pick noise, in my experience anywho.

Keep on Pickin'
Carl T.

MacNichol · New Member Joined: Sep 20, 2008 Posts: 1

I'm a Golden Gate user, too, although I've been meaning to try the new Dawg Picks. Has anyone tried these yet?

osbbmandobill · New Member Joined: Dec 30, 2006 Posts: 1

Wegen rules the roost, and I've used 'em all... used to swear by real Tortoise, but it was more than seven years ago. so the Statute of Limitations has run out.

I use the big triangular ones with the seven holes -- easy to hold on to and sound as good as the "real thing" IMHO.

Bob_Cherry · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 2:18 pm Post subject:

On banjo, I use only nickel picks, including the thumb pick. I went to a metal thumb pick because I wanted the same attack sound as the finger picks had and plastic just didn't sound the same. It took some getting used to because they're shaped slightly different but a Dremel tool fixed that little problem!

For the Martin guitar, I use a medium-heavy pick that is big enough to get a good grip on but not too heavy as to be cumbersome. On the Yamaha with nylon strings, I use a lighter and more flexible pick to help save the strings.
_________________
Bob CherryCybergrass

morristownmando · Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 6:18 pm Post subject:

Been using dunlop 2mm for a couple years now very comfortable and loud.
_________________
http://www.myspace.com/danspurge

guit30 · Associate Joined: Sep 09, 2008 Posts: 9

I use Martin medium .73s if I can find them or Fender mediums. I play Bluegrass guitar
Jim

RonL · Associate Joined: Jan 18, 2009 Posts: 7

IMHO, Nothing comes close to an authentic Tortise Shell pick, made from
legally obtained shell . Such as shell reclaimed from antique jewelery
boxes ,lamps ,etc;etc; just to keep things on the up and up.
Many pickers say Blue Chip picks are the best synthetic picks on
the market ,but they are $35.00 a piece less shipping.
Others say ,Red Bear trading companies' Tortis picks ($20.00)made
from petre dish grown animal protein are good too.
I have tried both alonq with Ivory,Horn,even rare stone for expieremental
reasons.
I find these synthetic picks to be too expensive alternatives for Shell
and do not warm up to the forefinger and thumb like shell or a good fender heavy or comparable plastic picks.
Which brings to mind Rhino picks or Claytons which to me are some of the best plastic picks on the market for Bluegrass .

.
I suppose it's up to the player as to tone ,attack,volume ,comfort as
to the type pick they prefer.
However ,you can't beat Mother Nature for natural sound, IMHO. Very Happy