of guitar and picks
[ this is a geeky post, but geeky as guitar-geek, not computer-geek ]
I played the guitar for quite some time now and as a self-taught mostly rock guitar player, I used to play with a pick (or mediator, or plectrum) and unlike what some people may say (Hi Aurélien!), I think the quality of the pick has an influence, maybe on the sound but mostly on the way one plays. My first picks, as far as I remember were either noname ones or from Fender. And one day, about fifteen years ago, while visiting New York, I discovered the Dunlop Tortex picks. I bought some then and maybe a few more a few years later, but I think I haven’t bought any for 5 or 10 years.
My main picks for quite some time were the black (1.35mm) Dunlop Tortex Sharp and blue (1.0mm) Tortex. I tried the same in 1.50mm gauge but found them too heavy for my taste. Anyway, recently, I gave a try to different picks, to see if I should change. Here are my feelings and reviews for the few I have at hand:
- Dava Grip Tip: Maybe the most different of the picks I had, I think it requires more “training” to properly use it, since it would take advantage of the way the fingers handle it. A bit too soft to my taste. Maybe I should try instead the Rock Control or Precision versions which provide harder tips;
- Dunlop Big Stubby: A basic and large width pick, I don’t really like the grip I have on it, for my usual way of playing. Maybe I should try to use it for playing the bass or only for strumming;
- Dunlop Nylon Jazz XL: heavy (in width) but small pick with a nice tip. I think the “jazz” title is well earned since I like it to play melodies and solos, but I have a hard time keeping a good grip when changing styles for strumming or playing in a more rock or metal fashion;
- Dunlop Ultex Sharp: at first it felt weird, because I took one of the smallest of the lot with the 0.90mm and compared to my trusty 1.35 sharp tortex, it just felt naked, but once I got used to its width, it was just the right one, being hard enough, precise and with a good (basic) grip. I only need to see know how it holds in time (but so far, it looks good).
This is just a small review of what I got on my hands and there are many other products available on the market. At the time being, I think I’ll mostly go with the Ultex, maybe picking up the Jazz every now and then.