Wegen picks

[Matt Hutchinson]

Hi guys,


I use Wegen picks at the moment and alternate between a TF140 and an M150. I like the shape, feel and sound of the M150 but find it a tiny bit on the thick side. The TF I find to be the perfect thickness but slightly too bright for most stuff. Has anyone tried a custom M140 (or anything in between the M100 and M150)?

Just curious.

Cheers,

Matt

[swinginmandolins]

Matt,
I use the TF140's. I thought they were too bright with the speed bevel. I took a fingernail file and rounded the corners and put a standard bevel on it and then rebuffed the edges. Now it's darker and I love the way it pushes through the strings better. Something to try.

[Matt Hutchinson]

Thanks, I might give that a go on one of the TFs. I do like the shape of the M150 better though.....

[Bill Van Liere]

I use a 140 with my BRW, it feels right to me on that particular instrument but a little thick on others. I use from a .76 (octave) .88 (guitar & oval A) 1.0 (Brentrup) to the 140 for Bluegrass. I'll agree with Terry that the 140 is a touch bright though.

[swinginmandolins]

Matt,
Try to shape the 140 like the 150 if that is the shape and feel you like. I shaped mine similar to a Proplec Jazzmando since that was my pic of choice before trying the Wegens.

[Jason Holmes]

Michel Wegen can make you any pick(s) you like. I think an M140 would be nice. Another cafe member mentioned recently that he'd had some custom M120s (1.2mm) made to suit his liking. Michel would probably even put together a sampler pack if you asked, something like M picks at 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4.

Oh, and I too have softened the edges on a TF140 (using ScotchBrite No-Scratch), and it made a big tonal improvement IMO.

[JeffD]

Love my 140s!

[MandoBen]

I know it sounds impossible, but I am convinced black wegens are smoother/darker sounding than white wegens http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
I alternate between a black wegen trimus 2.5mm, dawg pick and a de'andrea pro-plec. I beveled the edges on
the dawg and pro-plec just like a wegen, they are great for a variety of different tones. The dawg w/bevels is
a lot like an M150 mando pick but bigger an easier for me to hold, a little rounder too, great for tremelo. The
pro-plec is a bit brighter and a little more bendy, great for playing fast and loud, it is like a poor man's TF140. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Jason Holmes]

Right on MandoBen, I totally agree. I believe the black and white Wegens are not the same. I much prefer the black ones to the white ones. I don't know if they're denser due to the black coloring agent or what.

[DryBones]

Michel Wegen can make you any pick(s) you like. #I think an M140 would be nice. #Another cafe member mentioned recently that he'd had some custom M120s (1.2mm) made to suit his liking. #Michel would probably even put together a sampler pack if you asked, something like M picks at 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4.

Oh, and I too have softened the edges on a TF140 (using ScotchBrite No-Scratch), and it made a big tonal improvement IMO.
that would be me with the custom M120's in a lefty no less. I am finding that string/pick combinations really varies from mando to mando. I am still liking the M120 but since I went from EXp74's to Firewire strings on my JBovier I am finding I like the M150 more. Probably has soemthing to do with string sizes along with coating differences. I am thinking I should have gone with M130's since I really wanted something in between M100 and M150 so I guess an order is due! BTW, I think I like the white over the black.

[jmpullen]

Ditto for me -- I have black and white Wegen 150s', and I prefer the white ones. I wonder what it is about the black ones, as they seem to feel better and sound better. But, I carry both. If you're picking somewhere that the floor is a dark color, use a white one. And vice versa. Makes pickin 'em up a lot faster ! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[buddyellis]

If you like the 150, its easy enough to pare the thickness down with a bit of 400 or 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper and a bit of water. Hook your fingernails around the top, and work it in a circular motion with light pressure until you get the thickness that feels comfortable. You can also get 2000 grit wet-dry paper at wal-mart or the local auto supply store to work the bevels/slick out the sanding marks. Personally I like the surface I get from 600 grit paper.

[Matt Hutchinson]

Thanks for all the replies. As I have 3 M150s I guess I can afford to experiment with a couple and see how I get on. I definitely need a slightly thinner pick, just not sure how much thinner.

cheers

[woodwizard]

I switched from the Dawg & Goldengate's to the Wegen M100 & M150. Use the M100 more than the M150. Because the 150 is a little thick and the 100 is a little thin. I have mando picker friend Bill Nesbitt of Old School Bluegrass-Little Rock,(a very good Bluegrass Band by the way),heshowed me his wegen 140mm Bluegrass pick. I have a package of them on the way. I really likedhis. Can't wait till they come in. They are not a dawg shaped pick and not a big triangle either.

[DryBones]

I switched from the Dawg & Goldengate's to the Wegen M100 & M150. Use the M100 more than the M150. Because the 150 is a little thick and the 100 is a little thin.
me thinks its time for you to just order some custom M120's or M130's from Michel Wegen! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[gregjones]

I'm new to mandolins and flatpicks. #I've played acoustic blues guitar with bare fingers forever. #So, I am no expert at this pick thing at all. #I ordered some of everything I could find from anywhere that sold them.....Wegens included.

The question I have is if one is going to pay the Wegen price only to modify it, why not get the picks from www.mandolinbridge.com? #They seem IMHO to be a "Wegen blank". #I can't tell the difference except in the surface texture which can be duplicated in a few seconds with a fingernail file. #Just wondering.

Anyway I use the Golden Gates for now in my learning efforts.

Thanks,
Greg

[Matt Hutchinson]

I contacted Michel and he's happy to make me up a custom 3 pack of 1xM120, 1xM130 and 1xM140 to see which I prefer. He even suggested making the 130 in black rather than white so they're easy to tell apart. Great service from a guy with a great product.

Isn't the internet a marvellous thing?!

Matt

[8strings]

What I have done is diagonally slice and carefully 'sandwich' a TF140 and a M150 pick. I also filled in 3 of the 7 holes with a liquified binding mixture, originating from a 1923 Gibson F5. I now find that I only have to practice half as much as I used to and getting even better results. Proof that it really -IS- the equipment that we use and not regular practice and dedication to improve tone and overal competence with the mandolin.

[mythicfish]

"I now find that I only have to practice half as much as I used to and getting even better results. Proof that it really -IS- the equipment that we use and not regular practice and dedication to improve tone and overal competence with the mandolin. "

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif (Speechless)

Curt

[Brad Weiss]

What I have done is diagonally slice and carefully 'sandwich' a TF140 and a M150 pick. I also filled in 3 of the 7 holes with a liquified binding mixture, originating from a 1923 Gibson F5. I now find that I only have to practice half as much as I used to and getting even better results. Proof that it really -IS- the equipment that we use and not regular practice and dedication to improve tone and overal competence with the mandolin.
Hmm, I find that if I fill 4 of the 7 holes, and use scrap celluloid from a July 9 F5 as an adhesive, I can produce similar results- but I am practicing 57% as much and, while only about 93% as accurate at picking, #my speed is enhanced 116%. Tone is, of course, subjective, and overrated by 49% of all players.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[ElJefe]

I have been using a CF-120 Wegen (Chad Fadely) for my guitar and a M-150 for mandolin. #

He says that he can't tell any difference between black and white. #I can if I drop it on the floor and try to find it.

[Matt Hutchinson]

Well, the new picks have arrived and, so far, I'm loving the 1.3. It has the solid sound I like in the 1.5 but is a bit more subtle for tremolo and keeps my picking a bit cleaner as well.

Here's to Michel for such a great service and willingness to help players find the right pick for them.

Matt

[mandolirius]

<What I have done is diagonally slice and carefully 'sandwich' a TF140 and a M150 pick. I also filled in 3 of the 7 holes with a liquified binding mixture, originating from a 1923 Gibson F5. I now find that I only have to practice half as much as I used to and getting even better results. Proof that it really -IS- the equipment that we use and not regular practice and dedication to improve tone and overal competence with the mandolin.>

LMAO! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[stevem]

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif Funny stuff.

I use the TF 140, but want to give the M150 a try.

[ElJefe]

In a double-blind side placebo test, I believe that the black ones are darker.

The white ones are not as heavy, so they must be lighter.

Sorry. Couldn't stop myself.

[surfandstrum]

what is the best way to contact Wegen...I want to try that sample pack too..

[Roger Renfro]

Go to:

http://www.wegenpicks.com/

Michel is extremely responsive & helpful. #I've ordered quite a few picks directly from him. #And his picks are the best. #I use them both on mandolin & guitar -- different ones, of course.

[Matt Hutchinson]

what is the best way to contact Wegen...I want to try that sample pack too..
It doesn't exist as a standard pack so just email Michel & tell him what you want. He does the sample pack of 3 different picks for the same price as a pack of 3 M100/150s.

cheers,

Matt

[surfandstrum]

Great service...within 15 minutes of my e-mail I got a response and now have my order in...I copied your order Matt, I hope you don't mind...thanks...

[Albert Whiting]

I use the TF-140. At first it was a little bright but after about a month it is broke in and I absolutely love it. I used nothing but tortoise shell before it and I only use the wegen now.

[Matt Hutchinson]

Great service...within 15 minutes of my e-mail I got a response and now have my order in...I copied your order Matt, I hope you don't mind...thanks...
Absolutely not, go for it! Let us know which you prefer once you've tried all 3. Looks like the 1.3 is going to be a hands down winner for me.

[Kevin K]

Matt,
Did you go with the regular M shape? Wasn't the 1.3 you got black as well?
Michel made me a 1.25 slighter bigger than the M style and I really like the feel and sound I get from it.

kk

[Matt Hutchinson]

Yep, got the regular M shape. M 1.2 and 1.4 in white and 1.3 in black (so it's easy to tell which is which - although they came separately bagged and labelled so not a problem).

[Seth Austen]

I used Wegen M150 on mandolin for a couple of years, now alternating between M150 and TF140, also a Tortis mondo... depends on mood. Currently using the TF 100 or 120 on guitar.

Seth

[Darren Kern]

I just bought a two pack of Wegen TF140 picks this week. I have been using Fender extra heavy picks for several years, and thought they were decent but not great. These Wegens... WOW! They are really going to change everything for me. The sound is so much better than anything I've played with before, which admittedly hasn't been that much. But, I have tried a Golden Gate and a few others, and nothing has impressed me like these. Not just the sound- they are so much easier to grip, and it's not just because of the holes- I drill holes in my Fenders. Something about the material they are made out of. Also, with the Wegen being thicker and more stiff, I can keep a much looser grip on it. I can't really describe very well how impressed I am with these, but I am sold, and will not be searching anymore.

[Steve Cantrell]

I had the exact same experience, Hydrilla. These are great picks.

[Brad Weiss]

Hey Darren- here's what I wrote back in May:

"My W-BG140s just arrived. I was prepared to be completely UNDERwhelmed; I really don't play bluegrass, I should have got the TF 140's for the shape, why was I so cheap, etc. But wait . . . I LOVE these picks! They sound great on all of the instruments I've got and they feel spectacular. I've never thought a pick could make an instrument more playable, but I honestly feel my playing is cleaner and bit quicker. The tone is really even and full. And they feel great in your hand - easy to grip, lightweight and stable.

Wow- I'm sold! "


Since May, I've traded one BG for a TF 140, and 2 other BGs for two CF 140's, which are now my everyday picks. Stil sold!

[Gutbucket]

I noticed the difference in black and white Wegens, too. But I was afraid to point this out before. It's like spotting Bigfoot or little green men. Nobody will believe you.

[surfandstrum]

Just adding to what Matt said...Michael is great to deal with...Just got my picks and I couldn't believe how fast they came...I'll be a converted Wegen user just because of the customer service and all around great picks...

[Jim Broyles]

I ordered a couple of TF140's based on information in this thread and I got them today. When I first played them my initial reaction was "These sound pretty good." I tried strumming, chops and single note licks and the picks really sounded good but not great. I wasn't sure what was lacking so I played around with my usual selection of 3-4 favorites - a Fender white extra heavy 346, a no-name extra heavy celluloid shaped like the Golden Gate, a no-name heavy 346 celluloid and my old trusty, the Dunlop Ultex 1.14 in the rounded triangle shape. The Wegens compare favorably to all of them in tone, but they are noticeably quieter than most of them, especially the Dunlop. To me they make a lot of pick noise. Since the pack said that they are for acoustic guitar, I tried them on a full sized all solid wood cedar topped dreadnought, and again the tone was great, but the volume was lacking and they made a lot of pick noise on the strings. I'll not be using them on the guitar, but I intend to keep after them on the mandolin and see if they play in to a nice feeling less noisy mandolin pick. They definitely have the tone I like, which is a little on the bright side. As an example, I find the Dawg pick way too dark and muted in tone. Also, I reshaped one point to a standard bevel, which I like better than the Wegen bevel. I do like the way they feel in my hand, with the grip holes drilled into them.

[Jim Broyles]

Oh by the way, the Wegen alternatives on eBay - do not feel, look, play or sound like these Wegens at all.

[surfandstrum]

I thought I'd just toss another shout out to Michael...I got my first order in light speed timing...Thought I'd try and custom some other picks and once again...Quick response and lightning speed delivery...Leaning to TF140 w/o speed bevel...Like the CF, but just a tad bit small...Gonna try out the M130 and M140 w/TF holes tonight (they feel good from first inspection)...

[David Lloyd]

Ya'll convinced me to order some Wegen picks..m100 ,m150 and a blugrass 100. I was expecting them to at least be a little better than some of my picks that I was currently using, shaped dawg ,and goldengate etc.....WOW! Makes my F style Washburn sound great. I definitely like the 150 the best. I put all my other picks in a little jar and placed them out of the way on the shelf!
Dave

[Tom F]

I sent Michel a profile of several experimental picks I wanted, and he nailed it. I am addicted to a custom M150 he made, that was just slightly larger than the standard, but maintaines the same point and bevel profile.

And even he feels the black is slightly darker soundwise than white, and I agree. But it is minimal. I originally started with Dawg and Golden Gate and I prefer the Wegens. For Guitar I have stuck with the Ultex slightly rounded tri 1.14s.

[mdlorenz]

big fan of the TF 140... great grip compared to others... but still like the tone of red bears better, but they slip around a bit.

[Bigtuna]

I went from using golden gates to the M150's after reading this topic when it first appeared. I must say I'm sold! Great picks, very bright, easy to hold on to.

[stevem]

Well, Michel must be busy these days, judging by this thread.

I also just placed an order: M150, M170, M200 and TF160 and TF180. (I already have a TF120 and 140).

The TF140 had been my pick of choice, but I think the TF180 floats my boat a bit more--a bit darker and more substantial tone.

I've never been able to master the dawg shaped pics (the M-series), and these are no exception. My tremolos just sound too flimsy.

[Glassweb]

I have found the Dawg picks and the Golden Gate picks to be tone killers. They do give a certain sound... but to me it's a dead, muffled sound with plenty of pick noise. I want my mandolin to sound like a mandolin, and these super heavy picks will kill all the highs. I've been loving the Tortis picks and have been playing a style C medium gauge with their "normal" bevel and grip holes in the center of the pick. This really hits it for me... great tone and control and barely any pick click. I'm gonna check out the Wegens too and see what I think... I've resisted too long...

[surfandstrum]

Glad the posts have generated more biz for Michael...I'm actually gonna be placing another order soon...

[Crowder]

It's amazing how pick-sensitive carved mandolins are. I go through phases of thinking that one type of pick is IT and then I try one of the others in my case and like it even more. Right now I am back on the D'Addario ProPlec (is that it? the ones Thile used to play). I've had success with various Claytons and the Red Bear picks but I have to add sticky sandpaper to both of those or I drop them all the time.

I like that the Wegens have holes for grip, but I find the tone to be too bright. I will do what my man mando777 says and play one for a while before I give up on them.

[Glassweb]

Yo Crowder, why don't you try the Tortis style C in a heavy gauge with their new center-placed grip holes? I think that might be just what the doctor ordered. The heavy gauge is a bit too stiff for my right hand and so I use that same pick in a medium. I think the Proplec is a good tool but again, 1.5 is a bit of a tone killer and just too stiff for my style of playing.

[surfandstrum]

The great part about Wegens is that Michael will custom picks for you...I've ordered a bunch over the last couple of months and am selling the others because it's worth finding that right one...

[Philphool]

I like that the Wegens have holes for grip, but I find the tone to be too bright.
============================================
You can really tone down that brightness by rounding the tip with a nail file or sandpaper. I always fine-tune mine when I get a new one.

Phil

[The Non-Sequiteers]

Hmm, I find that if I fill 4 of the 7 holes, and use scrap celluloid from a July 9 F5 as an adhesive, I can produce similar results- but I am practicing 57% as much and, while only about 93% as accurate at picking, #my speed is enhanced 116%. Tone is, of course, subjective, and overrated by 49% of all players.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif
And 78.235% of all statistics carried out more than 1 decimal place are pulled out of someone's butt. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[woodwizard]

I got my package of the wedgen bluegrass picks a while back (Pkg. of 4). It's the one with the diamond shaped whole pattern to grip. I've had plenty of time to try out and I have went back to the M100. I just like them better. However the wegen bluegrass pick is just perfect for my guitar so not all is lost. Wegens are just great picks IMHO Glad I found out about them. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Shalebot]

I bought some TF120's, and got sent a TF100 and TF140, as well. I like the 140 best (it just feels right) for mandolin, but I bet the 100's would be good for guitar.

Great picks, though.

[djidaho]

Thanks "The Non-Sequiteers" for the DONS, (Drink out nose snort) all over the keyboard.
I like the wegan's I have & don't really know witch ones they are & can't remember where I got them. Sometimes I like some of the other ones I have, & sometimes I find in lint screen of the dryer "a surprise"
Dave