Alex Fields
Feb-09-2008, 5:50pm
I ordered a agate stone pick from Picks and Stones (http://www.picksandstones.com) and it arrived today. I've spent less than half an hour with it so far, but my first impression is that I have a new favorite pick. It has better tone than any plastic pick I've played (including Wegens or Tortis), is probably a match for real shell in that regard. But what's more impressive to me is the level of control it has. I have never played a pick that gives me such easy and perfect dynamic and tonal control before. There is no phsyical effort required to get louder or softer, just subtle changes in the right hand and it responds perfectly. It also has the smoothest and most controllable tremolo of any of my picks, and to top it all off, it's (compratively) really loud. Also, because the pick is so hard, I can use a thinner pick than I'd normally be able to without getting any flex in it (like I do with, say, a Wegen TF100), so I think these picks will match up better to light gauge strings (which I normally use) and get better tone and volume accordingly.
All of that said, the pick I got isn't perfect for me, the shape and width are a little off from what I'd like, so I will probably end up ordering a new one to custom specs. Also, there is one con that I've noticed: the noise of the pick scraping against the strings is a lot more noticeable than with other picks. I have GHS silk and steel strings on right now, and I'm hoping this problem will be solved when I put flatwounds or Elixirs on, but if you don't use flatwounds or coated strings this might be something to consider.
Overall, I'm very impressed and I'd recommend trying one if you can afford it (they're very expensive, but on the bright side, these apparently get zero wear from normal use and will last lifetimes). One note though if you're looking to order one: because the material is so hard, you probably want to get one that's slightly thinner than the width you normally like. Right now I'm using medium gauge GSH strings, and I've been using a Wegen TF120 on them which seems to be about perfect for the strings...my stone pick is 1mm and feels too thick.
All of that said, the pick I got isn't perfect for me, the shape and width are a little off from what I'd like, so I will probably end up ordering a new one to custom specs. Also, there is one con that I've noticed: the noise of the pick scraping against the strings is a lot more noticeable than with other picks. I have GHS silk and steel strings on right now, and I'm hoping this problem will be solved when I put flatwounds or Elixirs on, but if you don't use flatwounds or coated strings this might be something to consider.
Overall, I'm very impressed and I'd recommend trying one if you can afford it (they're very expensive, but on the bright side, these apparently get zero wear from normal use and will last lifetimes). One note though if you're looking to order one: because the material is so hard, you probably want to get one that's slightly thinner than the width you normally like. Right now I'm using medium gauge GSH strings, and I've been using a Wegen TF120 on them which seems to be about perfect for the strings...my stone pick is 1mm and feels too thick.