Does one need to replace Wegen picks?

[jarombra]

I use the 140 thick triangle picks, and I've had this white pick for about 4 years now, does it dull? Does it matter if it does?

Thanks

- J

[Jim]

Only if it feels wrong or sounds wrong to you.

[J. Galoshes Esq.]

You could probably rotate it and use one of the other points if it does. They are all the same, right?

[Omer]

I guess I'm sensitive to how these picks play because in fact I've "worn" two down in three years of use and replaced them with the same new. But the old picks had to be placed on top of new picks and compared to actually see the wear, which as usual would be considered a subjective perception on need to replace. Great picks.

[Tim2723]

From dust ye came, unto dust shall ye return. By a new pick.

[terzinator]

Like my butcher says: "if in doubt, throw it out."

[Mike Black]

I have four Wegen 140 picks that I've had at lest 4 or 5 years. I play the heck out of my mando with them and they still seem great to me. I don't think that they wear out very fast, if at all.

[Mike Black]

Okay...Well I just compared my old Wegen with a new one. The new one is on the left and the old one on the right. There is some show of wear. The point is dulled some and the edges have more of a bevel.

So I guess to answer your question...It only matters to you if it dulls. I guess it doesn't bother me.

[J. Galoshes Esq.]

Is there any difference between the white and black Wegen material?

[fishtownmike]

Emery sticks and extra fine sandpaper! People don't throw out their antique tortoise picks. They reshape them and touch them up as they wear. I know the wegens are much cheaper then an antique tortoise but their still pretty expensive to just throw away...Mike

[fishtownmike]

Is there any difference between the white and black Wegen material?
Wegen says no but there is a difference in tone in my opinion and many others. Years ago there was the same questions over dunlops black and red jazz IIIs. They also said they were the same. There was a difference in tone though and texture of the pick. My belief is that the color pigments have something to do with it. Lamp black and carbon are used a lot for black pigments. I feel if you add carbon to the mixture you'll also increase hardness. Any scientist out there who can comment on this?...Mike

[J. Galoshes Esq.]

hmm.. I've been thinking about getting a Wegen. Is one of the colors generally preferred?

[woodwizard]

Is there any difference between the white and black Wegen material?

Answer: No ... but I like the white ones :mandosmiley:

[Mike Black]

I use both the white and the black. I haven't really noticed any tone difference in the two. I do tend to use the black ones a little more often, but that's probably because I have two more of those than the white ones. :) The nice thing about the white one is that you can see it if you drop it on the ground. :mandosmiley:

[evanreilly]

Being that they are made of Kevlar, they are bulletproof.
They do wear, and I prefer them after a while when they become more rounded.
Best difference between colors is ability to locate dropped picks onstage!!! No tonal differences to my ears.

[Daniel Nestlerode]

I like 'em new. I have a friend who likes 'em worn in. So when I wear them down to the point that I start getting sloppy, I hand them over to my "Wegen recycler." :)

I go through one in about a year.

Daniel

[JeffD]

My wegen picks haven't shown any wear, but I don't have a new one to compare with.

[Douglas McMullin]

Is there any difference between the white and black Wegen material?

I have done numerous blind tests and I cant tell them apart, so to my ear, no.

[fishtownmike]

hmm.. I've been thinking about getting a Wegen. Is one of the colors generally preferred?
Go with either color. You won't be disappointed. I have both but i prefer the white ones. There easier to find when i sit them down. Maybe Wegen should add a third color to add to the debate.

[Ivan Kelsall]

I have both black & white picks.They all sound the same because i've removed most of the 'as purchased' bevel,in order to have the bevel wear in accordance with my own picking style.
Evan - Are you sure re.the Kevlar thing ?. Kevlar is usually in 'fiber' form & used in conjunction with some form of resin.The Wegen picks seem very 'Nylony' to me but obviously they aren't Nylon,but do have that slightly greasy 'feel' with them. I'm not saying that you're wrong. It's simply that having been an advanced composites engineer for many years,i've never come across
Kevlar in this form before.
I suppose i could e-mail Michael Wegen - but the likelihood of him telling me his ''secret recipe'' is probably nil,
Ivan:confused:

[Richard Moore]

I now use the triangular TF100 Wegens (white material). I can't comment on what they're made from although someone told me it contains Kevlar but I have no verification of that. Like Ivan, I work the edges a little to my liking and then highly polish them. They seem to be very hardwearing. I would therefore suggest that, if they do wear, they can be rehaped and rebevelled.

[Tom C]

White is easier to find when you drop it.

[Jkf_Alone]

I have not noticed any wear or difference in tone on my wegens for use (M140 & M100) . I use the 140 on my mandolin and the 100 on guitar. Maybe it's just me, but they are the longest lasting, best sounding picks I have ever used ( still on my first of each type 1 year in). Proplecs were the second best in tone, but they were too quiet and squeaky when new, and too bright when broken in. Also, proplecs would last me an average of 1.5 months with regular use, even when I tried to maintain the edges.

[Schlegel]

Wegen says no but there is a difference in tone in my opinion and many others. Years ago there was the same questions over dunlops black and red jazz IIIs. They also said they were the same. There was a difference in tone though and texture of the pick. My belief is that the color pigments have something to do with it. Lamp black and carbon are used a lot for black pigments. I feel if you add carbon to the mixture you'll also increase hardness. Any scientist out there who can comment on this?...Mike


That's steel. Highly doubt the microcrystalline structure of steel is similiar to Kevlar.

[evanreilly]

Uhhhh....
I think I read on the innernet that Wegens were Kevlar.
Didn't Chris Thile say the difference between the black and white picks was that the former gave a darker tone to the playing? He used Wegen picks before Blue Chip won him over.
I think Chris said also that how fast you could play with a Wegen depended on how many of the holes you covered. Speed holes, they are!!!

[Mandoist]

Uhhhh....
I think I read on the innernet that Wegens were Kevlar.
Didn't Chris Thile say the difference between the black and white picks was that the former gave a darker tone to the playing?


Michel Wegen's picks are not Kevlar. All picks are made from the same material -- a material Wegen uses for his models/figures (he's primarily a model maker for amusement parks, museums, etc.) Only he knows the recipe for his model making material.

The only difference between the black & white is the color. Nothing else.

Years ago some guitar friends were jamming in his shop. They favored tortoise shell plectrums, heard some of Wegen's model chips hitting the floor with a "tinkling" sound (very close to the sound of T-shell on a hard surface), and tried playing guitar with the material. The rest is history.

All are hand made. Michel will make whatever dimensions/designs you want. If it is possible to do, he will do it. Holes, no holes, thick tip, etc.....

I have no connection to Wegen, other than loving the sound of his pick material. I always have at least one in my pocket, as a backup to my T-shell. I always carry several in my pick pouch for others to sample. It's easier than trying to explain the sound & material, etc.