Picks

[Kevin Briggs]

I've recently tried experimenting with picks for a second or third time in about six years of playing.

I've always come back to the 1.14 Dunlop Tortex pics, but have had some degree of success with the ProPlec pics. I played the larger, triangular Proplec 1.5, and it sounded a little fatter with not quite as much treble. I've also tried the Dawg, and the Rhino pics, some Wegans, and some horn pics.

I'm giving the ProPlec pics another try right now, but I bought the standard guitar pic shape, instead of the bigger, triangular one. I get some flexibility with the smaller pic. The big one seems stiffer to me and a little clumsier, mayeb because of the size of my thumb and forefinger. I don't really know.

So, here's my question. I want the sound of the ProPlec and the dexterity of the 1.14 Tortex. In your experience, have you adjusted to a heavier pic in time? Is it worth giving it a month or so to see if I adjust to it?

Thanks for any input.

Oh yeah, I recently bought a Dawg pic and can verify that it has a pointier end on it than before. I disliked the extremely rounded style of the original Dawg pic, but the new shape seems a bit more practical. It still is too rounded for my tastes.

[mandowood]

I have been using Wegen picks from Greg Boyd for a while now. They sell the "CF140" which I really like. It's a smaller version of the TF140 that Chad Fadely designed (not actually sure of the origin, but he's involved somehow). It has all of the characteristics that you describe. Smaller than the large triangle Proplecs, not rounded, and it even has "speed holes" for better grip. I think they're worth the money and are the best of the Wegens I've played. NFI...

[Keith Erickson]

I'm giving the ProPlec pics another try right now, but I bought the standard guitar pic shape, instead of the bigger, triangular one. I get some flexibility with the smaller pic. The big one seems stiffer to me and a little clumsier, mayeb because of the size of my thumb and forefinger. I don't really know.

I've been using the same Pro-Plec 1.5 mm pick for more than 2 years. I LOVE IT!!!!

The more you use the pick, the better it sounds. I know that they are pointy as all heck but those points wear down over time.

I don't think I can pick with anything less than 1.5 mm.

Just my personal preference

[Kevin Briggs]

Keith,

I hear the improved sound from the ProPlec. What makes you "not able" to use another? Are you able to build speed with the 1.5?

[Keith Erickson]

Keith,

I hear the improved sound from the ProPlec. What makes you "not able" to use another? Are you able to build speed with the 1.5?

Kevin,

Well when I first bought my MK A+ at the Folk Shop in Tucson, that was the pick that James Tanguay recommended that I use for that mandolin.

When I first started playing this mandolin, that Proplec 1.5 was like picking with a 50 cent piece. However I was determined to stick with that pick because that was the sound that I was looking for.

Speed? Until you get use to that pick, it may take some time, but stick with it.

Those points can get in the way, however they wear down over time and the tone that you can pull from the mando is much warmer.

If you want to wear down those points before playing, I would use something like a 00 sandpaper. Personally I just prefer to wear 'em down playing.

Why won't I change? Great Question..... I never really thought about it.... ....but after thinking about it now, it's just that I've been using the same pick for 2 years and I'm very comfortable with the consistant sound that I am pulling from my mandolin.

[Kevin Briggs]

Thank, Keith. I'm going to give it a go.

[mandopete]

In your experience, have you adjusted to a heavier pic in time? Is it worth giving it a month or so to see if I adjust to it?

Yes and yes. I used a ProPlec 1.5 for a number of years with good results. I switched to a organic material version of that shape and size and have used it for the past 5 or so years.

[Lane Pryce]

I switched to a organic material version

Pete would that be the real thing? Aint nuthin like the real thang. Lp

[mandopete]

Just like Coca-Cola!

[Perry]

Kevin

Try the 1.14 Ultex. I like the Pro-Plec 1.5 standard guitar shape too but I pick with the shoulders and for some reason the shoulders "scratch" which makes them unusable tonally. For that reason I started using the Dunlop Ultex. I started using the 1.14 which I find is a better compromise for both rhythm and lead playing. 1.5 being a little thick for strummy type stuff for me.

Here's a

picture

They don't wear out and have a good grippy feel to them.
Not quite as dark sounding as the ProPlecs but much more durable.

[Keith Erickson]

Thank, Keith. I'm going to give it a go.

Kevin,

You're quite welcome. I'm glad that I was able to help

Please check in a let us know how you're doing with your Proplec 1.5 mm

[Kevin Briggs]

IN regards to the Ultex, I've given that a shot on a few different occassions, but will try again. I keep drifting away from it because it sounds crisp to the point of being almost birttle, particularly on the high strings. I like the idea of it though. It never wears out, it feels great, the price is right, etc.

I'll give that a shot after wrestling with the ProPlec.

[mfalkner]

I get the best tone on my Weber from a Dawg that I grind down to a more pointed shape - somewhere between the Dawg shape and a standard teardrop guitar. Kind of a rounded point with beveled edges.

[Kevin Briggs]

Is there atrick to being able to dig in more easily with the Dawg pick? I just can't get by those rounded edges, even with the new design that has one edge a little pointier.

[Nolan]

Is there atrick to being able to dig in more easily with the Dawg pick? I just can't get by those rounded edges, even with the new design that has one edge a little pointier.

I can't get dawg picks to work either.. at least trying to play fast with any kind of volume.

There are about three or four other types of proplecs out there not just the large triangle and the teardrop. Try 'em all out. I like the ones that are shaped like an egg. For what it's worth, I find the proplecs to be a little soft and they wear very quickly. Unlike others here, I like the tone less after they start to wear.

[Paul Hostetter]

If you have a few minutes, click on the picks.

[Tom F]

Kevin, Ultex tris are cheap. Take some sand paper to a bunch of them, differing the degree of tip roundness. Also sand down the profile to a bevel (like a wegen), rounded, etc. I also reduce mine to the same shape and profile as a Golden Gate or Dawg with good results. Finish off with very fine sand paper, then steel wool. Final step is buffing if you have the stuff to do it.

[Santiago]

I'm still a Red Bear tortis fan, but I bought some 2.0 Big Stubby picks (fat but indented for grip) and some 1.14 Brain Picks (sandpaper texture) as backups and I really like them both. They're quite different, but a nice change of pace (and relatively cheap).

[B. T. Walker]

I second Santiago's recommendation of 1.14 Brain Picks. The texture on the grip makes them darned near impossible to drop, and it is not like sandpaper per se. It's more like micro cuts into the nylon in a triangle with the cuts facing outwards. No matter which way you slide the pick in your grip, the cuts grip your skin. You can have a nice, loose grip without fear of dropping it. My Big Stubbys 2.0s are not getting the use they once did as a result.

Too bad they aren't made any thicker. 2.0 mm would be nice. Someone in another pick thread said their Brain Pick was that thick, but it doesn't show it on the Snarling Dogs website.

I had to round down the point with some fine grit sandpaper, but it is the pick in my pocket.

[DryBones]

Wegen M100 or M150

[Philphool]

What Drybones said. Wegen M150s +1

Phil

[JiminRussia]

It may be time to bring back the "mandolin pick tour"! Jethro! Start the bus!!!!