What pick do you use?

**jasona** · Nov-07-2008, 11:37am

Red Bear Tortis heavy C style. Nothing sounds like Tortis, except dead turtle extract.

**Sean Greer** · Nov-07-2008, 12:37pm

I started with the thin picks and then settled for a while on some that were 1 mm celluloid. The next move was to the Wegen TF140, which I loved. I then decided it was time to try something a bit thicker and have moved to the Wegen TRIMUS 250 which I really, really like. It took some time to get comfortable with the thickness and I stumbled on the strings for a while, but it produces some great tone. I might try a Blue Chip when I run across someone that will let me demo it, but for now I've found my pick.

**bluesmandolinman** · Nov-07-2008, 2:04pm

white Fender 346 X-Heavy do it for me since 2001

**Mike Scott** · Nov-07-2008, 2:18pm

I am pretty much a noob, but somehow I have acquired 3 mandolins. I use a different kind of pick on each one. On the Bulldog 2 point I use a Red Bear "E" pick (I think) on the Kentucky KM 1000 I use a Wegen M 150 and on the KM 380s a Dunlop 207. I also have about 10 other picks that I have tried on all of them. I just try to go with whichever sounds the best (to me at least) on each of them. I don't think there is a universal pick which is best for all instruments and or type of music one plays. Just my $.02.

**Chris Travers** · Nov-07-2008, 2:28pm

Wegen FTW!!!

**Jim Broyles** · Nov-07-2008, 2:35pm

Originally Posted by bluesmandolinman

white Fender 346 X-Heavy do it for me since 2001

Hey I found some in a music store and snatched them up. They are discontinued.

**frankseanez** · Nov-07-2008, 3:12pm

Dang! I'm still holding onto Green Tortex. Guess I better try those Wegens and Blue Chips! Thanks, yinz!

**ilovemyF9** · Nov-07-2008, 3:31pm

I fell in love with the Dunlop 2.0mm. Thick & wicked with lots of BARK!!!

**Patrick Sylvest** · Nov-07-2008, 3:51pm

I'm currently a fan of 'Jazzmando' picks. Right shape, right size.

**foldedpath** · Nov-07-2008, 4:27pm

Originally Posted by Bob Wiegers

good old fender heavy. if it's good enough for Norman...

Tim O'Brien uses one too. That's what I keep coming back to, playing off the rounded shoulder (like Tim) instead of the point. Playing off the shoulder helps my tremolo technique, which needs all the help it can get. Second favorite at the moment is an Ultex 1.14 if I want just a little brighter tone to help cut through a busy mix of other acoustic instruments.

Of the "superpicks"... I've tried Red Bear and Blue Chip. It was worth the experiment, but they didn't do it for me. Your mileage may vary. I'm just as happy to be using picks I can buy in bulk and not worry about losing.

To the original poster's question: try everything, and don't put too much stock in individual responses here. That's useful as a starting point, but we're all using different mandolins, different setups, different strings, and playing different types of music. Just try 'em all.... they're not that expensive, even the "superpicks."

**Jkf_Alone** · Nov-07-2008, 4:41pm

wegen m100 pick, but i just found some x-heavy fender clown barfs (confetti) at a out of the way music store. they sound almost as good as the wegen, but only cost .33 . I'll keep em as backups in case i ever lose my weggies. You wouldn't believe how surprised i was when i opened that fender pick case and the minty smell of celluloid wafted up to my nostrils.

**mandolirius** · Nov-07-2008, 5:14pm

Blue Chips almost exclusively. Once in a while a 2mm Big Stubby or a Wegen bluegrass.

**Skittle** · Nov-07-2008, 5:49pm

Blue Chips...........for life!!!

**MandoNicity** · Nov-07-2008, 6:07pm

A lot of people on this site love the Wegens. For me they are way too bright sounding. My pick of choice is Golden Gates, and I'm surprised more people here don't seem to use them. The best advice is what folded path said:

"To the original poster's question: try everything, and don't put too much stock in individual responses here. That's useful as a starting point, but we're all using different mandolins, different setups, different strings, and playing different types of music. Just try 'em all.... they're not that expensive, even the "superpicks.""

sage words

**lovethemf5s** · Nov-07-2008, 6:54pm

Blue Chip TPR 50.

**MandoSquirrel** · Nov-09-2008, 2:18pm

I just got Tortis MondoHeavy & MHSpeedBevel, Wegen M150, & V-Pick yesterday to try.

To early to be definitive, but only the V-Pick seems significantly different from the ProPlecs from JazzMando.

I'm thinking ideal for me may be the ProPlec in traditional one point, rounded corner shape.

I definitely(so far) see no justification to pay more than the price of ProPlecs for any of these except possibly the V-Pick, and even then not much over a dollar, given the price of other available choices.

My opinion may change after I spend more time with the new picks.

**CES** · Nov-09-2008, 3:13pm

I mainly use a Fender Heavy Triangle or Gibson Heavy triangle if I can't find the former. I started out using Tortex .77 or .73's (can't remember which gauge) on someone's recommendation but think they're too thin. I didn't make that realization, though, until I picked up one of the Fenders I was using for flatpicking guitar...haven't gone back, though if I'm playing with a guitar strumming buddy I'll periodically pull one of the Tortex picks out for for a little lighter strumming touch (though not really that often). I've also found that I like the larger size of the triangles for grip/control purposes.

I primarily use a Fender medium for my electric guitar, but otw I'm pretty much heavy, even when strumming acoustic guitar now...my brother swears by Dunlop Nylons, but I haven't found one stiff enough (even at higher thicknesses) to satisfy me yet (though Doc Watson sure makes 'em talk!)...

I refuse to try a "boutique" pick at this point...my level of musicianship just doesn't yet warrant the extra expense, and I figure there's no reason to get hooked on a $30 pick when I'm satisfied with what I'm playing now! (Aside from all the rationalizing, I'm also a cheapskate

)

**Santiago** · Nov-09-2008, 5:38pm

I LOVE the Red Bear picks, but I keep losing them and going back to the other ones I have until I find it. Haven't settled on a number two yet, but may try a Blue Chip next.

**northfolk** · Nov-09-2008, 6:28pm

I have used Wegen and Dawg picks, but I always come back to just plain old heavy Fender picks; not the pointed end but one of the rounded ends? Works for guitar as well. Too heavy for my Irish Tenor Banjo though; light or medium Fender there, round end as well.

**Mike Bunting** · Nov-09-2008, 6:36pm

Blue Chip for me, rounded tip TAD 60.

**Troy Mayfield** · Nov-09-2008, 8:29pm

I know absolutely nothing...but I've been using the Dunlop Gator Grip in 1.5 mm using the shoulder. Seems to add to my tone on my cheap Ibanez. Thick enough to pick with, cheap enough to afford.

I tried my Dunlop Big Stubbies (that I use on the 6 string) in 1 mm, but found the tone to be too bright. Then I tried my nylon Dunlop in 1.14 but tone wasn't right. I also have a Dunlop Jazz III, but, that slippery little sucker won't allow itself to be held.

I second what others have said, try em all and then keep trying them. The main thing will be that you are making music!

**miked500** · Nov-09-2008, 8:46pm

Wegen TF140

**gibson mandoman** · Nov-09-2008, 9:53pm

Pointed Dawg pick for me.

**JFDilmando** · Nov-10-2008, 1:56pm

I have run around and around on this one...
One thing that I would encourage some of you to try... are real tortoise shell picks... NO !!!! Don't go out there and encourage death and maiming of poor turtles... find some old turn of the century tortoise shell compacts or mirrors, made of the stuff... preferably in such terrible condition that collectors don't want them, and therefore really really cheap... and about ready for the trash bin.
it is amazing what you can find in the dark corners of antique/thrift/whatnot shops...
Get your hands on these hidden gems, tear em up and grind/file/cut the remains into wonderful picks that can last and last, as well as make wonderful music,,, where they were destined for a much worse fate.

The poor endangered tortopises then can have given their lives for more than a mirror or compact... that could end up in the trash heap anyway.

REMEMBER... no animals were harmed or should be harmed by any suggestions offered here....

JohnD

**phiddlepicker** · Nov-10-2008, 2:11pm

I'll give up my Blue Chip pick when you pry it from my cold dead hands. The price is steep, but wow, it brings my guitars and my mandos to life. If they start making Blue Chip ammunition, I'll buy that too.