Blue chip picks

[Phoenix2000]

I’ve been highly debating getting one I’m debating either the Chris Thile signature or the TAD 80 I like thicker picks 1.4 or higher. Which of these two would you recommend? Or is there another you prefer and why? Heck I might end up buying both of them lol! I’d be mainly using them for mandolin and flatpicking guitar.

Oh btw these are my two Mandos in the picture attached.

[FLATROCK HILL]

Hi and Welcome! I prefer the CT-55. You might do a Blue Chip search if you're interested in several million other opinions.

[pops1]

Hi and Welcome! I prefer the CT-55. You might do a Blue Chip search if you're interested in several million other opinions.

He doesn't really mean that, there are lot's more opinions than that.

[Zach Wilson]

I like my CT55 and recommend it although it's doesn't feel thick as is your preference. You might want to go with something thicker.

[Randi Gormley]

if you have the chance to try them out, i'd suggest that. i have a BC Jazz 35 for my Eastman and it's perfectly fine with that instrument, but it doesn't sound as good on my Gibson. So try them out, both for sound and feel, if you have the option.

[bigskygirl]

I tried several BC's until I decided on the TAD80. I like the large surface area and the thickness drives thru the strings with little effort. You can't lose, get them and if you don't like return or sell them here...PM me if you don't like the TAD80...

[Cochiti Don]

I have two. A 40 and a 50. The thinner works best for a bright sound but the 50 is universal for me

[Jim Garber]

I’ve been highly debating getting one I’m debating either the Chris Thile signature or the TAD 80 I like thicker picks 1.4 or higher. Which of these two would you recommend?

We are all different. Millions of opinions on BC picks (as well as others). We all have our prefs and even those change depending on the kinds of music we play or moods or of we change our techniques or our strings or our clothing or the season, etc.

The BC picks number = the thickness in inches divided by 1000. In other words a TAD 80 is .080in thick or around 2.0mm. The CT55 is .055 or 1.4mm. That is a pretty wide range of thicknesses. Are you sure you like 2.0mm picks? What are you using right now? I would think that you might want to get a similar BC pick to your current non-BC favorite.

I have a small pile of these and lately I gravitate to TAD-3R 50 for mandolin and TAD 40 for guitar. I used to use the JAZZ35 LG or JAZZ40 LG for mandolin and sometimes go back to that one.

BTW you can also check out this current thread on the same subject.

[yankees1]

I have a CT55 and a TAD45. I use both depending on the tune I am playing !

[pops1]

I started with a 60 and have gone to a 35. It all depends on your mandolin, not the feel of the pick. Some mandolins will like the heavier pick and sound better, others lighter. I now use a M100 Wegen or TF100. Both 1mm. I like the sound better for my mandolin. A while ago I was playing another mandolin of mine over the phone and used a Dawg pick. I have never liked them for my mandolin, but the person I was playing the mandolin for used them. I was very surprised at how well it sounded on this mandolin. All picks are not for all mandolins.

[MissingString]

It's the CT55 and XR60 for me. Love them both for different types of playing...

[Mike Snyder]

I use an 80 on the A4 and a 100 on the F5. I have a CT 55 but it is a bit thin for me.

[kurth83]

Depends on what you like, I knew what shape and pick thickness I already liked, ordered two BC's that were close.
Went from a Primetone triangle 1.4 to a TP60. They are pretty close, but I like the BC better.
It also helps if you are the kind of person who can wear out a pick and never lose it.

[Al Trujillo]

Mine are - CT-55 (Bright), TAD-1R (Less Bright), TAD 60-3R (Least Bright). Favorite one? None...I like them all for different reasons and on some days I may use one over the others. IMHO, the TAD's seem to glide across easily, while the CT feels like it picks the string - don't know whether that makes sense at all. The TAD60-3R feels chunkier in my hand and the sound is a bit mellower. If you want bright, go with the CT. BC has a great return/exchange policy...so go ahead and order a couple.

[AlanN]

80 is a stout pick. I have a KS 60 and recently picked up a KS 80. I like the rounded corners, but a pointy pick is becoming more usable for me. I may grab a CT 80, see what it's like. I've become a fan of Gravity picks. The Gold Series 1.5 and 2.0 are my new faves.

[lflngpicker]

I just received my new CT55. I love the way it feels in my hand and the tone it produces is woody, warm and clear. It adhears itself well to my thumb and first finger. Zack is correct-- doesn't feel as thick as my 1.5 mm V Pick Saga.

[DataNick]

I use primarily a TAD80, but I also use a TAD60 for a little more brightness or cut/clarity...best investment you'll make in a pick imho...YMMV

[Jim Garber]

I wonder if Phoenix2000 will ever return to this thread to let us know what he/she decided.