Blue Chip Recommendations please

[MandoAblyss]

I use a TAD60 1-R RH bevel blank-both-sides after trying CT-55 and others. Great thing about Blue Chip--if it isn't right for you, you may exchange with Matthew for another size or shape at no cost (if not custom engraved). I also use Jazz 90 and TAD50 3-R on my arch and flattop guitars.

[Michael Neverisky]

It's been mentioned before, but the angles (plural) at which the pick crosses the strings on the up and down stroke makes a significant difference in the performance of the pick. Particularly, I think, with a pick so heavily beveled as the CT-55. Until I figured this out, I was not a fan of the tone I was pulling from my Collings with the CT-55. Now that I've learned how to use the pick, the tone is much better and I find that the CT-55 is one of the best picks for drawing more sound (louder) from the tiny instrument.

[soliver]

Get an armrest. My 315's tone and volume improved considerably, and it's more comfortable to play now. The Leo's Wood rosewood model looks great against the Eastman finish, also.

Good recommendation, Chris... but I make Armrests and sell them, so I'm all set there

[Astro]

I use a TAD60 1-R RH bevel blank-both-sides after trying CT-55 and others. Great thing about Blue Chip--if it isn't right for you, you may exchange with Matthew for another size or shape at no cost (if not custom engraved). I also use Jazz 90 and TAD50 3-R on my arch and flattop guitars.

Can I ask what you mean by "bevel blank both sides"? Does that mean w/o the speed bevel? Are there different bevels ? I can't tell from their web page. I just ordered the Tad601-R. I've enjoyed the CT55 but finally wore down the point.

[Mark Wilson]

I've enjoyed the CT55 but finally wore down the point.

"too many notes"

[Phil Goodson]

I use the TAD60 or CT55 most of the time and honestly can't tell much difference between them for my purposes.
(The TAD80 I use once in a while when I'm feeling frisky.)
I mentioned the TAD80 initially because OP said he liked the 2mm Big Stubby at some point.

[9lbShellhamer]

Love my CT55's. Daily use for almost three years and still going strong.

[DataNick]

I use the TAD-3R 80....check out videos of Desperado to see how it sounds...YMMV

[Ky Slim]

Is the TAD-3R 60 the closest in shape to the Pro Plec 346 rounded triangle 1.5mm?

[MediumMando5722]

Is the TAD-3R 60 the closest in shape to the Pro Plec 346 rounded triangle 1.5mm?

The D'Andrea sits right between the TAD60 and the 3R.

[MandoAblyss]

Can I ask what you mean by "bevel blank both sides"?... Are there different bevels?

Sorry, RH bevel on both sides all three corners, no engraving (blank) on both sides. With my OCD I found that with a stock pick I preferred the engraving under my thumb so I had to fuss with it after I picked it up. Now there is no "sidedness."

The CT55 bevel is supposedly different than the stock angle.

Anyone know if CT still plays a BC CT55?

[MediumMando5722]

Anyone know if CT still plays a BC CT55?

Lots of recent videos and pics show him with his Wegen TF140. The white picks are extremely visible. However, I've seen a few of him and Bela Fleck where the pick looks dark. He's been alternating the Loars, looks like the same with the picks.

[SwartDeco]

Ok, you guys have convinced me that I ought to get the TAD60 instead of 80,... I opted for the 1R to just to try a rounded corner from time to time. That saves a little too, so what else should I ask for?... Tone-Gard coming for my birthday next month, I have a tuner and a stand.... Hmmmmmmm????

I was going to suggest a "-1R" just for that extra versatility. I bought a TAD-1R 50 for my guitar, and when I decided to learn how to play mandolin, it transitioned perfectly for me. I find myself playing more often with the rounded corner on mandolin.

[soliver]

So Christmas came early... I got my TAD 60-1R today and just spent entirely too long playing with it... I meant to spend 15 minute noodling before I went to bed,... that was about an hour and a half ago. Any who, I'm super pleased with it. I love the ease with which you can tremolo with it. Its not quite as bright as my big stubby, but I still really like it... ok off to bed now.

[gtani7]

So Christmas came early... I got my TAD 60-1R today and just spent entirely too long playing with it... I meant to spend 15 minute noodling before I went to bed,... that was about an hour and a half ago. Any who, I'm super pleased with it. I love the ease with which you can tremolo with it. Its not quite as bright as my big stubby, but I still really like it... ok off to bed now.

Excellent. I was going to suggest my ultimate tone test: playing different picks (I have a few BC, red Bears, a Gravity Gold, wegen, primetone, a few bone and horn picks etc) on a Strat (or other single coil) into Garage band/Logic Pro amp models into reference headphones. You can really hear differences in attack/sustain, pick noise/pings, brightness etc

[mandroid]

Have a CT 55* but wish it was not beveled just for 1 angle , but for Both.. as I often play with My Arm resting on the tailpiece cover.

* 2nd hand, off the classifieds, here.

[Even Steven]

I wish I had your wife. I have to buy my own picks.

I think the TAD models would be to your liking, depending on thickness.