BlueChip folks -look at this pic and tell me which one to try

[jeff_75]

I want to try one of these highfalutin things. What I need is a pick in the approximate thickness, maybe a bit thinner, than the Dawg II at left, and the approximate shape and size of the green Dunlop at right. I've never seen a definitive answer on the thickness of the Dawg picks - estimates seem to be in the 1.5mm to 2mm range.

As far as I can tell, that means I want a TD60 or a TD80. And given that the TD60 is an already excessive $35, I think that seals the deal (as the TD80 is $50, and I just can't make myself do that). Can someone confirm that the TD60 would, in fact, be a fairly heavy (1.5mm, as I understand their numbering) teardrop shape?

And if any of you fancy pick folks can suggest other brands that would approximate this thickness and shape that might be worth a try - throw that in here too.

Thanks!

[707erich]

the Dawg is 60 thousands of an inch thick same as the BC TD 60.

[bigskygirl]

Just buy either and try it, as I recall they have a return policy and you can sell it easy here in the Cafe classifieds for about $5 less than you bought it. I’ll buy the 80 if you don’t like it.

[BrianWilliam]

Just buy either and try it, as I recall they have a return policy

This

[jeff_75]

Thank you for the measurement, 707erich!

[rfd]

save yer money and use that dunlop tortex. not sure of the thickness? for a few bucks go buy an array of different thicknesses and see what feels and sounds best. there are TONS of excellent string instrument picks that will all get the job done for cheap. promise.

snarling dogs "brain" heavy 1.14mm picks are faves of mine, an assortment kit of thicknesses is about $5. they can be easily shaped, if need be. they have an inner raised stippled texture that greatly enhancing a no-slip grip.

[707erich]

Anytime.

[sblock]

The BlueChip pick, model XR60, is the closest in shape to Dawg pick. The BlueChip TD60 is closest in shape to the green teardrop. "60" in these designations means 60 thousandths of an inch thick (=1.5 mm). If you want your pick thinner, go with the 50 (=1.4 mm).

[Dave Harbst]

I have a Blue Chip TAD-60 and love it, but when I am at a jam outdoors somewhere, especially when it's in a dark place, I'm afraid to lose it. In those situations, I use a Dunlop Primetone, model 512R, which is basically the same shape and thickness of the Blue Chip, but at way less of a cost(I just bought a 12 pack of them on Amazon for just under $24.00). The 512 comes with either a "grip" or smooth finish(as is the Blue Chip); I like the one with the grip(raised lettering creates the grip surface). Great pick! Read about them here: https://www.jimdunlop.com/product/51...e=&from=Search

[Mandoplumb]

I want to try one of these highfalutin things. What I need is a pick in the approximate thickness, maybe a bit thinner, than the Dawg II at left, and the approximate shape and size of the green Dunlop at right. I've never seen a definitive answer on the thickness of the Dawg picks - estimates seem to be in the 1.5mm to 2mm range.
As far as I can tell, that means I want a TD60 or a TD80. And given that the TD60 is an already excessive $35, I think that seals the deal (as the TD80 is $50, and I just can't make myself do that). Can someone confirm that the TD60 would, in fact, be a fairly
heavy (1.5mm, as I understand their numbering) teardrop shape?
And if any of you fancy pick folks can suggest other brands that would approximate this thickness and shape that might be worth a try - throw that in here too.Thanks! ATTACH=CONFIG]170345[/ATTACH]

Fender extra heavy about 30 cents each or less.

[Jeff Mando]

Fender extra heavy about 30 cents each or less.

That about sums it up for me, also. My wife uses $50 a bottle shampoo and I use 99 cent a bottle shampoo. Her hair looks a lot better than mine, but she works at it more, so........

I don't think a $50 pick will change your life, but you might really like it........

Same with a $50 steak dinner, or so many things in life.......the $50 pick will last longer than the dinner, or at least until you lose it...

Not too many things I can't play with a Fender extra heavy pick.....

Again from left field.......the exception might be running shoes -- buy good ones and your ankles will thank you. I started with Chuck Taylor's and in a week I was nearly crippled until the local track star told me the secret.....paying $60 for running shoes was a big commitment 45 years ago......probably doesn't sound like much today.......

[KGreene]

Jeff_75 …. I just sent you a PM.

[UsuallyPickin]

You will not know until you try. I prefer the rounded triangle shape of the TAD Blue Chip and use a 60 on guitar and the CT-55 on mandolin. These picks are definitely worth the money to me for ease of use and non wear after years of use. Shape and thickness are definitely personal choices so go with one like the one you use most. You can always buy another at a later date. R/

[Paul Busman]

If you're set on spending a lot for a pick, why not contact Blue Chip and ask for their recommendation?

[Buck]

...Can someone confirm that the TD60 would, in fact, be a fairly heavy (1.5mm, as I understand their numbering) teardrop shape?...

As already noted by others, the TD 60 is the correct choice given your stated preference. Your only other choices is speed bevel (right hand speed bevel is standard) or rounded bevel (not speed bevel). Most people prefer the speed bevel. I have both in the TPR shape and my preference depends on the instrument. Getting the standard speed bevel is a safe choice. You can return it or sell it later at very little loss, maybe the price of an average set of strings. That size and shape is popular.

[JeffD]

My experience with the TAD60 has been wonderful.

[kurth83]

Speed bevel is slightly brighter tone than round bevel, and slipperier over the strings, hence then name 'speed'.

BC materiel is already slipperier than anything else, I wanted dark so I went with round bevel.

TP60 for me, I like triangles, and the smaller TP size was perfect, I already knew size, shape and bevel before I went in.
Basically I bought a direct 'upgrade' to the primetone 1.4 triangles I was playing, but with a round bevel and slightly thicker to darken things up a bit.

BC's are fantastic if you are good at not losing picks... :-)

[MediumMando5722]

BC's are fantastic if you are good at not losing picks... :-)

Spending $35 on a pick is a wonderful way to break the habit of losing them.

[bradeasley]

The BlueChip pick, model XR60, is the closest in shape to Dawg pick. The BlueChip TD60 is closest in shape to the green teardrop. "60" in these designations means 60 thousandths of an inch thick (=1.5 mm). If you want your pick thinner, go with the 50 (=1.4 mm).

Not to split hairs, but 50 mil is 1.27mm. 1.4mm would be closer to 55 mil.

I'm always flabbergasted that folks (especially here in the US) have an easier time thinking of picks in millimeters rather than mil (1 mil = 1/1,000 of an inch) given that we don't use metric for much else. This is made all the more baffling given that we use mil for string gauges almost exclusively. What size is your G string? 40 (mil). What size is your pick? 1mm (40 mil).

[KGreene]

Not to split hairs, but 50 mil is 1.27mm. 1.4mm would be closer to 55 mil.

I'm always flabbergasted that folks (especially here in the US) have an easier time thinking of picks in millimeters rather than mil (1 mil = 1/1,000 of an inch) given that we don't use metric for much else. This is made all the more baffling given that we use mil for string gauges almost exclusively. What size is your G string? 40 (mil). What size is your pick? 1mm (40 mil).

I'm with you... dependent upon the type/thickness of hair that's being split, of course. It's also astonishing to me that many (myself, previously included) will spend thousands of dollars for a quality instrument, but have issues spending $35 bucks for a quality pick.. Kind of like buying a Bentley then shopping at Costco for tires.

[double E]

I have played many different picks in my life. Nothing Ive played beats a Blue Chip in my opinion. Ive converted quite a few friends that had never played one until they played mine and loved it. I would say something in a 60 in a Blue Chip. I agree that the Primetone picks are the next best thing for me behind the Blue Chips. Wegens are also pretty good. EE

[Mandoplumb]

I'm with you... dependent upon the type/thickness of hair that's being split, of course. It's also astonishing to me that many (myself, previously included) will spend thousands of dollars for a quality instrument, but have issues spending $35 bucks for a quality pick.. Kind of like buying a Bentley then shopping at Costco for tires.

I would have no problem spending $35 dollars for a " quality" pick if it was 100 times as good as what I was using. Heck I probaly would if it was 3 times as good, but I won't spend $35 for a pick that I can't tell the difference from my 35 cent pick except that it will last longer. My math says I can buy 100 of the 35 cent picks before I spend the $35. That the definition of quslity? Does the emperor have cloths?

[jeff_75]

I agree that the Primetone picks are the next best thing for me behind the Blue Chips. Wegens are also pretty good. EE

I've got some Primetone picks (and I like them - they are probably my favorite pick for playing my '01 Sam Bush. I tend to gravitate to the Dawg picks to get a more mellow tone out of some of my other mandolins.)

So tell me this - what's the difference in your Primetones and the BlueChip? While I've never used a BC, they appear nearly identical. Except the Primetones run me about $2.50 each, so I don't hate myself when I misplace one.

(Side note - I was not intending to re-kindle the constant debate about price. I know some people think $35 is okay for the pick, others think it's absurd. Everyone's subjective opinion is equally valid on the matter given their own circumstances and preferences. Personally, I think $35 is excessive, but I've never tried one. Obviously, I'm willing to spend the money and try it out. My primary reservation isn't paying that much for a pick, it's paying that much for something I normally don't pay much attention to and that I'm likely to lose at some point. YMMV.)

[MediumMando5722]

but I won't spend $35 for a pick that I can't tell the difference from my 35 cent pick except that it will last longer.

If you can't tell the difference, you obviously shouldn't buy one. I can tell the difference, I've bought several, and you can count me among BlueChip's very satisfied customers.

I don't see anywhere where anyone defined quality as a pick that's no different from a 35 cent pick except that it lasts longer.

[ccravens]

I would have no problem spending $35 dollars for a " quality" pick if it was 100 times as good as what I was using. Heck I probaly would if it was 3 times as good, but I won't spend $35 for a pick that I can't tell the difference from my 35 cent pick except that it will last longer. My math says I can buy 100 of the 35 cent picks before I spend the $35. That the definition of quslity? Does the emperor have cloths?

An innocent thread where a person is asking for advice about BC picks, and out come the haters..

Why not just let the person get advice for their very specific question? Why make this a referendum on why you don't like BC picks? It shouldn't be about you, it should be about helping someone with their specific question/problem when they ask for said help.