I recently got in one of the new Chris Thile signature mandolin picks from D'Addario (Model 2CA7-01CT), which are currently retailing for $25 apiece. That's fairly expensive for a single pick, but it's about 30% less than the Chris Thile model CT55 pick from BlueChip, which retails for $35. Here's a side-by-side comparison photo of the two (click on the photo to zoom in):
These two picks are very nearly identical in every respect, except for the material and the color. The D'Addario pick is made from casein (the main protein found in milk), whereas the BlueChip pick is made from polyimide (Meldin), an expensive 'space age' plastic. These two picks are the same thickness (0.055" for the BC = 1.4 mm for the D'Addario). They are also the same shape and size. The have the same right-hand "speed bevel" on the edge.
It appears that Chris Thile is donating his share of the royalties from pick sales to the D'Addario Foundation, which gives out grants to sponsor greater access to music education in communities and schools. A most worthy cause. This is what the package for the D'Addario CT signature pick says (click on photo to zoom):
I would expect the D'Addario pick to wear out faster than the BC pick, simply because polyimide is nearly unmatched in its ability to resist abrasion from strings -- but I haven't had the D'Addario pick long enough to detect any wear at all, so this is early days. Experience of other picks made from casein, e.g., from Red Bear, also suggests that the edge of a casein pick does not last as long as one made from polyimide, although it can usually be polished, as necessary. Casein might also be somewhat more breakable than polyimide, but then, I've never had a pick break on me.
Other than that, are there any salient differences? In my hands, the D'Addario pick comes off the strings extremely well, with very little friction -- just like the BC, in fact. It also shows a similar tendency to stay put in my grip, presumably due to the smooth, polished surface.
Just about the only real differences that I could detect, in about an hour of playing, were in the tone and in the pick stiffness. I would describe the D'Addario pick as being ever-so-slightly more "bendy" (flexible) in the hand when striking the strings. Also, the tone of the D'Addario pick is somewhat brighter, with the BC pick being a tad bit darker. As for pick click, neither of these picks is very "clicky," in my opinion, and I could scarcely tell a difference.
One other pick that's quite similar to both of these is the Dunlop Primetone triangle pick at 1.4 mm (model 513R1.4), which is made of polyetherimide (Ultex), and costs less than $2. It has just about the the same size, shape, thickness, and bevel. However, in my hands, the Primetone exhibits significantly more friction on the strings, is less durable, and sounds comparatively "dead" against either the BC or D'Addario pick.
Of course, picks are very personal items, and I would be curious about the reactions of other Mandolin Cafe members who've tried out the new D'Addario CT pick and would be willing to share their experience, with comparisons to competing alternatives.
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