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Thread: Good pick for starters

  1. #1

    Default Good pick for starters

    Good morning 🌄
    I had decided that I needed a different instrument with which to move forward and I was fortunate to find a mildly used, Eastman 504 which I really like. I'm working on keeping my fingers in their lanes, so to speak, not collapsing, and keeping the neck from sliding down into the fork of my left hand.

    Up until now I've been using turned around guitar picks I've had laying around and I'm ready to get some mandolin picks. I'm not interested in playing bluegrass, more of a folk and chanson style (thanks to those who helped me identify that music). I know there are lots of choices out there and I may well try different ones over the course of my learning but is there a good, versatile place to start that isn't $35 (unless that really is the ticket)?

    Additional ask: I believe the strings are fine (the shop where I got it assured me that they were) but if I wanted something lighter, what would you suggest? Would changing to a lighter gauge (assuming these are medium) mean adjusting the neck, or can I just change the strings?

    Thanks in advance for all suggestions.
    Lauren

  2. #2

    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    I will gladly send you some picks to try out free. Please send me a private message with your mailing address and I will send them out as soon as I can.

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  4. #3
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    You could ask the shop where you got it what strings were in it. As far as picks you could hear hundreds of favorites here. Great that
    mandoman will send you some. What guitar picks are you using? Generally mandolinists prefer heavier picks like 1mm to 1.5mm though some folks like heavier than that. No need to get Blue Chips or equivalent at this moment though you may end up there later. I like Ultem or Ultex picks in general for a material and a tri-pointed shape.
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  6. #4
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    The right pick is the one you like the sound of. I played with a .73 guitar pick, using the shoulder, for many years. Still use one on that mandolin. Nothing is right or wrong, the only right is the one you like.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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  8. #5
    Registered User TTT's Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    Hi! I’m also a happy owner of an Eastman 504. Very much a beginner- see the Newbies group.
    I had my instrument checked out by a luthier who adjusted the spacing between strings. They were very wide, especially the Gs- a finger could easily slip between them.
    I also had a lighter set of strings put on, and that helped immensely. I feel I’m making progress with my lessons.
    It was about $80 to have it looked at but in my mind well worth it.
    I don’t know much about picks, but I’ve been using Golden Gate x-stiff. Feels smooth in my hand and the roundness kind of helped me focus on picking better. YMMV of course.
    Good luck!

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  10. #6
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    For cheap and cheerful picks I really like the Jim Dunlop Delrin 500's - before switching to a Blue Chip I used to use a .89mm hot pink Delrin 500 and really liked it. They're teardrop shaped, but I always used the shoulder end of the pick.
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  12. #7

    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    Happily, it's cheap and easy to experiment with different picks. There's no right answer.

    Some of my favorite cheap picks are:
    Golden Gate Clown Barf. I get em from Banjo Ben. I like triangular and 1.3 mm but they range from .75-1.3. Pretty loud. Maybe a little brash.
    Dunlop Primetones. If you really dig these you might like a BlueChip down the line. I think they are pretty similar.
    D'adrea Radex. You can get em on Amazon or Reverb for around 2 bucks each. They are currently my favorite "cheap" pick.
    Girouard Concert A5
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    Nordwall Cittern
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    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Question Re: Good pick for starters

    #346 (Fender's number for the 'Wankel triangle') many others use that shape.

    Big enough to be easier to hold onto.

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  16. #9
    bon vivant jaycat's Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    I like the Dunlop Primetones too. But a Fender heavy will do the trick just fine.
    "The paths of experimentation twist and turn through mountains of miscalculations, and often lose themselves in error and darkness!"
    --Leslie Daniel, "The Brain That Wouldn't Die."

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  18. #10
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    I've been using Dunlop USA Nylon 1.0, turned sideways like OP said so I attack with the shoulder. I recently got some Primetone 1.5 large triangles, and they're OK. I bought some Primetone 1.0 teardrops and will be giving those a try.
    Eastman MD-514 (F body, Sitka & maple, oval hole)
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    And still saving my nickels & dimes & bottle caps & breakfast cereal box tops for my lifetime mandolin.

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  20. #11
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    +1 for the Dunlop Primetone. Small triangle, 1.5.

    Is the traveling pick sampler still active?
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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  22. #12
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    https://themandolinstore.com/product...57788085937500

    Dawg picks are my favorite cheap picks.

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  24. #13
    Registered User Randi Gormley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    There is a traveling pick sampler somewhere on the cafe site where you'll get a bunch of different sizes, weights, shapes and thicknesses to see what works well with your choice of mandolin and string. You can try a search to find it. You may find that one just sounds better -- my old Gibson likes a John Pearse hard pick, my Eastman likes the bluechip. It helps to do an A/B comparison with the help of a friend. Also, if you're trying stuff on your own, try playing into a corner. It'll give you a better idea of what the instrument sounds like on the other side of the mandolin.

    If you know what your mandolin is strung with -- a lot of the default strings are mediums, generally EJ-74s -- it'll be easier to see what's lighter. A set I have on my bandolims is EJ-62s, for example. There are also Ultralights that are recommended for old bowlbacks. If you browse any of the string sites -- juststrings or d'addario or whatever, you can compare string weights. They may save your fingertips a bit. And I will say that when I changed one of my mandolins to lightweight strings because I was out of mediums, I did have to readjust my intonation, and then had to readjust again when I got back to mediums. Fixing intonation isn't all that tough -- it generally has to do with moving/angling the bridge -- but it was something that needed doing. ymmv.
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  26. #14
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    Howdy Lauren,

    Congratulations on your Eastman acquisition. That's a very nice instrument.

    I also tend to play a lot of folk, along with soft rock, some blues, jazz and country. I play for an audience of one. I don't do a lot of chording, rather I enjoy the melodies.

    My primary mandolin for many years was an Eastman 515. I bought lots and lots of different mandolin picks and ended up preferring one of the more expensive. I love the Blue Chip CT-55. And, although I will open up my pick box now and then to try something else, I always return to the CT-55.

    With strings, I approach them the same way I approached my violin strings. I wanted the purest tone, at least to my violinist ears, and I ended up really liking the clarity of Thomastik Infeld M154. They are relatively expensive for mandolin strings, but quite a bargain compared to high-end violin strings. They not only sound good, but they are a bit easier on my fingers as they are flat wound.

    It's fun looking through all the options. With time, you'll know what is most comfortable for you and what makes your music sound best.

    Enjoy the adventure!
    ---
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  28. #15
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    Quote Originally Posted by Zach Wilson View Post
    https://themandolinstore.com/product...57788085937500

    Dawg picks are my favorite cheap picks.
    I’m a beginner and I found the Dawg pick to be a little too thick and stiff for novice playing, though the shape and feel is really nice. Something in the 1.0 mm - 1.3 mm thickness range with a rounded triangle shape is easier for learning. Right now I’m making good progress using the Dunlop Prime Tone 514R1.3 that’s 1.3 mm thick with a semi-round shape.
    A couple years in, now, and still learning!
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  30. #16
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    Quote Originally Posted by Randi Gormley View Post
    There is a traveling pick sampler somewhere on the cafe site where you'll get a bunch of different sizes, weights, shapes and thicknesses to see what works well with your choice of mandolin and string. You can try a search to find it. You may find that one just sounds better -- my old Gibson likes a John Pearse hard pick, my Eastman likes the bluechip. It helps to do an A/B comparison with the help of a friend. Also, if you're trying stuff on your own, try playing into a corner. It'll give you a better idea of what the instrument sounds like on the other side of the mandolin.

    If you know what your mandolin is strung with -- a lot of the default strings are mediums, generally EJ-74s -- it'll be easier to see what's lighter. A set I have on my bandolims is EJ-62s, for example. There are also Ultralights that are recommended for old bowlbacks. If you browse any of the string sites -- juststrings or d'addario or whatever, you can compare string weights. They may save your fingertips a bit. And I will say that when I changed one of my mandolins to lightweight strings because I was out of mediums, I did have to readjust my intonation, and then had to readjust again when I got back to mediums. Fixing intonation isn't all that tough -- it generally has to do with moving/angling the bridge -- but it was something that needed doing. ymmv.
    The traveling pick sampler helped me narrow in on the types of picks that work for me. Definitely recommended. My favorites are Wegen bluegrass 1.4, Dunlop Primetone, Ultex 1.4

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  32. #17
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    Quote Originally Posted by Kenny View Post
    I’m a beginner and I found the Dawg pick to be a little too thick and stiff for novice playing, though the shape and feel is really nice. Something in the 1.0 mm - 1.3 mm thickness range with a rounded triangle shape is easier for learning. Right now I’m making good progress using the Dunlop Prime Tone 514R1.3 that’s 1.3 mm thick with a semi-round shape.
    Here's a perfect example of how what works for some doesn't work for everyone. I have a hard time holding on to (spinning) and getting any tone out of the Primetone picks.
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  34. #18

    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    Thank you. I thought Thomastik Infelds were just for violin, makes sense tho; I should see if Pirastro makes mandolin strings. ;-)

  35. #19

    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    Thanks once more for all the great suggestions and words of support. I am only an egg.

  36. #20

    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    Hi Lauren, Welcome to the forum! That's a nice mandolin you got for starting out on. Doubled string courses at high tension require more mass to get things moving. I would recommend Dunlop Primetones, large triangle, smooth finish. It should give you a nice full warm tone. You'll find that your mandolin can get pretty loud with a good solid pick.

    I would be a good idea to have someone knowledgeable to take a look over your mando. The nut slots in particular can make it very hard to play if they're not set right. When set just right, it takes very little effort to fret notes on the mandolin.

    OK, I'll bite what is "chanson style" music?

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  38. #21
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    Quote Originally Posted by Zach Wilson View Post
    Here's a perfect example of how what works for some doesn't work for everyone. I have a hard time holding on to (spinning) and getting any tone out of the Primetone picks.
    Different strokes for different folks is absolutely right. Reading a lot of different pick recommendations can be confusing to novices but if you try some here and there you’re bound to stumble upon one that works well for you. In my case I have an eclectic collection of picks accumulated through the past 55 years but the Dunlop Prime Tone was in a plastic bag in the gig bag that came with my secondhand octave mandolin. I tried it and I like it but I’m sure that I’ll adopt something else as I gain skill. “Getting tone” is a lot less important in the early stage of learning. At just five months into this adventure I’m still working on keeping proper hold of the pick while hitting the right string(s) in the right direction at something near the right time. When it happens I can almost see Tinkerbelle’s fairy dust sparkling! Tone will come in due time as long as I stick to it with proper guidance. Doubtless lssilver is similarly situated.
    A couple years in, now, and still learning!
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  40. #22
    Registered User Louise NM's Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    Hi, Lauren.

    If you have a decent music store in town look through their selection and pick out a bunch to try. If you can't shop in person, or for a wider variety, try mail order. I have bought picks from Strings by Mail and Banjo Ben's. Strings, too. Picks are cheap thrills! The two main shapes people like are the traditional guitar teardrop and the large triangle. Try different materials: Dunlop's Ultex are good (the ones with the rhino logo); celluloid (Pyramid makes pretty ones in a variety of thicknesses, or Golden Gate clownbarf); the dark brown Dunlop Primetones. Try different thicknesses too.

    As you learn you'll probably change styles and sizes of picks. There's no right or wrong.

    I've never seen Pirastro mandolin strings. Too bad—they'd probably be fabulous. Lots of other brands and types to try.

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  42. #23
    Orrig Onion HonketyHank's Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    FYI, last I heard, the travelling pick sampler is defunct. Or lost. Or not lost but not found. It was a great project and it lasted a lot longer than cynics like me expected it to.
    New to mando? Click this link -->Newbies to join us at the Newbies Social Group.

    Just send an email to rob.meldrum@gmail.com with "mandolin setup" in the subject line and he will email you a copy of his ebook for free (free to all mandolincafe members).

    My website and blog: honketyhank.com

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  44. #24
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    Quote Originally Posted by Kenny View Post
    Different strokes for different folks is absolutely right. Reading a lot of different pick recommendations can be confusing to novices but if you try some here and there you’re bound to stumble upon one that works well for you. In my case I have an eclectic collection of picks accumulated through the past 55 years but the Dunlop Prime Tone was in a plastic bag in the gig bag that came with my secondhand octave mandolin. I tried it and I like it but I’m sure that I’ll adopt something else as I gain skill. “Getting tone” is a lot less important in the early stage of learning. At just five months into this adventure I’m still working on keeping proper hold of the pick while hitting the right string(s) in the right direction at something near the right time. When it happens I can almost see Tinkerbelle’s fairy dust sparkling! Tone will come in due time as long as I stick to it with proper guidance. Doubtless lssilver is similarly situated.
    I would have to respectlfully disagree that "getting tone is a lot less important in the early stage of learning" - one of the key components in good tone is good technique, so if a player has poor tone then aspects of technique may need to be looked at. If novice players instead continue to practice and therefore embed poor technique it will be a lot more difficult to address and undo later on down the line than it is to address right from the start - "start as you mean to go on" as the saying goes.
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  46. #25
    Registered User Charlie Bernstein's Avatar
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    Default Re: Good pick for starters

    I tried all kinds of flatpicks and hated 'em all. Finally put on the fingerpicks I use for guitar. Now picking's a tropical breeze.
    Gibson A-Junior snakehead (Keep on pluckin'!)

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