Blue chip picks

[Loretta Callahan]

Ah, wouldn't you know it. Right after this post, my little plastic pack of picks with the blue chip has decided to hide from me. Maybe I offended the little bugger. Anyway, when I find it, I'll practice different grips with it. Time to start up the cross picking practice again. I'm thinking of asking for another Blue Chip for Christmas .... either the new Dawg style or the the TAD 50 or 60.

I also came from the D'Andrea Pro Plec triangle, and now use the TPR60, Loretta! I've found that I can finagle a number of grips on it while playing. It takes a little practice, but (for instance) I change it for cross-picking, and then back when I'm done.

[Jill McAuley]

I've visited your Myspace page and seen you play Jill... If a BC helps you play that well, they're worth it. Thumbs up. I'd like to have the tab for a couple of those reels.

You are too kind! Let me know which reels and I can probably point you in the direction of some sources for tab for them. And on-topic, I do feel that when I switched to a Blue Chip it definitely enhanced my playing as regards speed and tone.

Cheers,
Jill

[Michael Cameron]

Jill,you make those triplets look effortless. I think it's a good idea to have a back-up BC. I've bought three of them,so far. Currently have none with which to pick. My old BC(sent in for polishing) and a new one should be in my hands sometime next week...I hope! I'm not good at polishing picks;and,yes,I'm lazy.

I've been trying to make-do with a DawgII,Dunlop 207,and various Wegens;but,they just seem to fight me compared to the BCs. I can't pick as "purdy"(thanks,Red) with any other picks.

Since I misplaced(lost) my TPR60,I've been using a "Long Hollow",leather pick carrier religiously. No more carrying a BC without a holster!

[Pikalot]

You are too kind! Let me know which reels and I can probably point you in the direction of some sources for tab for them. And on-topic, I do feel that when I switched to a Blue Chip it definitely enhanced my playing as regards speed and tone.

Cheers,
Jill

The Tarbolten, to start with, along with a tip or 2 on those triplets, and if possible, a history or the story of, the song. That is what I love the most about this music, the rich history and interesting stories they tell.

[Pikalot]

BTW, my BC arrived yesterday, and it's excellent. Fast, comfortable, durable. Is it worth 35? Considering the current cost of Melrin, I suppose so. I do think a volume discount would be good.... I'd gladly pay $100 for 4.

[Jill McAuley]

The Tarbolten, to start with, along with a tip or 2 on those triplets, and if possible, a history or the story of, the song. That is what I love the most about this music, the rich history and interesting stories they tell.

Sending you a PM so that I don't derail the topic here..

Cheers,
Jill

[ptritz]

I finally decided to give myself a BC for my birthday a couple days ago. I've only played wth it now for a couple days, but so far I'd agree with Jill's comment. It does seem easier with the BC to play cleanly at faster speeds, and also to hit those triplets. The BC definitely seems to slide through the string with less friction.

[Michael Cameron]

Got back my TAD60-3R from BC;and,also, a new TAD70-3R. The 70 is great for everything;excels at tremolo.

[yankees1]

BTW, my BC arrived yesterday, and it's excellent. Fast, comfortable, durable. Is it worth 35? Considering the current cost of Melrin, I suppose so. I do think a volume discount would be good.... I'd gladly pay $100 for 4.

At least a discount for Mandolin Cafe members as he gets a lot of free advertisement here!

[Pikalot]

I finally decided to give myself a BC for my birthday a couple days ago. I've only played wth it now for a couple days, but so far I'd agree with Jill's comment. It does seem easier with the BC to play cleanly at faster speeds, and also to hit those triplets. The BC definitely seems to slide through the string with less friction.

Agreed.

Had mine for about 3 weeks and it's certainly the best pick I've ever played with. I play between 1 and 3 hours a day, sometimes play pretty hard... And I'm amazed at this stuff, it looks as good as the day it came. I suppose a magnifying glass might show some slight wear, but hardly anything to the naked eye.

The speed bevels are a definite plus for me. After getting used to it, I'd say I'm picking about 10% faster. I tested this theory by trying my old delrin non-beveled pick and comparing with a metronome. Certainly a clear difference. Thumbs up. Well made pick, and the best material for picks ever. Would love to get my hands on a 6x6" 3mm thick piece of this stuff.

Might take some higher temps and pressure, but it looks like this stuff could be injection molded.Spitting out 10 raw picks at a time from a little I.M. machine could drive the price way down without sacrificing quality, as long as the molder has the restraint not to start stomping on it with too much regrind and weakening it.

[Loretta Callahan]

Found my pick bag with the Blue Chip. The pick is definitely helping my speed. I, too, use Jill's playing as inspiration for not only triplets, but for how her playing is spirited, clean and just plain enjoyable.

[GRW3]

Just got an e-mail from Bluechip. They are offering free shipping for Christmas to their e-mail list. (I assume they will offer it to others but ask them.) The big news is that Jazz and TAD picks are now available in 80 and 100 sizes.

[rico mando]

i have been using my blue chip pick for about a year now. i use it on every instrument i play . i have found that it does not spin in my hand like other picks would as well i almost never drop it ,i can go a month never dropping my pick.

[Paul Statman]

i have been using my blue chip pick for about a year now. i use it on every instrument i play . i have found that it does not spin in my hand like other picks would as well i almost never drop it ,i can go a month never dropping my pick.

Rico: Would you agree that it is probably safe to say that once you've picked, and picked with your BlueChip pick, you seldom need to pick it up off the floor?

[Glassweb]

Just got an e-mail from Bluechip. They are offering free shipping for Christmas to their e-mail list. (I assume they will offer it to others but ask them.) The big news is that Jazz and TAD picks are now available in 80 and 100 sizes.

a pick this thick will suck all the tone right out of your mandolin... believe it. it will kill your mids, highs... i really can't imagine why any mandolinist would choose a pick thicker than a 60 gauge... just my two and a half centavos... i'm really happy with my CT55 with a normal bevel (custom order).

[blacktop]

i lost my td40 at winfield. it may be at the campground in oxford if anyone would care to look for it. i was by the next to the last tree on the southeast corner next to the gravel road. it's probably somewhere in the grass. i actually thought it worked better for guitar. i have now gotten very comfortable using a pickboy 1mm with all the raised grip dots. when i think i've found the greatest pick in the world, something else always seems to come along. i've played fender, golden gate, dunlop, clayton, etc.. this has certainly been one long thread-and i really just wanted to keep it going.

[Jim Garber]

I think Blue Chip should make a model with a built-in microchip (microbluechip?) -- sort of like those they put into cars or dogs -- so if you lose them you can contact your local police station and they can track it down.

[Paul Statman]

I think Blue Chip should make a model with a built-in microchip (microbluechip?) -- sort of like those they put into cars or dogs -- so if you lose them you can contact your local police station and they can track it down.

Maybe an OnStar option?

[Ole Joe Clark]

You mean yours didn't come with a mirco chip???? I knew they had to cut the quality somewhere to keep from raising the price.

Joe

[Michael Cameron]

Regarding the thickness of the Bluechip pick and its ensuing "sucking" of the sound from your mandolin,all I can say is REALLY?

The last time I saw my 60 TAD-3R was at the Allman Brothers "Big House" in Macon,Georgia. If you find it,play with it,and like it,just keep it and pick on! I got to play Duane's gold-top Gibson that day. No wonder I sorta "lost it".

[Skip Kelley]

The Bluechip is the best In my opinion! I love it!!

[Paul Statman]

The Bluechip is the best In my opinion! I love it!!

I agree, Skip. To quote that car ad from days gone by, "There is no substitute".

[Kevin K]

There are great picks no doubt

[Glassweb]

Regarding the thickness of the Bluechip pick and its ensuing "sucking" of the sound from your mandolin,all I can say is REALLY?

yeah, really! 80 gauge... 100 gauge? ridiculous! not a single pro player uses anything nearly that heavy. that said Mike, sound is in the ear of the listener so all is cool!

[mandolirius]

yeah, really! 80 gauge... 100 gauge? ridiculous! not a single pro player uses anything nearly that heavy. that said Mike, sound is in the ear of the listener so all is cool!

I don't know how the BC sizes equate to thickness in mm, but there is a 3mm Big Stubby, some pretty fat Wegen models and then there are those stone picks that are extremely thick. That said, I just went lighter, from a 60 to a 40).