Which picks, and why?

[300win]

Firm believer in the Blue-Chip, won't use anything else. Just courious, why would you want to use differant picks for differant tunes ? I've always used the same pick to play everything from, Bluegrass, acoustic rock, fast 'uns, slow 'uns, church praise band music. If I tried to use differant picks that would mess me up. I've always held it the same and vary very little off the "sweet" spot either way to get any sound I want. Not knocking anyone that does differant, just wondering why those that do, do that.

[JeffD]

Firm . Just courious, why would you want to use differant picks for differant tunes ? .

For a bluegrass chord chop, in a BG jam, the Wegen picks break through the noise a little better. Punchy. Great tone, but not as great, IMO, as BC and and RB.

For a fast fiddle tune in a small venue, where the diffeence in tone can be heard, and where I need to pick fast, the BC is my favorite. Also tunes I do with a lot of tremolo. The BC and the RB really do that high lonesome tremolo well.

For slow aires, waltzes, and and small venues or solo playing, or just playing alone at home, the RB picks just bring out such wonderful tone.

For classical music, especially trying to sight read something, I prefer the BC, but for playing classical music in an ensemble (someting I haven't done much of), the Wegen might be better for its punchy brightness.

Certainly I could do all of it with any of them, but as long as the choices are available I like being able to optimize.

[mzurer]

I just put in an order at bigcitystrings.com - they still have some stock of the 1.14 Ultex Rounded Triangles...

[CTH Man]

I use a big heavy Fender 3 point , not sure of the thickness. Have also used the Golden gates but I find the sound is too woofy or muddy, not bright enough.
On another note...I have a set of Gibson Sam Bush monel strings on now...WoW! ...really like 'em.

[Fishel]

Picks only matter when they matter.

Every detail affects tone, but a beginner need not waste time, money and brainpower on details that will only become significant later.

The three most important things for the first ten years are: Practice, Practice and Practice.

(Note JeffD's 4th line in his signature)

When the ears become sensitized to differences, we find our way to the strings, picks, instruments and accessories that will make a difference for us.

Until then, give all extra money that's burning a hole in the pocket, to charity!

[pager]

I have a great friend who is a past Wyoming State mandolin champ. He uses a Fender thin ALL the time on his mando. He sounds fantastic. Go figure.

jillian