Pickers - what picks are you using?

Moe_Zambeek

I usually use a JD nylon .60 for acoustic stuff by default...but as I've experimented a bit on electric and found 2 very different favourites there, I guess I should do the same for acoustic. Plus, even though I've been using these for years, I don't really like them

So, acoustic pickers and strummers of tFB, what are your favourite picking devices?

Lewy

I use a real mixture but mostly gravitate towards Wegen Bluegrass picks and one of these from Charmed Life:

http://www.charmedlifepicks.com/product-page/fbb08a19-ab87-d6e2-0bba-3119c233246a

If I'm looking for a really clear and crisp sound then Dunlop Ultex 2.0mm work well too.

I've tried Red Bear - just sounded scratchy to me. Blue Chips too - they sound and feel amazing but I haven't found a shape of theirs that I get on with.

bluechargeboy

Ultex .94 (James Hetfield), Tortex green 0.88, and currently experimenting with Tortex yellow 0.73. This is for playing lead lines rather than strumming.

I like the attack of Ultex, it sounds like celluloid but lasts a bit longer.

guitarfishbay

Dunlop Nylons, .60 or the Max Grip if I want stiffer. Tortex .50 for bright strumming tones. .73 or .88 nylons for lead.

richardhomer

Dunlop 0.88mm Nylons for everything - unless I'm using my fingers.

They're light enough for rhythm playing and stiff enough for lead parts. I like their tone - not as 'sharp' sounding as other materials - and blend well with fingers when hybrid picking.

Moe_Zambeek

@Lewy those are some big picks - is that normal in the Bluegrass world? 

Lewy

Moe_Zambeek said:

@Lewy those are some big picks - is that normal in the Bluegrass world? 

Very normal, yep. Thick picks, medium strings, dreadnought guitars is the typical set up.

The bluegrass rhythm/strumming technique is quite specific and enables you to play quickly and lightly with a thick pick and then dig in for accents/bass notes with a lot of power using rest strokes. It's not a typical strumming approach (i.e. hitting all 6 strings, wide arc of movement) which would be better served with more flexible picks maybe.

Moe_Zambeek

Interesting, thanks!

Sassafras

Fingernails.
Or claws as they're sometimes described.

Winny_Pooh

Wegen Bluegrass as mentioned. They sound so much better than any off the shelf pick that even drummers hear the difference.

BigLicks67

JD Nylons .60 .88 - Martin & Co .96 - JD Big Stubby 3.00mm or JD Thumb pick depending on what style I'm playing, but mostly it's just nails and side of thumb.

mgaw

moustache picks 3mm or 4mm   or blue chip 

Moe_Zambeek

I tried a 1.0 ultex today and actually it sounded pretty good with the Lowden. 

stratman3142

Jazz 3 Ultex 1.38mm for acoustic, electric and bass when I use a pick.

thomasross20

Great thread as I have two thin-medium plectrums only and need more!

pintspiller

Jim Dunlop USA Nylon .6, .73 or .88 depending on mood. I used to exclusively use the 1mm, but find myself stroking rather than stabbing these days. Even on bass.

Sassafras

pintspiller said:

Jim Dunlop USA Nylon .6, .73 or .88 depending on mood. I used to exclusively use the 1mm, but find myself stroking rather than stabbing these days. Even on bass.

That's reassuring for everyone that lives near you.

DavidRees

Dunlop Gator grip 2.00 for me ...

mellowsun

I got one of the brand new picks from Wolfram (not the metal ones), it's one of the only thick picks that doesn't sound dull and thuddy, down to the way the bevel is made and polished.

axisus

Can't do plecs with acoustic. Finger strumming and fingerpicking for me.

Winny_Pooh

axisus said:

Can't do plecs with acoustic. Finger strumming and fingerpicking for me.

It's not all about you.