Pick vs. Pick

 

Around 2009, I abandoned plectrums (picks), and chose to adopt and focus on a classical right-hand technique.  It was the right move, as it further evolved my technique and ability to accomplish things that I couldn't using a pick.  It also brought an improvement to my right hand tone.

However, using a classical right hand (RH) on a Martin D-28 doesn't render the classic D-28 voice that I so love.  Make no mistake: a classical RH technique on a D-28 sounds wonderful and it works; it just doesn't result in the strong and classic D-28 voice.  With a flatpick, that classic and glorious D-28 voice comes to life. 

No doubt I'll be using both RH approaches: classical and flatpicks.  In the intervening years since swearing off picks, pick technology has made some interesting advances.  Some of these advances are things like sculpting, beveling, speed edges, and new materials.  

Ergo, I decided to investigate and try some of the current offerings.  Disclaimer: I do not endorse for, nor am I affiliated with, any of the following companies.

Dunlop picks: PRIMETONE® STANDARD SMOOTH PICK 2.0MM - Dunlop - I like the thickness of this one.  I've always preferred extra-heavy picks; far more control, and more of the tonal qualities I want to hear.

PRIMETONE® SEMI ROUND SMOOTH PICK 1.5MM - Dunlop - I like this shape better than the previous one.  In fact, on the previous one (standard shape), I use one of the rounded edges.  I don't like the sound of the point of the pick, and back when I was using a pick, I always used the butt-end corners.  The shape of this one is pretty great for me; I like both the tone of it, and the additional control over the teardrop shape.  However, it's only available in a 1.5mm gauge, and I don't like that nearly as much as the 2.0mm.  

I have to say that with these picks, there's a tonal improvement and a control improvement over any of the picks I formerly used.  The pick material is made of something more slippery than other picks; yet it's easy to grip.  The pick really comes off the string very quickly.  I had read about that, but I was skeptical.  I also dig the speed bevel; that's something else about which I was highly skeptical.  I suspect the bevel is a matter of personal taste, but I liked the feel of it; seems more accurate and fluid to me.

Blue Chip picks: BlueChip Picks | The perfect connection to your instrument.  The BC story is interesting; the material is something used in aerospace; hence the expense.  They're machined from a solid block, so the manufacturing process is also slow and expensive.  If you go to YouTube, there are various comparison videos of the BC vs. other picks.  I can hear a difference.  

Tone Slab picks: https://toneslabs.com/  I've heard comparisons between these and the BC, and again I can hear a difference.  Between BC and TS, one of them sounded brighter to me.

There are other pick makers out there, but those are the main ones for the high-end.  Here's an interesting comparison between Blue Chip and Tone Slab:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9v4xr-rA58&t=2s

I also like David Benedict's videos, and he compares various picks for mandolin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WceYL2VHP7s.  

I'd recommend good headphones if you're trying to hear the differences.  They're there.  

The research continues; more to come.

 

-kk