After 15 yrs I start using a pick but now I'm scratching my pup, advice?

[Newget]

After a bazillion years of being perfectly happy playing fingerstyle I recently purchase a hollowbody and love the sound of it picked. After 2 weeks I'm scratching the hell out of the bridge pup, leaving white marks from the pick. Am I in danger of damaging the pup? Is there any protection without tone loss? I refuse to pick anywhere else but over the bridge pup, that is the sweet spot, that is the sound.

[kalipigeon]

what type of pick are you using and what type of pickup/bass is it? I would recommend a felt pick, they're a bit softer and more forgiving on finishes/coatings. Also, just like in fingerstyle...there is a proper angle and technique. Assuming your pickups aren't shoved wayyy up near the strings there, you shouldn't be hitting them very often. Try to not move your wrist to pick, but rather the two fingers holding the pick and you'll probably see less wear on your pickups/pickguard.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by kalipigeon

Also, just like in fingerstyle...there is a proper angle and technique. Assuming your pickups aren't shoved wayyy up near the strings there, you shouldn't be hitting them very often.

You may be digging in too far. Try not penetrating the surface plane of the strings quite so deeply - play with more of just the tip of the pick instead. It should help your speed as well, in case that's of any interest...

MM

[JebSmells]

You're probably holding the pick too far from the end, ask a guitarist, the best way to get good tone out of a pick is to leave only a very small amount of the pick showing, gives you more control to and allows you to be more precise wiht dynamics and feel than you would with a bit too much showing, enjoy it!

[ROON]

You can use nylon picks, they are a tad more flexible and don't leave as many marks. Also remember, you don't have to use any more than just the tip of the pick, don't dig in too far.