Felt & Rubber Picks

[Robert Spencer]

Due to a severe arthritic condition in my right hand as a result of finger picking my bass I am no longer able to tolerate the pain of playing.

I think I might be able to learn to use a pick which does not appeal to me all that much. Recently I have heard about felt & rubber picks. Is their tone more natural than hard picks? I play acoustic/elect Hohners and strive for that upright sound. I live on an island in coastal Alaska where there are no music stores but would be willing to order a few online if I think I can learn to pick & if I think I will be able to get a good sound as a result. Thanks for any input you may care to share. Take care. Bob

[MisterFabulous]

I have some Wedgies, the pick I mean....
They are rubber picks available in different thickness, stiffness, etc.

http://www.wedgie.com/picks_rubber.html

They do have that upright, plucked bass sound to them.

I have the 3.1mm medium ones. They are plenty big.

[tangentmusic]

Felt picks can really come close to the finger sound.
They produce a good thumpy tone. They (obviously) will dull the highs that a plastic pick gets. I've not used a rubber pick.
Try it out. See what you think.

[skychief]

I didnt know they still made felt picks!!

If you can get ahold of some online, I would recommend that. And get some rubber ones too, of different gauges.

I dont have any experience with rubber picks, but i did use felt picks about 30 YEARS AGO. They have less "attack" than standard hard-plastic picks, and have a more "natural" sound.

Im guessing the rubber picks would be even closer to the sound you're trying to emulate, but again, thats just a guess.

See if you can get a sample pack and pick your favourite. (pun intended)

[MEKer]

Yeah, felt is terrible: weak, wear quickly, get felt dust/hair all over, no attack. They never caught in any appreciable way. Of course, there are always those who---for a fleeting moment or two-- defend them as being "special" in some way. They are not. Try the rubber wedgies and try the nylon picks. Tortex is very hard and clacky for your taste I think, if you are after "finger emulation" to some degree.

That's my advice and I'm sticking to it.

[LiamCohl]

check out v picks, V-picks picks : Freakishly Large Rounded , Ive been using this one and one a little smaller recently. they sound less aggressive and a bit more finger like for the most part, except when you really dig in, then it responds nice and picky. They make a ton of different shapes sizes and colours. They are made from acrylic, the same as the fake fingernails stuck on the right hand of quite a few guitar players.

[Robert Spencer]

Thanks guys. I`m going to try the medium rubber Wedgies. Take care. Bob

[SurferJoe46]

There are felt picks and then there are felt picks.

I use the thick gray ones, and although they are soft and toss a little fuzz on the bass, they give a great sound - but I only usually get two or three gigs outta each one.

Now here comes some info on the white ukelele picks: they are also felt and they are tough and they give a great muted tug-pop sound that really is unique and recognizable at the same time --- and sound pretty close to a standup bass and catguts.

OK - I don't think there are any catgut strings any more - but you know what I mean.

To give a blanket statement that they suck big ones like MEKer said is just illogical.

Since they are cheap, try them yourself.