My new favorite pick--V-Picks.

bassmonkeee · #1 10-18-2007, 02:58 PM

I've used picks more and more over the years. As I refine the tone in my head, I've reached tonal nirvana with my HHp Bongo with flatwound strings, a BassMute, and picks. This is what I take to every gig:

A copper one, an alumin(i)um one, two Fender Heavys, two Wedgie Rubbers (5mm), a Jim Dunlop 2.0mm, Gardener of Death, and my new favorites--V-Picks.

Everything I've used has had different characteristics that I've liked, but there were always compromises. I love the sound of the metal picks, but they are so thin, it causes me pain to use them for too long. I love the thickness of the Wedgies, but the tone is closer to using your fingers, which doesn't always work. And, they suffer from what the jim Dunlop suffers from--a small shape. The standard pick size might be fine for guitar players, but playing medium tension flatwound strings down to low B requires a bit more finger to pick contact for comfort and stability (for me, anyway).

The V-Pick is 2.75mm thick, and the Big Fattie (my personal fave) is a whopping 5.66mm! As you can see, they are pretty much the same size as the Fender:

But, they are a heckuva lot thicker...

So, this pick has it all--a nice size, comfortable grip with the depth, and a clear tone. With the tapered edge, I don't have any problem with strings grabbing too much pick, and the acrylic doesn't stick at all (another issue with the Wedgie and flatwound strings). The added thickness really feels more natural when playing, and I don't have nearly as much hand fatigue as I used to when using a pick. I also like the texture on the BF, although I've never dropped the regular V-Pick.

Now, they aren't cheap--The Big Fattie is $20(!), so it certainly isn't for you if can't keep up with tiny things. I've only been using it for about a month now, but I haven't noticed any real wear at all. I see having to replace this about as often as I change strings--every couple of years.

I like the added depth so much that I'm about to order the Colossal.

Some people might think $20 is crazy for a pick, but $20 is a small price to pay for better technique, and a more fun gig.

PSPookie · #2 10-18-2007, 03:07 PM

I may have to check these out. I ordered a surfpick a few months ago and I have been very impressed. http://www.surfpick.com/ So I am no stranger to the $20 pick. Though, it's good to know that I'm not the only one with more dollars than sense

JimmyM · #3 10-18-2007, 05:52 PM

I know that Surfpick yahoo. He's always on the internet whining about the Howard Stern show. Constantly complains about it but still keeps listening.

Anyhow, I don't know how people can spend that kind of money on picks. Up until recently, I got the Musician's Friend heavies that are like $1 for 12. But I recently switched to Gator Grip 2.0's and those are fine for me. They're more than I ever wanted to spend, but in this day and age, they're actually not so bad.

lowendgenerator · #4 10-18-2007, 06:00 PM

Vinnie is the man! He's really on to something with these picks! You can trust word when he gives it!

/biased opinion

Akeris · #5 10-18-2007, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSPookie

I may have to check these out. I ordered a surfpick a few months ago and I have been very impressed. http://www.surfpick.com/

I don't mean to start to de-rail the thread...but...

How is it? Any noticible tone difference like the guy claims?

Thanks,
-Chris

dls59 · #6 01-02-2008, 05:48 PM

OK, I just ordered a Big Fattie. We'll see how it works out.

WunHungLo · #7 01-02-2008, 09:42 PM

These things are HUGE with the non-bass guitarists...

I'm betting that Vinni really sees a surge in popularity with the V-PICK after the NAMM Show. They have been a secret-weapon for a lot of guys and the word has been mouth-to-ear till now. Many guitar forums are rife with threads singing the praises of these picks, so they're legit for sure.

NAMM will put a few thousand more into hands that will be very impressed...

+1 for the Colossal for great big strings.

bassist4dalord · #8 01-02-2008, 09:50 PM

8.66 mm pick? And I thought 2.0 was thick! My main picks ar .60 mm and 1.14 mm Dunlop Ultex. ;0

WunHungLo · #9 01-03-2008, 07:27 PM

What I was trying to emphasize in my earlier post was that as a BASS player, I have found a much bigger sound with much less effort. When you think about how V-PICKS are so popular with guitar players, maybe we shouldn't be missing out on all of their advantages for the BASS GUITAR.

I agree with the Big Fattie and the Colossal being so great for bass, but I wouldn't discount trying the Freakishly Large either.

V-PICKS Rock ! ! !

WunHungLo · #10 01-04-2008, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassmonkeee

Now, they aren't cheap--The Big Fattie is $20(!), so it certainly isn't for you if can't keep up with tiny things. I've only been using it for about a month now, but I haven't noticed any real wear at all. I see having to replace this about as often as I change strings--every couple of years.

Some people might think $20 is crazy for a pick, but $20 is a small price to pay for better technique, and a more fun gig.

Hey bassmonkeee,

Check out the V-Picks.com website...The Big Fatties are on sale for HALF PRICE (!!!) until January 15th. This is a fantastic time for anyone who wants to try them out. It's an awesome BASS pick!!!

(Really, it's my favorite!)

Tuvoe · #11 01-05-2008, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WunHungLo

Check out the V-Picks.com website...The Big Fatties are on sale for HALF PRICE (!!!) until January 15th. This is a fantastic time for anyone who wants to try them out. It's an awesome BASS pick!!!

NICE!!!!

Just placed my order after this little bit of gold you supplied the talkbass collective with. Thank you much!

WunHungLo · #12 01-05-2008, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuvoe

NICE!!!!

Just placed my order after this little bit of gold you supplied the talkbass collective with. Thank you much!

Tuvoe...

No prob, You may want to give Vinni a call. He's a real straight ahead guy. Loves to talk shop; guitar, bass, music in general. He's a great musician, too. I've talked to him many times. He has done custom shaping for me and others. (e.g., two rounded corners and one pointy corner, etc.) He told me he is even making picks shaped like hearts for some guy for Valentine's Day (weird, but oh well).

His work is good, and his wife, Nancy (Mrs. V) takes care of the business side very well and is great to talk to as well. Service is fast.

This is sounding like an ad, so I'll quit. I really believe in his product, though. Try them out! You can get more info on their web site v-picks.com.

lunarpollen · #13 01-05-2008, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassmonkeee

And, they suffer from what the jim Dunlop suffers from--a small shape.

You should try the Dunlop Stubby Triangles

Mind you, they only go up to 3 mm, but next to those Samoan behemoth V-picks, they are probably the biggest

I'm gonna have to try me some of those V-picks though. But not for use with my current band; I moved down to Fender "extra heavy" to get more snap and twang and less thump because of the type of music we play.

WunHungLo · #14 01-05-2008, 01:17 PM

lunarpollen,

Yeah, I've tried those. I don't know if it's the material or what, but
they don't have the drive (BIG TONE) or slickness of the V-Pick. I guarantee you if you tried the V, you would never use the Stubbys again.

If you do try the V-Pick, post your thoughts, it would be interesting to see how you like them...

ishouldbeking · #15 01-05-2008, 03:06 PM

Now I'm probably coming from the opposite end of the spectrum compared to most of the previous posters as I like my pics SMALL, but i'm intrigued by the construction of these. I'm a full-time pick player and I use Dunlop Nylon Jazz picks (either black or red, depending on the tone) and I prefer the littlest ones since I feel a much higher degree of control with my fingers that close to the string... obviously it's all preference, right?

So I was browsing the V-pick page and noticed the smallest V-pick Lites... anyone tried one of those? I'm wondering if it would hold up to Medium gauge roundwounds the way my Dunlop Jazz picks do... hmm, might have to try one.

Tbirdbassist · #16 01-05-2008, 07:30 PM

Vinnie sent me some picks before, and I LOVED THEM. He's sending me some more since I lost the two he sent. When I get them, a review thread will follow with clips comparing to my old fav, the Dunlop Gator 2mm.

Dfinch · #17 01-05-2008, 08:06 PM

Thanks for the tip on the sale.

I ordered one up today to try it.

*smb · #18 01-05-2008, 08:14 PM

You paid $20 for a pick? That is truly mad.

WunHungLo · #19 01-09-2008, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *smb

You paid $20 for a pick? That is truly mad.

Looks like they're on sale for $10.00 right now...

Infernal Affair · #20 01-10-2008, 07:22 PM

I rarely play pick, but I've been wanting to work on developing my picking better since I eventually want to play guitar as well. I was planning on trying out some V-Picks, but now this post has me sold. I generally like my picks to be .8mm at most, but maybe it's because my arm is heavy. Maybe I'll end up lightening up and relaxing.