What type of Pick do you (should I) use

dbull · #1 04-30-2009, 02:53 PM

I play with my fingers, primarily because I started on bass, never played guitar, and thus, never got comfortable with a pick. There are some songs I want to try it on, but it is so aggressive sounding and LOUD, I just have to get used to it. I am thinking of trying a pick that is not so heavy. What do you pick guys use?

dubstylee · #2 04-30-2009, 02:55 PM

IMO you should keep using your fingers, it's the way bass is supposed to sound to me. But listen, that is just my opinion, some people really dig that compressed pingy sound a pick gives you. I'm more into the fat sounds. .. .

jgroh · #3 04-30-2009, 02:59 PM

I played over 20 years with a pick (and I didnt play guitar either before I started bass)...I dont have a particular brand but I always get the thin picks. Gives me a different tone than using the heavier ones.

excane · #4 04-30-2009, 03:02 PM

I usually stick to the Dunlop 1mm - you need to experiment to find one that sounds and feels right to you. Spend a few dollars and pick (pun intended) up a handful in a music store of various brands, materials, and thickness.

dbull · #5 04-30-2009, 03:07 PM

I'm glad to hear that others play with the thinner picks, because I like that sound more. . . but I didn't know if I was violating some universal rule of pick.

excane · #6 04-30-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbull

universal rule of pick.

Such a thing does not exist.

Nino Valenti · #7 04-30-2009, 03:12 PM

Buy a few different kinds of pics and play around.

I like Dunlop Tortex 88's. The Tortex pics are textured and do not slip out out my hand like other pics.

Nino Valenti · #8 04-30-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubstylee

IMO you should keep using your fingers, it's the way bass is supposed to sound to me.

Thankfully I'm not playing bass for you.

138BASS · #9 04-30-2009, 03:17 PM

I for one have never used a pick, but if a song requires a more aggressive attack than I can get with my finger tips or slapping, I just use the tip of my index finger as a "pick" and the fingernail adds a bit more. but if your not into the way the nylon or plastic picks sound I know they make felt picks which have a much less "harsh" sound to them. might wanna try one out. I'm with excane on this one when he suggested to go out and buy a bunch of different ones to dial in exactly what your looking for.

Nashrakh · #10 04-30-2009, 03:43 PM

Dunlop Stubbies 2.0mm for me.

I really like the tone and the feel... thin picks just feel wrong for bass IMO

**jumbosilverette** · #11 04-30-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nashrakh

Dunlop Stubbies 2.0mm for me.

I really like the tone and the feel... thin picks just feel wrong for bass IMO

Yeah, I'm a finger player but these were recommended to me by someone who knows, and for the few tunes I use 'em on, I like 'em.

**Jerose** · #12 04-30-2009, 07:09 PM

I mostly use Fender heavy picks, they give a nice good thump sound. I love the mediums too, but they end up breaking a little too quickly and I always run out! Maybe I just play them really hard.

I have a Adamas graphite 2mm pick around here too, which gives a really cool sound. I feel it can be a bit too heavy at times so I use it pretty sparingly.

Cabazon · #13 04-30-2009, 08:43 PM

I don't really use picks very often, but when I do, I just grab whatever's laying around the house. My favorite is some worn down thing, it seems to be around 1mm. Second favorite is 2mm. I guess that's not good advice, as I'm not picky with picks. I dislike using them all.

artistanbul · #14 04-30-2009, 08:58 PM

I like big and thin tortex generally.
when I need one for speed I go for thick and easy to grip stubby.

BrettRiots · #15 04-30-2009, 08:59 PM

I use pretty heavy picks, even thought i barely use picks.
I tried to use thin ones to lessen the sound from the pick but they all broke.
So i stick with heavy ones.

trb6pJM2 · #16 04-30-2009, 09:02 PM

I use Jazz III's.
I'm by no means a pro pickist, but I like the sound I get from them, and I can get fairly fast with them and still be succinct sounding. They slip from my fingers, but I'm just starting.

Versatek6 · #17 05-01-2009, 12:15 PM

When I use one, it is a 2mm. Clayton, maybe? I use the corner, though; not the tip. The tone is a little broader, which I like better.

Mikio · #18 05-01-2009, 12:44 PM

Scorpion 0.9MM x)

not to hard to be bothersome, but hard enough to sound the way I like it, and the way I think you want it to sound.

The Birdman · #19 05-02-2009, 07:56 AM

I always play with a pick....I use either red Dunlop Jazz IIIs, 1 mm Dunlop nylon, Thick Fender celluoids, or a new pick that Planet Waves has just brought out, Black Ice, in 1.1 mm thickness.

Roger

specs · #20 05-02-2009, 08:11 AM

Dunlop 1.0mm blue triangle. It's bigger, so there's alot more surface area to work with.