• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

best pick to use on a bass

I can't tell you about the best pick for YOU to use...but I can suggest a technique that has served me well...
Rotate the pick to use the more rounded edge...that's 2 out of 3. I play a Ric, and I've always found that turning the pic seems to mellow out the Ric click.

I'll second that emotion! I do the same thing with a Fender Medium 351-style pick. Sounds and feels really good on the flatwound strings I have on my P and Hofner Icon.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 47th Street
I use heavy's, and they're best after they're broken in—the edges of the pick get shaved down by the strings after a while. The mediums and lights are just too floppy in my opinion.

_c472532_image_0.jpg


Go to your local music store and buy ten different picks and try them out. You'll know what you like and what you don't.

I've even got some felt and metal (as in steel) picks laying about... I don't think I've touched them since the 80's though...


Ha ha ha!!! I just noticed that this is a "walking dead thread" it's seven years old!! The original post was from 2008. I think that the OP has probably taken up the tuba by now! His last post was in 2011.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 47th Street
Been using the Tortex Black 1 mm and Purple 1.14. They're OK except they are a little slick.

Going to try the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] next. Just need some friction for the 16th note fills! :D

Really liked the "Cool" picks that had a little friction adhesive pad on it, but wore off really quick.
 
I'll second that emotion! I do the same thing with a Fender Medium 351-style pick. Sounds and feels really good on the flatwound strings I have on my P and Hofner Icon.
Would you tell me more about you Hofner Icon? I have a beautiful Beatle Bass from the Icon series that I can't trust to stay in tune. Have you ever considered investing in new tuners? Spratzels?
Thanks!
 
Would you tell me more about you Hofner Icon? I have a beautiful Beatle Bass from the Icon series that I can't trust to stay in tune. Have you ever considered investing in new tuners? Spratzels?
Thanks!

I really haven't had any problems with tuning on my Icon. The tuners that came with it seem to be doing the job well. If you're considering changing tuners you might want to consider Grover Sta-Tite tuners, like there on the Stewart-Macdonald website. They look to be the closest match to the original tuners. Just make sure to check the bushing size on your Icon should you consider buying these. The holes might (or might not) need to be reamed out.

Also, I'd recommend that since the Icon bridge floats on the body you take a Sharpie marker and put a tiny dot on the body at the corners of the bridge. That way you won't lose your intonation should you happen to remove the bridge for any reason.


[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
For nearly 40 years (on guitar for many years and later on bass when I use a pick) I used the black Mel Bay picks with the textured "handle" end. They are no longer made and I have bought all the NOS I could find on eBay. I have not found anything else that works as well for me and I am nearly out of them.
 
hi can someone tell me whats the best type of pick to use on a bass guitar, i have a hofner violin bass which i just recently bought to learn to play, just can get the hang of the finger thing!!! the bloke in the guitar shop gave me a few 2mm plastic ones, are these any good, i heard that felt 1's are good for basses
Man I use Dunlop Big Stubby 3mm they give m a very thick sound
 
I use a variety but usually the 1.00 nylon dunlops with the grips are my go to. Use the smooth dunlops to. Quick trick to help keep those smooth picks from sliding. Lick your index finger and rub it and your thumb together then grip the pick, works every time.
 
Been using the Tortex Black 1 mm and Purple 1.14. They're OK except they are a little slick.

Going to try the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] next. Just need some friction for the 16th note fills! :D

Really liked the "Cool" picks that had a little friction adhesive pad on it, but wore off really quick.

You can drill or punch a hole in almost any pick and it will grip very well. On thin picks I use a thumb tack to punch a hole through (when I play acoustic guitar).
 
  • Like
Reactions: ryco