Crazy how pick size impacts the sound…

[Ian774]

Hi all,

For many years, my pick of choice has been the triangular Tortex in 1mm (blue). Recently, I wanted to try a thinner one and switched to the green one, .88mm. I actually preferred that it was a bit bouncier, easier to play.
Small difference in size, but I prefer the feel.

However, I wasn’t prepared for the difference in tone. Yesterday during band rehearsal, I switched back and forth between the two picks (with my Pbass) to try and hear how different the sound was. It was VERY obvious.

The 1mm one made the sound thicker, bassier, warmer. The .88mm made it snappier, clearer, thinner.

There was a very clear difference between the two and I wasn’t expecting such an impact considering they’re the closest sizes you can get.

My point is: a pick should be chosen from a comfort perspective, but be aware that it will impact your tone dramatically. Even a difference of .12mm does have an impact.

Try different sizes, experiment, and see what sizes combines comfort AND sound that you like.

I’ve settled on the .88mm because I like how it bounces better but sound-wise; the 1mm definitely adds more “body” to my pick-tone.


Have you noticed that too?

 

[N-Jay]

I made some similar experiences. I am using quite thick Dunlop Gator Grip 2.0 (greyish black) for years. I like their sound because I get a thick thump when using them. And I find them easy to control and vary the attack. However, I always had a hard time playing really fast with these.

Recently, I learned thinner picks reduce the strain on the wrist. That's when I dug out a bunch of "guitar picks" that had been lying around and started experimenting. Turned out they are not only "guitar picks" but they can sound great on bass too.
My current favorites are the Dunlop .60 which are really floppy compared to what I was used to. They elevate playing fast as there is far less strain when plucking the strings. The sound is less thick than with the Gator Grips, but snappier and very articulate.

So, I think it is definitely worth experimenting with picks. In the end, they are one more tool for shaping our sound

 

[Hawk620]

I have always experienced tonal differences (guitar and bass) based on thickness and the material but never on size unless somehow the way I held a thinner pick impacted it's flexibility.

 

[Ritter667]

Material, flexibility, gauge, it all has a quite big impact on the tone you get.

 

[MrWolf14]

I have always experienced tonal differences (guitar and bass) based on thickness and the material but never on size unless somehow the way I held a thinner pick impacted it's flexibility.

I think OP means "thickness" indeed: he is comparing 1mm vs 0.88mm

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Yep, big differences to be had. Material matters, too.

 

[tpaul]

I suspect much of the difference has to do with how flexible or stiff it is. Also the shape matters (how pointy or bulbous the business end is). I doubt small variations in size have much to do with it unless by size you mean thickness.

Wait, what were we talking about?

 

[iTzPrime]

I feel with a 0.66mm pick you can add tons of body to the tone, by picking super hard (modern metal). i.E Nolly uses it too

 

[jvdb]

You betcha!

A couple of friends I play with use Blue Chip picks. When they first told me how much they cost, I was in total disbelief. 35 dollars! A piece!

After I tried them, I was convinced this is the most affordable way to sound many times better then you would using a normal pick.

BlueChip Picks

BlueChip Pick store, home of the world's best guitar, mandolin, dobro, and banjo picks

shop.bluechippick.net

 

[Marc valero]

On bass, I always use a standard 1mm celluloid, I believe is the material. I like the feel and tone. I play electric guitar at home and prefer something in the light to medium range. There is a guitarist in town who tries to get me try the pick he uses, I think it has a hole in the middle maybe some grippy strips, I tell him I am good with mine. I almost never drop a pick.

 

[lomo]

After 20 years of playing only fingerstyle I began to learn to use a pick a month ago. The going has been slow, and experimenting with different picks has proven to be a very deep rabbit hole.....at least they're cheaper than strings, pedals & amps

 

[ReidK]

A couple of friends I play with use Blue Chip picks. When they first told me how much they cost, I was in total disbelief. 35 dollars! A piece!

They have several priced at $75. JFC!

 

[SpiderBass1965]

I've tried many plectrums or the years and I always end up back with a heavy pick for more control and attack. Dunlop Jazz III for me when I use one.

 

[Ian774]

I suspect much of the difference has to do with how flexible or stiff it is. Also the shape matters (how pointy or bulbous the business end is). I doubt small variations in size have much to do with it unless by size you mean thickness.

Wait, what were we talking about?

Haha!


I was indeed referring to thickness. Comparing 1mm to 0.88mm.

Same brand, model, material. Very different feel and obviously sound.

 

[JohnnyBottom]

fender 346 extra heavy

 

[MCS4]

Size, material, and shape all make a noticeable difference. I had a similar experience with the regular-shaped .88mm and 1mm Tortex picks but went with the 1mm. It has also been my experience that you can get a sort of "in between" sound by using one of the rounded corners of this type of pick rather than the point, which will make a thinner pick produce a relatively rounder and fatter sound.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I go back and forth, the thicker ones do seem to drive a thicker tone, but harder to use. I keep ending up back at Fender Mediums, which Mike to around .072. I like the Tortex .068 too, they feel about the same. Works for my fingers, no sense fighting it. The difference is subtle enough to fall within tone control adjustments, so use what works for you without worrying about the labeled thickness.Two picks the same thickness but different materials will play different anyway.

 

[ravlin]

I've been experimenting with .6 thru 1.14 and like the feel of the .73 and mostly the.88s. my current struggle is to find a larger size pick that aren't the big triangle type. I have big hands and like to use the round part of a standard pick. Any suggestions?

 

[groovaholic]

I don't use picks often since they tend to make my hand cramp up.
So a couple years ago, I ditched all my smaller "guitar size" picks and started using the larger triangular picks.

Prior to that change, my favorite picks had been textured nylon: "Brain" or Dunlop Max Grip for grip, durability, and nylon's warmer tone.

But I haven't been able to find a large triangle pick made out of nylon.

 

[groovaholic]

I've been experimenting with .6 thru 1.14 and like the feel of the .73 and mostly the.88s. my current struggle is to find a larger size pick that aren't the big triangle type. I have big hands and like to use the round part of a standard pick. Any suggestions?

I also have a few of Dunlop's "Primetone" picks and they're very nice. Here are two shapes that might appeal to you:

PRIMETONE® SMALL TRIANGLE GRIP PICK 1.5MM

From picks to pedals and every accessory in between, Dunlop Manufacturing has been creating world-class gear for musicians for over 50 years. We consistently create the best selling picks and analog electronics, and carry a large line of accessories that set industry standards in their...

www.jimdunlop.com

PRIMETONE® SEMI ROUND GRIP PICK 1.3MM

From picks to pedals and every accessory in between, Dunlop Manufacturing has been creating world-class gear for musicians for over 50 years. We consistently create the best selling picks and analog electronics, and carry a large line of accessories that set industry standards in their...

www.jimdunlop.com

I've also bought large nylon washers at the hardware store and used those.
The hole in the middle helps you grip it, and you can't beat the price!