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DAE: Use a quarter instead of a pick?

T

TypicalBassist

Aug 7, 2012
20
0
#1
Does anyone else play the bass with a quarter? I mean, I use finger style, but Ive been getting used to picking. I don't actually have any picks, so I've litterally been playing with a quarter whenever I decide to pick. My bandmates think it's weird (Cept the guitarist). Our guitarist tried the same thing, but I guess it doesn't work out too well on the guitar..
 
#2
You can buy metal picks, but I don't think they are as thick as a quarter. I wouldn't think the strings like that too well, because even the metal picks will wear strings out over time.

Picks are very cheap so get some. I bought as many different types as I could to find what I liked best. The copper pick was pretty cool sounding, btw.
 
#4
dbd1963 said:
You can buy metal picks, but I don't think they are as thick as a quarter. I wouldn't think the strings like that too well, because even the metal picks will wear strings out over time.

Picks are very cheap so get some. I bought as many different types as I could to find what I liked best. The copper pick was pretty cool sounding, btw.
Click to expand...

Copper picks? Those sound killer. Id love to give them a try. ^^ Maybe I should actually get some REAL picks instead of using this quarter. Thanks for the top tip!
 
#5
I've experimented with various coins, but didn't care for the tone. When going for a pick tone, I usually want it somewhat aggressive. A quarter didn't give enough initial snap to the tone--at least in my hands.

edit: I've also used the copper picks--okay on guitar, but didn't like them for bass.
 
#6
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#7
derrico1 said:
I've experimented with various coins, but didn't care for the tone. When going for a pick tone, I usually want it somewhat aggressive. A quarter didn't give enough initial snap to the tone--at least in my hands.
Click to expand...

Id have to say the quarter isnt exactly my cup of tea. I like it when the strings give a thump sound. I sounds great in my opinion. Any picks that give out that sound?
 
#8
dbd1963 said:
These were the metal picks I tried -- if you scroll down you'll see the copper and stainless in their "buy them all" ad.

http://www.amazon.com/Ice-Pix-Brass-Guitar-Picks/dp/B0002GLC9A/ref=sr_1_125?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1344374793&sr=1-125

I thought they were cool and different, but you could see what it was doing to the strings, also.

EDIT: here's one I wish I had seen -- probably easier to hold when your hands get sweaty:

http://www.amazon.com/Dava-0109-Master-Control-Pick/dp/B0002GOK08/ref=pd_cp_MI_2
Click to expand...

The master control pick looks wicked. I should go and buy one. Thanks!
 
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#9
TypicalBassist said:
Id have to say the quarter isnt exactly my cup of tea. I like it when the strings give a thump sound. I sounds great in my opinion. Any picks that give out that sound?
Click to expand...

A metal pick will always add some twang. For full out thump, you want a rubberized pick, which sounds much more like your fingers.

I liked the medium Wedgie http://www.amazon.com/Wedgie-WRPP31...1344375487&sr=1-3&keywords=rubber+pick+guitar

In between are all the other picks. Tortoise shell picks, at least the heavy ones, are on the bright side of the middle bunch, while the nylons have less attack and make a somewhat darker, thumpier sound.

Just stay away from wimpy guitar player picks because they won't last very long and they don't give you the attack you really want from a pick.
 
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#11
The issue I've had with coins (which I've used on both a classical and a bass guitar) is that the lip on the edge of the coin scrapes the string in a REALLY annoying way. Not in a way like you can get with a pick turned diagonally, just a rubbishy sound.
 
#15
TypicalBassist said:
Copper picks? Those sound killer. Id love to give them a try. ^^ Maybe I should actually get some REAL picks instead of using this quarter. Thanks for the top tip!
Click to expand...

Good luck finding copper picks these days. I gave them a real serious try over several years before discovering Blue Chips. The last ones I bought were Hotlicks .09's directly from Jim Dunlop. They've been discontinued but they're also what Steve Swallow uses and it wouldn't surprise me if they were doing the occasional batch for him. May be worth a call if you really want one.

As for playing with a quarter I've tried it but unless you spend a bunch of time filling one smooth the surface is way too uneven and grabby for me. Any super stiff metal pick is pretty harsh sounding to me. The attraction of the copper ones was that they're flexible and less "clangy" sounding to my ear.
 
#16
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#17
jeffbonny said:
Good luck finding copper picks these days. I gave them a real serious try over several years before discovering Blue Chips. The last ones I bought were Hotlicks .09's directly from Jim Dunlop. They've been discontinued but they're also what Steve Swallow uses and it wouldn't surprise me if they were doing the occasional batch for him. May be worth a call if you really want one.

As for playing with a quarter I've tried it but unless you spend a bunch of time filling one smooth the surface is way too uneven and grabby for me. Any super stiff metal pick is pretty harsh sounding to me. The attraction of the copper ones was that they're flexible and less "clangy" sounding to my ear.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm. Thats definitely something to look for. Ive got plenty of looking around to do, so I guess Ill keep an eye open for them.
 

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