did most pick players use felt picks until the 70s?

[Vinny_G]

Did most pick players use felt picks until the 70s?

I don't think so. Felt picks were intended for the ukulele, few bass players should use them since they mostly came from the guitar world. When I listen to Sir Paul's basslines, I hear a clean, frank attack, not a mushy one.

Also, other than felt picks, I think you could only find celluloid and nylon picks in music stores at that time. The other choices were to be wood, metal (coins), and real tortoiseshell picks.

 

[Vinny_G]

I used to keep a felt pick in my case just in case a guitar player asked if I had a spare pick .

It's very sadistic but I love the idea

 

[relayer66]

I bought a used late-70s Rickenbacker 4001 back around 1986. There was a felt pick in the case, and I played around with it from time to time. It was pretty cool, kind of had a pick feel but not the clicking sound you can get with a pick. I have never seen one before or since. When I do use a pick now, I prefer the yellow Tortex ones and always have.

 

[marchone]

No.

 

[abarson]

Carles Benavent is the only bass player I know for sure uses a felt pick. But he's a jazz/flamenco bass player.


Victor Wooten watches Carles Benavent - YouTube

 

[WillyW]

I think I saw a picture of a felt pick on the interwebz, never seen on in person.

I was using the same picks used for guitar, then went super heavy for a short while, then back to guitar picks.