Have you noticed?

[brianrost]

I’d say that some of my basses are better for using a pick than others. That’s not the same as saying that bass sounds better with a pick.

 

[Ritter667]

Finger style can be as fast as picking

No one claimed it couldn't, or I didn't at least, quite on the contrary, but it still doesn't sound like a pick.

 

[Watchootognbout]

No one claimed it couldn't, or I didn't at least, quite on the contrary, but it still doesn't sound like a pick.

It doesn't sound like a thin pick.
But it does sound like a 4mm Wegen or a Manouche pick.
Or even a rubber pick.

 

[kringle77]

A thunderbird with both pickups on sounds its best with a pick. I’ll back that up all day long.

 

[the_Ryan]

There’s no chance in hell I’m playing a short scale bass (particularly with flats) with my fingers, to me it feels and sounds best to play them with a pick.

 

[Ritter667]

It doesn't sound like a thin pick.
But it does sound like a 4mm Wegen or a Manouche pick.
Or even a rubber pick.

Well, when I want to play with a pick it is because I want it to sound like a pick, else what is the point even?

Also no, a rubber pick doesn't sound like playing with your fingers.

Well, your fingers maybe, but not like in that video, and not my fingers.

I can't answer to the 4mm Wegen or a Manouche pick haven't tried them, but again what is the point if they sound like your fingers?

And yes, I tried and own rubber picks of several different gauges and stiffness grades.

 

[Watchootognbout]

Well, when I want to play with a pick it is because I want it to sound like a pick, else what is the point even?

Also no, a rubber pick doesn't sound like playing with your fingers.

Well, your fingers maybe, but not like in that video, and not my fingers.

I can't answer to the 4mm Wegen or a Manouche pick haven't tried them, but again what is the point if they sound like your fingers?

And yes, I tried and own rubber picks of several different gauges and stiffness grades.

What's the point?In my case speed.

 

[andruca]

For me pick or fingerstyle choice is 100% dependent on groove (#1) and tone (#2). Some things simply groove better picked, some are better fingerstyle.

That said, I'm convinced (almost an advocate) that each bass WANTS to be played in certain ways. I've deprived myself of enjoying several instruments just because I wasn't listening/feeling how they WANTED to be played to, in exchange, give me something I liked. Notably, this happened to me with P basses. Always a Cetera/Deacon/etc. fan. Never cut it for me... nah, b/s, IT WAS 100% ME NOT CUTTING IT. Better late than never, in the last decade I've had a permanent relationship with P basses. Glad I at least learned that one.

Now, punk rock had a lot to do with that, also me going from 100% fingerstyle to some 80% pick at one point. I play all of my bass guitars both fingerstyle and picked and I really can't say there's basses that aren't good for picking or fingerstyle. You just don't pick or pluck the same in all basses, again, each has its little quirks as to how they WANT to be played. IME I've yet to find an electric bass guitar I wouldn't play both fingerstyle and with a pick.

Lately, whenever I watch a video of somebody with a tone I like I focus mainly on HOW they're playing it. Lots of "I can do that" moments once I click into that.