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Just a curious question. What picks do you use?

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My weapon of choice are the Dunlop Big Stubbies in 2.0mm. Anything thinner and I might as well hold a sheet of paper, I don't like picks to be flexible. Their indent makes them really easy to not lose them, lol.
 
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I mainly play with fingers( or thumb), but I've used Dunlop felt picks a bit.
Recently I also started using leather ones and really like them.


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Interesting. Picks made of flesh to sound more like playing with your fingers I'm guessing? Makes sense.
Do they wear out quickly? I know that will depend on how you play and what kind of strings, but compared to other materials?

I very rarely use picks on bass. Only occasionally in the studio, really. I can't remember ever using one at a gig. But I always have a few Clayton rounded triangle 1mms around because I use them on guitar.
The shape is just a little pointier than Dunlop's rounded triangles in a way that makes them work for me better.
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I'm not much of a pick player, but my favorite so far have been Dunlop gator grip 1.14mm. They're about a dollar a pop here though.
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Same type but I prefer a little heavier 1.5mm. At less than 25 cents a pop I don't even bother looking for a dropped pick on stage. I've taken to using them on six string acoustic guitar for the few songs I use a pick (I'm 99% fingerstyle).
 
I use thick,inflexible picks.
Why?Thick Inflexible Picks.That's the way.



All the pick motion energy is transferred to the string.
Because there is no flexing that there is no delay of energy transfer.
The blunt,rounded tip slips easily over the string.
Moving the string only.

Top left to bottom right:
3mm Big Stubby,Dunlop Primetone 5mm,Timbertones Agate 4.7mm picks.
SikPik D35,Wegen 5mm,Wegen 7mm,V-Pick Big Fattie 5.85mm.
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I started using Dunlop John Petrucci Jazziii picks for guitar, now they’re the only pick that feels “right” in my hand.

You know, as I stated above, a Fender medium celluloid had always been the standard for me on both the guitar and bass, until I tried the Mick Pick for the bass.

Then, for Christmas 2016, a friend gave me one of those adhesive pick dispensers filled with Dunlop .60 MM Nylons. I love them for the guitar. They're thinner than the Fender medium, but thicker than the Fender thin, and they have that little slip-resistant mesh pattern on them that make them easier to hold in place.

Moral: I think it was Justin (the British guy that teaches guitar online), who suggested when you go into a guitar shop, and the have loose picks in a jar for 10 cents a piece or so... grab a handful of different types and experiment.

You never know what you may like.
 
I started using Dunlop John Petrucci Jazziii picks for guitar, now they’re the only pick that feels “right” in my hand.

They're quite something. I had the exact same experience. I use the Ultex JP Jazziii's like Slater, and they do rest in the "Goldilocks Zone" for me.
I also use the Ibanez Grip Wizard 1mm as my alternative. It's more pliant the JP ones which is nicer for a softer attack if I'm not after a exp[low]sion and the sand grip is brilliant. A feature I wish the JP picks had, then they'd be perfect to me.
 
Not sure I would like a pick that rigid. Those agate picks are certainly pretty, though.
At least try one.
Or two!

The Dunlop Primetone 5mm have a dark tone.
They are pretty cheap.
Three to a pack.

The Timbertones Agate 4.7mm have a bright tone.
Along with the Big Stubby and the V-Pick Big Fattie.

But the Agates are $18.00 each!
Most won't buy too many of these!
 
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