Plectrum or Pick?

[Jay2U]

In most languages it's plectrum. In some languages plural is plectra, not plectrums. We could start a discussion about bass player versus bassist as well.

 

[Lobster11]

Somehow the phrase "Real bassists don't use plectra" doesn't sound quite right.

 

[michaelandrew]

When you go into guitar/bass stores do you walk up to the counterperson and say " Where would I find your plectrums?"

Shouldn't the plural be "plectra"?

 

[gjbassist]

Plectrum? Damn near killed him! (cue rim shot)

 

[Ulf Buck]

Plectrum sounds like something that needs to be sterilized after use.

 

[s2bs2]

"Pick...or plectrum...if you're not into the whole brevity thing..."

'hey, man! watch the plectrum!'
Did the Eagles' bassist use a plectrum? I don't know, let me take another look.

 

[Goad]

Bass Guitar or Bass Instrument?

A Piano is a percussion intrument.

Tomato? Tomaaaato?

I can't stand when people say "You play bass with a pick?" I play however I want!!!!

 

[devnulljp]

 

[20db pad]

I always thought it was a US/rest of the world thing too. I've heard guys from the UK say plectrum as well as "plec", which is the shortened version.

I only say plectrum with a British accent.

 

[Jazz Ad]

Pick for the bass, plectrum for the mandolin.
i don't know why though.

 

[Goad]

 

[DavC]

after 40+ yrs of bass/gtr playing .... never heard " plectrum" until this year ..!!???

i thought maybe it was part of the flux capacitor ..??

 

[FrenchBassQC]

Pick...

 

[Slevage]

I say pick because plectrum sounds too much like rectum.

 

[mr15x3]

I'm no stranger to the term "plectrum," but it sounds weird coming out of my mouth. The fact that it isn't colloquially used here in America is what makes it seem pretentious being said by an american. However! It's totally normal for a Brit to say "plectrum" and as such, it sounds just as normal as a yank saying "pick."
YMMV of course.

 

[Finnigan's wake]

in Italy we call it "plettro" or "penna" (feather)

 

[guitarflinger]

I saw a bass lesson with John Entwistle.
He called it a plectrum.
I figured it was an English thing.
I use a pick (on occasion) in Wyoming

 

[bombpop14]

I was playing in Austria and a girl came up to me after the show and held out her hand saying "plectrum, plectrum". I finally figured out what she meant....they also call a patch cord, or cable a "lead" overseas.

 

[bassliner50]

Bloody Brits say "plectrum". That's good enough for me. (Though I never use 'em).

 

[Whousedtoplay]

MEDIATOR!