• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Slippery Picks

IMG_20240827_212420679.jpg

Prodigy's are not as slippery, as the acrylic Gravity's.

I really dig these shield picks. I was about to give up on the Gravity, until I thought of the grip tape.
 
Last edited:
View attachment 7015477
Prodigy's are not as slippery, as the acrylic Gravity's.

I really dig these shield picks. I was about to give up on the Gravity, until I thought of the grip tape.
In addition to the dots, did you try alternate approaches like applying a thin strip across the pick? That might give a sense of orientation. Or maybe use a hole punch on the dot to make it into a ring shape for even better grip.

I have a bunch of picks some place I hole punched and roughed with a file.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pyrrho Epoche
When I play guitar (which hasn’t been for a good, long while now) I can use any old pick but for bass I find that having something grippy definitely helps.

I’ve used the Dunlop Max-Grip and thought they were alright but I’ve also found that, for bass, I like a pick with a shorter profile. Pick Boy and Ibanez both make picks with various grippy stuff on them (or molded into them) in the truncated shape that I like so that’s what I’ve been using. I also like the Jim Dunlop Big Stubby once the edges have worn down a little.

IMG_7454.jpeg
IMG_7455.jpeg
IMG_7456.jpeg
IMG_7457.jpeg
IMG_7458.jpeg

I’ve used all of these and like them about equally with maybe just a slight preference for the Pick Boy Pos-a-grip.
 
I'm a skater so dig your solution. I did the same thing to my coffee hand grinder, using the toughest Gator grip I had for my Longboard. I recommend using disposable razor blades to cut the grip tape, scissors will blunt very quickly.

However the post above suggesting a hole punch has inspired me to go try using a drill bit to make some holes in a pick.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pyrrho Epoche
I really dig these shield picks. I was about to give up on the Gravity, until I thought of the grip tape.
I'm sure glad you finally provided pictures. I was just getting ready to say........ "Picks - Or it didn't happen".
That's actually a great idea. I always struggle with the "rotating pick syndrome", so I'll be doing this soon.
Of course, we could do like Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers and use gaffer's tape to secure it to his thumb !
 
  • Like
Reactions: ImTheOnlyOne
I'm sure glad you finally provided pictures. I was just getting ready to say........ "Picks - Or it didn't happen".
That's actually a great idea. I always struggle with the "rotating pick syndrome", so I'll be doing this soon.
Of course, we could do like Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers and use gaffer's tape to secure it to his thumb !
Yessir! I play hard & fast and thats why I use the shields, because they rotate alot, so I can just use any side to play. Plus, you get three picks in one. I resharpen them with a nail file/buffer, that my wife had.

Walter Becker(Steely Dan) used a Pearly Gates V pick, that is similar, but ALOT thicker----I find the 1.5's the perfect thickness + dynamics and feel/vibration from the bass string though.

dde1a8c49b0559b352224524d1038867_380x380.jpg

Invalid Link Removed
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: covermego
Dunlop Primetone Triangle Sculpted Plectra Guitar Picks with Grip 512 PT Tri Grip 1.5mm

While expensive, these definitely stay more on your thumb during a long, hot, summer gig. I like the thickness also. Beveled edges. Not quite the highs or scrape of a triangle Tortex, but a consistent sound that also works fantastically on acoustic guitar.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pyrrho Epoche
When I play guitar (which hasn’t been for a good, long while now) I can use any old pick but for bass I find that having something grippy definitely helps.

I’ve used the Dunlop Max-Grip and thought they were alright but I’ve also found that, for bass, I like a pick with a shorter profile. Pick Boy and Ibanez both make picks with various grippy stuff on them (or molded into them) in the truncated shape that I like so that’s what I’ve been using. I also like the Jim Dunlop Big Stubby once the edges have worn down a little.

View attachment 7015578View attachment 7015579View attachment 7015580View attachment 7015581View attachment 7015582
I’ve used all of these and like them about equally with maybe just a slight preference for the Pick Boy Pos-a-grip.
I use a Modrez Pickboy 2.0 for fretless/flats jazz. The pick was $13+ but man I really like it.
Screenshot_20220903-221114509_2_large.jpg


IMG_20240828_095129855.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Wow
Reactions: Lo-E

Latest posts