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Try a leather pick.

Sep 29, 2018
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Try it. You might like it. Been using this one for four years.
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I can imagine that would sound amazing, but I'm astonished it could last four years! Is it leather around a standard pick, or just plain thick sturdy leather?

Now you got me casting a curious look at my belt :roflmao: Could be a laugh at a show to start playing with your belt, so long as your pants have a tight enough waist.
I bought it at a souvenir shop in Nashville off Broadway. I went back about a year later and bought three more...all lost by this point in time except for the original, unfortunately. Went downtown this past weekend to see if they had more but had no luck.

Not sure what leather they used. Damn fine pick, though. Gives a precise, percussive and thumpy tone. It’s akin to using your thumb but with more percussive tone and enhanced maneuverability. It can also be persuaded in tone through water and drying. I ran it through the washer at least once, and it came out sounding like a wood pick for a while. Returned to its natural characteristics quickly enough.
 
Isn't the kontrabass balalaika (Russian/eastern European folk instrument) typically played with a hard leather pick? So leather picks used on bass instruments has been a thing for a long time now.

I don't see a reason why a leather pick can't be used on a bass guitar. I think the most prohibitive thing about it would be cost, since leather is more expensive than plastic, and if you lose your precious/valuable leather pick, you're kinda up a creek since you can't just borrow any old pick from a nearby guitarist.
 
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Isn't the kontrabass balalaika typically played with a hard leather pick? So leather picks used on bass instruments has been a thing for a long time now.

I don't see a reason why a leather pick can't be used on a bass guitar. I think the most prohibitive thing about it would be cost, since leather is more expensive than plastic, and if you lose your precious/valuable leather pick, you're kinda up a creek since you can't just borrow any old pick from a nearby guitarist.
Leather picks have been used for centuries. And, it is true that losing one hurts. I lost the one in the pick for a few months and was severely disappointed. Cost is high up-front, but the long-term payoff is well worth it...if you don’t lose it.
 
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