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What kind of pick do you use?
- Thread starter bassanddrums
- Start date
I recently picked up a couple dragons heart licks from C. Whitney and I don't think I've ever played with a pick that has given me more tone options or control, granted they're about $8 a piece but I've had the same one for about 4 months and it's just as sharp as it was the day I bought it
I also use the yellow .73 tortex picks. I don't use a pick very often but there are certain times when it just fits the music better, like any GNR song. Anyway.. I used to use 1.14, but I have found that since I play so hard that when I use a softer pick it acts as sort of a natural compression. I've grown to this so I will most likely never use anything stiffer than that again.
On the rare occasion when I use a pick, it has always been a thumb pick. This is my current tool of choice:
I very rarely pick, and subsequently have a terrible picking technique. But when i pick, i use these teardrop shaped picks:
my old standard from guitar was the Dunlop max grips .63 On bass I use .73s or .88. I burn through them pretty quick though...
I use these, but the 1.0 version. I've always been a pick clutz, could never hold on to them, these work well for me.
MJ
It is no wonder they make so many different kinds of picks!!!
If you make a pick someone on TalkBass will be using it!
Even this little guy appears to be using one>>>>
If you make a pick someone on TalkBass will be using it!
Even this little guy appears to be using one>>>>
My favorite was a slightly elongated shaped one that had Ampeg's name on it. Almost like a jumbo sized mandolin pick. From point to bottom they were about the same height as a standard Fender celluloid pick. An although the ones I had were maked as "medium," they were significantly stiffer than a standard Fender medium although not quite as thick as a heavy. AFAIK they haven't been made in years.
Looks like this:
Carol Kaye is selling some picks on her website that are the closest I've found to these as far as shape goes. (I suspect she probably used to use an Ampeg or a close cousin before she started doing her own. That longer more acute angled nose makes all the difference in the world for me. The feel of the Kaye pick is different. But they're a workable compromise for me.
Looks like this:
Carol Kaye is selling some picks on her website that are the closest I've found to these as far as shape goes. (I suspect she probably used to use an Ampeg or a close cousin before she started doing her own. That longer more acute angled nose makes all the difference in the world for me. The feel of the Kaye pick is different. But they're a workable compromise for me.
Usually I use Dunlop gators for bass. herco for guitar. Someone's gave me a wooden pick years ago, I'd really like to use those but I'm not sure where to buy them.
My personal preference is a Dunlop 1.0 mm pick, played close to the bridge with the action low.
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Green .88 Dunlop Tortex is always my first choice, then the yellow Tortex, and if my shop is temporarily out and I need picks right away, Fender Mediums
I use large triangular picks, either Clayton 1.26mm or Dunlop Ultex 1.14mm. I'm developing a preference for the Dunlops, and just ordered a bunch. They seem to produce a slightly warmer tone.
