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What type of Pick do you (should I) use
- Thread starter dbull
- Start date
I use a rather hard to find cat tongue style pick. I've had it for over 10 years and just can't find another like it (except in Australia and I'm not paying 14 dollars shipping for a pick 
). 1.3 Nylon , brand escapes me at the moment.
I should probably look into the gator grips but every pick I've tried is either that smooth plastic sorta stuff (yuck) or too thin. I like it really thick for hard tremello picking.
). 1.3 Nylon , brand escapes me at the moment.I should probably look into the gator grips but every pick I've tried is either that smooth plastic sorta stuff (yuck) or too thin. I like it really thick for hard tremello picking.
Dunlop Jazz III's for the last 22 years - i think, cant ever remember not havin a few in my wallet.
If you subscribe to Carol Kaye's pick method (and I absolutely do), thin and medium picks are not good for bass because they require the hand to work harder to get the note out, which can lead to repetitive movement injuries. And sure enough, when I try to use a medium pick on bass, my hand starts to ache within 30 seconds. I use a heavy, and all that work gets transferred to the pick itself.
Also, why do you strictly fingerstyle players have to hop into every single thread about using a pick and tell everyone not to play with a pick because YOU don't like it? The OP didn't ask your opinion on pick vs fingers.
Also, why do you strictly fingerstyle players have to hop into every single thread about using a pick and tell everyone not to play with a pick because YOU don't like it? The OP didn't ask your opinion on pick vs fingers.
I must say I'm into somewhat thin-ish picks (Dunlops 0.60) because when I use one, I want that aggressive crunchy sound that can be heard on lots of records. If I want a warm sound, I'll use my fingers. Fortunately, I've never really had any problems with pain from using them and picking hard -- yet!
I now use only Dunlop Jazz III's. I mostly use black, but I actually prefer red- they are almost as stiff and sound a little fatter to my ear.
I agree that the best idea it to try as many different shapes, sizes, materials, thickness, manufacturer,etc. since not only do nearly all picks feel different, but have a huge can have a huge impact on your tone.
I agree that the best idea it to try as many different shapes, sizes, materials, thickness, manufacturer,etc. since not only do nearly all picks feel different, but have a huge can have a huge impact on your tone.
The only thing I pick is my nose....
Sometimes my butt...
and once in awhile, my bass.
I have tried 'em all, including thumbpicks.
Have pretty much settled on Dunlop Tortex - the really big ones - a little less than 1mm thick. Now, about picks, and I may just start a thread on this, I always have trouble with them slipping through my fingers just enough that I have to concentrate on hanging on to the damn thing. Happened when I started on guitar, too. This seems to affect me more than most other folks.
But I discovered a couple of good solutions.
First, I bought some "Dip-It" liquid rubber compound. Then I dipped lots of picks (all but the pickin part) into the stuff and hung them to dry. It dries into a semi-soft, flexible plastic coating that gets stickier as it warms up. Magic!
I've also had success with applying old-school "friction tape" from the electrical aisle in my local hardware store. It's the stuff they used to use before standard PVC electrical tape was invented. That's also great stuff. Glad that it's still available. It's a little too sticky for my preferences but it's way cheaper than the "Dip-it".
That's all I got to say.
For now.
Sometimes my butt...
and once in awhile, my bass.
I have tried 'em all, including thumbpicks.
Have pretty much settled on Dunlop Tortex - the really big ones - a little less than 1mm thick. Now, about picks, and I may just start a thread on this, I always have trouble with them slipping through my fingers just enough that I have to concentrate on hanging on to the damn thing. Happened when I started on guitar, too. This seems to affect me more than most other folks.
But I discovered a couple of good solutions.
First, I bought some "Dip-It" liquid rubber compound. Then I dipped lots of picks (all but the pickin part) into the stuff and hung them to dry. It dries into a semi-soft, flexible plastic coating that gets stickier as it warms up. Magic!
I've also had success with applying old-school "friction tape" from the electrical aisle in my local hardware store. It's the stuff they used to use before standard PVC electrical tape was invented. That's also great stuff. Glad that it's still available. It's a little too sticky for my preferences but it's way cheaper than the "Dip-it".
That's all I got to say.
For now.
I use the Dunlop Ultex Jazz III's. They stay sharper longer than the red or black III's...
I've always used Jazz III's on guitar, so it was just what felt comfortable to me when I grabbed a pick for bass. They're a little small, but I have no problems with them. I can;t use full size guitar picks, or those giant triangle bass pick things they make. They're too big...
Head to the store and buy a bunch of different kinds, you'll need to use them to see what's most comfortable in your hands.
I've always used Jazz III's on guitar, so it was just what felt comfortable to me when I grabbed a pick for bass. They're a little small, but I have no problems with them. I can;t use full size guitar picks, or those giant triangle bass pick things they make. They're too big...
Head to the store and buy a bunch of different kinds, you'll need to use them to see what's most comfortable in your hands.
My current favorite is the white Dunlop "wedge" @ 1.14mm. I am a sucker for trying different picks so I buy anything I see that looks promising.
I like heavy picks because the effort required to play is dramatically reduced over thinner picks. And I seem to be able to play more precisely and get better control over dynamics. I've noticed that with the thicker picks it's easier get a groove going that gets more people up on their feet and dancing. That's a big deal for me.
I agree with the remarks made by Jimmy above regarding the use of thinner picks.
The "wedge" has a sharper than typical point on it and that seems to let me play faster and still play solid consistent notes reliably.
Just one mans opinion.
Graeme
I like heavy picks because the effort required to play is dramatically reduced over thinner picks. And I seem to be able to play more precisely and get better control over dynamics. I've noticed that with the thicker picks it's easier get a groove going that gets more people up on their feet and dancing. That's a big deal for me.
I agree with the remarks made by Jimmy above regarding the use of thinner picks.
The "wedge" has a sharper than typical point on it and that seems to let me play faster and still play solid consistent notes reliably.
Just one mans opinion.
Graeme
I tend use whatever sounds better for a given song in regards to pick vs. fingers.
That being said, picks sound better for about 95% of what i play. I have almost completely used Dunlop Nylons as my picks of choice. However, my size prefference has waxed and waned over the years between .73mm and 1.0mm. I tend to like the thicker gague for speedier picking and lighter gague for slower picking.
Luckily, picks tend to be one of the cheeper accessories for us bassists, so it shouldn't be too hard to buy a bunch and test 'em out!
Good Luck!!
That being said, picks sound better for about 95% of what i play. I have almost completely used Dunlop Nylons as my picks of choice. However, my size prefference has waxed and waned over the years between .73mm and 1.0mm. I tend to like the thicker gague for speedier picking and lighter gague for slower picking.
Luckily, picks tend to be one of the cheeper accessories for us bassists, so it shouldn't be too hard to buy a bunch and test 'em out!
Good Luck!!
I have a custom stone pick made for me about 18 years ago.
It's my favorite. (If I ever lose it I'm screwed?)
I also use the big felt style picks, for a softer tone.
pbd
Commercial User
I've got a set of Duncan Vintage series P/J in an Ibanez that sound real nice, went with EMG Vintage in the Shector. Nothing fancy, just sound nice.
Todd
Todd
pbd
Commercial User
i thought i was the only one..
i have trouble finding the felt picks.. i have heavy medium and light picks, they all give you different sounds. i also have a stainless steal pick.. thats a very different sound right there
