I've read that thicker picks give better tone. But, is thicker always better? When I say thick, I mean Golden Gate, Jazz Tone 207, Dawg, etc. However, It seems that these really thick picks give a "clicky" sound when strumming and are definitely harder to control.

Lately, I've been playing with a plain house pick from Acoustic Music Works (seems to be about a 1.14, dark tortoise in color) and it has become my favorite pick. It gives a very clear but warm tone and is much easier to use than the others mentioned above. Does anyone happen to know who makes the house picks for Acoustic Music Works in Pittsburgh?

So, what picks are popular among the really good flatpickers? Is thicker always better?

Thanks,
Kevin

I'm just a novice flatpicker, but these days I'm mostly using Wegen bluegrass picks (1.4 mm) and Red Bear Tortis Heavy. The Wegen picks don't have a clicky sound at all to my ears, to the point of not having enough attack when playing rhythm. The Tortis does have more of a clicky sound, but I prefer the tone overall. Also, something about the material and bevel on the Wegen lets me play a little faster than the Tortis.

Kevin,

I like thick picks up to a point (NPI). For a long time my favorite picks have been Fender XH rounded triangles, probably about as thick as yours. A friend who is a professional flatpicker uses and recommends the D'Andrea Pro Plec, which is 1.5. I tried those and they were too thick for me to generate much tone without playing harder than I wanted to.

Lately I have gone back to the Red Bear tortis heavy C style (like a rounded triangle), and I think I might settle on that one for a while. They vary a little in thickness, but the heavies seem to be about 1.2 or so, and are very stiff. They seem to produce a wonderfully clear and bright tone. They are expensive--$20--but if you don't mind one that doesn't look like tortoise shell, you can buy white, black or jade ones from the company's website for $15. Cheers!

B

Fender Heavy.

Thanks for all of the good recommendations! Keep'em coming.
Kevin

I don't play Bluegrass, so I am not after that particular tone to my guitars. But I do play with a pick exclusively.
I use the Dunlop Ultex (Rhino) picks in 1.14 for most everything. They give me just enough compromise on tone, attack and speed.
I also use the Red Bear Tortis picks, mostly in Med classic style with the grip holes in them.
I have a couple others that I pull out time to time. I could use either those or the Ultex with pretty equal results.

The Tortis is all I use on the Mando.

The first time I used a Dawg pick was a revelation in tone! I haven't gone back to any of the thin picks. I have moved on to a Red Bear (tor-tis) E medium and use it exclusively.

I match different picks to my different guitars, since all t-picks sound different and every guitar sounds different and certain picks match up better with certain guitars. My picks tend to range from 1.35mm - 1.75mm depending on the density of the material (in this case shell), the shape of the bevel and the shape and sharpness of the point. I've tried numerous Red Bear Tor-tis picks, and none of them have ever done the trick for me in comparison to the real deal.

Dunlop USA Gator 2.0mm They've got a nice texture that doesn't slip at all in your fingers. Thickness is a matter of personal preference, but for precision, it would seem that a pick should at least be thick enough so that it doesn't bend at all.

Hey Jim, you ever a tried Dunlop jazz III? Its a nice small stiff pick, gives you lots of room in your hand. A great sounding pick! Brendon (MI.)

B Woods,
Thanks again for the recommendation on the D'Andrea PRO PLEC. I bought a pack of them and find them very easy to hold and smooth on the strings. I really enjoy the tone that they produce. By far, my favorite pick.

Kevin

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jkhern,

quote:

Originally posted by jkhern:
B Woods,
Thanks again for the recommendation on the D'Andrea PRO PLEC. I bought a pack of them and find them very easy to hold and smooth on the strings. I really enjoy the tone that they produce. By far, my favorite pick. Kevin

Always a pleasure to be of some use, Kevin. Glad you like 'em. I always liked the feel and look of those picks, and they definitely are capable of producing a clean, strong tone. I've been working on holding the pick more tightly and playing single string runs more loudly, so I may develop enough strength to use a ProPlec as I would like. Gotta say, though, the more I play the Red Bear Tortis, the more I think I might just buy a lifetime supply of those and forget about trying other picks. Cheers!

B