Triangular Dunlop Tortex picks

oxygenman · #1 02-23-2018, 08:46 PM

So I bought a pack of the heaviest triangular Tortex picks, and I love how they sound. But I have a hard time dripping them. They keep turning on me. Admittedly, I have no pick-altering skills. Today I tried to drill a hole in one of them and split it in two. Tried roughing another one up with a nail file and it still turns. Does anyone have a trick that might help? I've been using BCs and Wegens a long time, along with my one forty-year-old tortoise shell pick, but to me this Tortex is the closest to the real thing that I've come across. I'd appreciate any tips.

HHP · #2 02-23-2018, 08:48 PM

How do you grip the pick?

oxygenman · #3 02-23-2018, 08:55 PM

Like this, Harry:

http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/ox...?sort=3&page=1

HHP · #4 02-23-2018, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oxygenman

Like this, Harry:

http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/ox...?sort=3&page=1

With your grip, you might find the 351 size to lock in more securely. I know its hard to change these things, but if you were to adapt to a thumb locking grip, things would be less prone to move around.

oxygenman · #5 02-23-2018, 09:03 PM

That's basically like a BlueChip TAD3, right? Thanks, by the way. I know you know more about picks than just about anyone on here, so I was hoping you'd reply. I was given two thick, rounded tortoiseshell picks about forty years ago, didn't know they were anything special, and lost them immediately.

HHP · #6 02-23-2018, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oxygenman

That's basically like a BlueChip TAD3, right? Thanks, by the way. I know you know more about picks than just about anyone on here, so I was hoping you'd reply. I was given two thick, rounded tortoiseshell picks about forty years ago, didn't know they were anything special, and lost them immediately.

That's about right. With your grip, you create sort of a pivot point with your thumb and finger and the torque of playing can make the pick move. The smaller pick would be a little less prone to do that.

guitar george · #7 02-23-2018, 09:15 PM

Don't wash your hands before playing your guitar.

DenverSteve · #8 02-24-2018, 01:06 AM

I find that when I have a slippery pick I rough it up with 220 grit sandpaper.

Bruce Sexauer · #9 02-24-2018, 01:07 AM

Rub a little violin bow rosin on the middle of both sides of the pick. Roughing the surface with fine (220) sandpaper will help the rosin stick.

TerryC · #10 02-24-2018, 01:18 AM

I use tortex picks and find that, contrary to what you'd think, moistening your fingers actually makes the pick easier to grip. Try wetting your finger-tip as if you were turning a page and see if that makes a difference.

JayBee1404 · #11 02-24-2018, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerryC

I use tortex picks and find that, contrary to what you'd think, moistening your fingers actually makes the pick easier to grip. Try wetting your finger-tip as if you were turning a page and see if that makes a difference.

Yes to this! Whatever pick I'm using, I always lick my thumb- and finger-tip - I have very dry skin and wetting definitely works.

Silly Moustache · #12 02-24-2018, 03:51 AM

After my way superior BC Tad 40/50, and my Wegen TF120/140, my third favourite is the purple Dunlop 1.14 tortex 346s

see :

Charmed Life Picks · #13 02-24-2018, 11:15 AM

If folks like the Dunlop Tortexes, everyone should give the Ultex models a try. For my money, these offer the best value by far of anything Dunlop produces.

sm

Silly Moustache · #14 02-24-2018, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charmed Life Picks

If folks like the Dunlop Tortexes, everyone should give the Ultex models a try. For my money, these offer the best value by far of anything Dunlop produces.

sm

You are correct Scott - no reason why everyone interested should investigate all the options, but I have found that the Tortex seems to provide a punchier tone that the Ultex - Horses of courses and YMMV of course.

sm (the other one)

Charmed Life Picks · #15 02-24-2018, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

You are correct Scott - no reason why everyone interested should investigate all the options, but I have found that the Tortex seems to provide a punchier tone that the Ultex - Horses of courses and YMMV of course.

sm (the other one)

Oh yeah, two sm's in one thread. One of us has got to go.

Anyway, the Tortex are good too, for sure. Excellent value. As I recall, I think my attraction to the Ultex may have been more about feel than tone. Can't remember. But the 1.14 mm teardrop was my go-to pick for many years. And of course a next logical step would be to try the Primetone models.

BTW, folks, if you ask Dunlop will send you a few free samples to test and keep. Awesome company.

Silly: Question. Since you have now become the resident bevel maven here, along with HHP, do you find you like the bevels on the Primetones, or do you find you prefer to RE-bevel those? Just wondering.

sm #2, out