Mandolin Pick?

[M Sarad]

I use Blue Chip or Tortoise.

[archerscreek]

Dunlop Jumbo Flow 3.0 with a little wear on the tip.

[Uflatpick]

For about 40 years, I used thumb and finger picks. Then in 96, I started playing a mountain dulcimer. With that I needed flat pick. Soon got turned on to the Golden Gate MP12 . In 98, I bought an inexpensive mandolin, and the shop owner gave me a few Dawg picks. That's about all I have used since. I have thinner picks, but they are just used a feeler gauges under the strings when I do setup on the mandolin from time to time.

[LJOHNS]

I just started on Mandolin. I am leaning toward a Golden Gate rounded pick right now. I got a pack of the Primetones this week. They are a little bright for me I think. You just need to try different ones until you find what suits you best.

[leew3]

Originally Posted by arwhite

My mandolin pick search ended with a Blue Chip TD60.

TD50 here, but I played the primetones listed above for about a year while trying to rationalize a Blue Chip. Once I have a more expensive mandolin it became easier to justify the BC-funny how our minds work!

[ApolloPicks]

Originally Posted by AlfredFelix

Do you all have any pick recommendations for the mandolin? I've been trying stuff on guitar and want to do the same for Mandolin. I know that blue chip picks are a popular one, and if I don't end up satisfied, I might buy one of those. However, what else do you guys like? What do you find gives you a nice fat round sound? I greatly appreciate any advice that you all offer.

For what it is worth, I am mainly playing bluegrass stuff on a Kentucky KM150.

I have tested many mandolin picks, and do I have a few ideas for you, but I think it might get into territory that against forum rules. Message me directly if you'd like to discuss.

[Br1ck]

The Dipper D 140 is a great mandolin pick for not a ton of money. I use the D 120 for guitar. Blue Chips are my go to favorite, with the Primetone's brightness favoring my Gibson A 1. I just ordered two Charmed Life picks just because I'm bored.

[8strings]

Hey Alfred.....I have tried lots and lots of picks for both mandolin and guitar...5 flavors of Bluechip, in fact, and I have come to rest on the TAD-3R 50. I find the 40 a little too flexly and the 60 a bit too stiff, and the CT 55 too "pointy", although I know a lot of folks like the pointy ones. Our little band is billed as "Folk, Fiddle and Slowgrass", so that may give you an idea as to how the pick is used. Also, after experimenting a lot, but landing on the 3R 50, I can change instruments in any give set on stage, and be happy with the same pick. That being said, IMHO, the ProPlec 346 shape 1.5mm is a nice, less expensive, substitute. These pick threads can be maddening, and I am sure you have seen the many reviews of Blue Chips.

[Dave Hicks]

Anybody tried the Thile picks?

D.H.

https://www.elderly.com/products/dad...m_source=zaius

[Kupuna50]

Wegen, hands down.
Tried 'em all.
Wegen is the best. (not affiliated with Wegen)

[RoyBoy]

Another Blue Chip user here. CT-55 is my go to, also using it for flatpicking my new dred. I have TAD-40 1R that I use occasionally on guitar when I want a little more pick rhythm noise. IMO a 40 is too flexible for mandolin, I want a minimum of 50 with the speed bevel. I don't like the rounder points but a lot of players do. I'd recommend getting a BC TAD__ __1R which gives you two sharp points and a round one to experiment with. A decent backup is Dunlop Primetone large triangle 1.4 or 1.5 (smooth finish)

[Grizzly Adams]

Blue Chip CT55, and never look back.

[ApolloPicks]

I have really been enjoying the shape of the D'Andrea Pro-Plec large triangle of late. With a thickness of about 1.3mm my mandolin really sings well

[varmonter]

I have probably tried most of the pics mentioned here. I like blue chips but find
I'm too careful about loss at 35
bucks a piece they dont get used
A lot so why spend the money.
This is just me. I like the wegans as well.
Recently I've acquired some casein buttons
from the past. Plan is to grind
And sand till I find a pick inside
them. Just something to do.
Currently my go to is a 351 style fender extra heavy.white.
100 cost the same as one blue chip.
I find the longer I play the thicker
I seem to prefer my picks.
20 yrs ago I loved the .94 Ultex
pics. Now they are too thin and clacky sounding
to me..

[Dave Hicks]

Originally Posted by varmonter

...
I find the longer I play the thicker
I seem to prefer my picks.
20 yrs ago I loved the .94 Ultex
pics. Now they are too thin and clacky sounding
to me..

The thickest pick I have is a Gravity 6 mm - I like the feel, especially for tremolo, but overall don't care for the sound all that much.

D.H.