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  #1  
Old 07-07-2019, 09:55 AM
AndrewG AndrewG is offline
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Default Primetone vs. Ultex

I just bought some Primetone picks which, apparently (according to Dunlop), are made of the same stuff as other Ultex picks. The only difference being 'hand burnished by KHR' edges in the former. Now, seeing as the Ultex picks I use are already nicely bevelled and smooth-edged from new, why the considerable difference in cost which, frankly, I can't distinguish in use? Tonally they both sound the same.
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Last edited by AndrewG; 07-07-2019 at 10:03 AM.
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Old 07-07-2019, 10:19 AM
lowrider lowrider is offline
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I actually prefer Ultex. I find them grippier.
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Old 07-07-2019, 10:20 AM
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I like the grip [i.e., with raised surface] on the Primetone picks and they also come in the heavier gauge I use (1.4mm) than the Ultex comes in.

Since they seem to last forever, I don't mind the higher price. I mean, it's still less than a tall coffee at S-bucks when I buy a 3-pack (of which I've only had to do once!).
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Old 07-07-2019, 12:44 PM
AgentKooper AgentKooper is offline
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I’ve wondered the same thing. I like Ultex picks better than Primetones too. I know they’re supposed to be the same material, but they feel different to me, and the Ultexes feel better — grippier too, for some reason, despite the textured surface on the Primetones.
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Old 07-07-2019, 12:59 PM
rokdog49 rokdog49 is offline
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From my past experiences with plastics, color effects the way plastic compounds behave.
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Old 07-07-2019, 01:35 PM
L20A L20A is offline
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I use both but like the heavier gauges that are offered by Primetone.
Both are nice picks and reasonably priced.
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Old 07-07-2019, 01:48 PM
Lee Callicutt Lee Callicutt is offline
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I expect the price premium is for hand work vs. basic tumble polishing, but I agree, it's hard to improve on the basic Ultex pick. My only complaint is the little injection molding sprue tab divot that usually remains to be dealt with or ignored.
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Old 07-07-2019, 02:20 PM
Silly Moustache Silly Moustache is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Callicutt View Post
I expect the price premium is for hand work vs. basic tumble polishing, but I agree, it's hard to improve on the basic Ultex pick. My only complaint is the little injection molding sprue tab divot that usually remains to be dealt with or ignored.
Might I suggest that the premium price for the little brown jobs are about them being aimed would be Blue chip market.

I found the dull brown version "dead" and the translucent ones ... unsatisfying.

However of all the Dunlop offerings, I find the purple tortex the best, but only when they've been properly bevelled, and polished.

Ultex is OK (in the translucent form, but harder to finish that the tortex.

I developed this methodology whilst recovering from my cancer treatment in 2017/8. I'm very much a Blue Chip and Wegen user myself.

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  #9  
Old 07-07-2019, 02:29 PM
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I like the 1.4 Jazz III XL Primetones (translucent). I have 16 Blue Chips which sit unused. Horses, courses...
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Old 07-07-2019, 02:38 PM
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On the OP question, I think the translucent Primetones are the same as the translucent yellow Ultex. The Jazz III XL seems the same, except that the Primetone has a less pointy tip and is bevelled. That difference actually makes it hard to compare and draw conclusions but when I play both picks using the “shoulder” they do sound the same.

I like the tip on the Primetone so happy to pay a bit more.
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Old 07-07-2019, 03:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rokdog49 View Post
From my past experiences with plastics, color effects the way plastic compounds behave.
I agree. I find that the Primetones sound darker than the Ultex picks.
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Old 07-07-2019, 03:58 PM
Stringmaster Stringmaster is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vindibona1 View Post
I agree. I find that the Primetones sound darker than the Ultex picks.
Me too. And I think the Ultex wears faster.
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Old 07-07-2019, 11:14 PM
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Pura Vida Pura Vida is offline
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I've been playing Ultex, but just purchased a set of Primetone 1.14mm picks. To me, they sound the same, but I like the added bevel and grip.
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Old 07-08-2019, 09:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lowrider View Post
I actually prefer Ultex. I find them grippier.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AgentKooper View Post
I’ve wondered the same thing. I like Ultex picks better than Primetones too. I know they’re supposed to be the same material, but they feel different to me, and the Ultexes feel better — grippier too, for some reason, despite the textured surface on the Primetones.
^^^ me three ...

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  #15  
Old 07-08-2019, 08:51 PM
Paddy1951 Paddy1951 is offline
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I think there are tonal difference between these two. Like many things, however, it comes down to the guitar and the strings used.
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