Pick Obsession Polls

[Silly Moustache]

Hi, following on to a previous thread, I am intending to create a number of small polls to understand our preferences in the different aspects of flat picks.

As and when I've managed to make the poll option work, I'll be asking about:

1. Shape (see above)
2. Material
3. Thickness
4. Rigidity/flexibility
5. Point
6. Bevelled or unbevelled

Thanks in advance.

[Silly Moustache]

apparently I cannot post a poll here could someone help perhaps?

[iim7V7IM7]

Andy, your poll is there.

With respect, there are aspects that are “material agnostic” and those that are inherent to the material of construction. Your shape, thickness, point and bevel are all geometry related. Your rigidity/stiffness and thickness are really confounded with both geometry and the material’s elastic modulus. The material coefficient friction and surface texture together with geometry also matter.

Pick Geometry (e.g., overall shape, thickness, bevel etc.)
Pick Texture (e.g., surface characteristics)
Material Coefficient of Friction (e.g., slipperiness, tackiness etc.)
Material Elastic Modulus (e.g., relative stiffness for a given thickness)

[phydaux]

Dunlop USA Nylon 1.0 FTW!

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by phydaux

Dunlop USA Nylon 1.0 FTW!

I bought a 72 pack of those for my electric guitar after years of using them.

Silly, I only use the 351 shape. Numerous gauges and materials.

[Kerbie]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

apparently I cannot post a poll here could someone help perhaps?

Everyone can post a poll. Just in case you need this for your next attempt, the directions are in the FAQs...

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...#faq_vb3_polls

[J Patrick]

….for about twenty years my preffered shape has been medium sized rounded triangles….the shape most often associated with mandolinists….Golden Gate…Dawg….Blue Chip SR’s and such…..it was the natural choice for me after some years of using the rounded edge of teardrops for bluegrass picking….still I do mix it up a little and have a variety of shapes that I use….

[grinningfool]

I like the 351 but I reshape them because I prefer the tip to be a little more rounded. I can’t stand a pointy pick. All my picks are modified slightly, some more than others.

[stillsteven]

Jazz III on electric, teardrop (351) on acoustic

[Thin Crust]

I never touched a pick until a couple of years ago. Arthritis has changed things. In search of that “perfect pick” I amassed quite a collection; Red Bear, Blue Chip, Charmed Life, Apollo, just to name a few. For my taste, I found just the tone and feel I wanted in the Charmed Life Small Tri Artisan Flame Casein. The Artisan Flame casein so impressed me, I currently have three with two more in a thicker size (1.40mm) on the way for playing reso.

No, not associated with anyone. I just really like their product.

[FrankHudson]

I predominantly use the 346 large equilateral triangle shape on acoustic guitar because of Silly Moustache. He had a video or post (maybe both?) a couple of years ago when he touted that size/shape. I think the size helps my grip and control.

I use them on electric too and electric bass too, though I'll still use a 351 shape or even variations on those instruments sometimes.

No one needs to experiment with picks, but if one feels open to that sort of thing at all, I think one should try the 346 and see if after a good trial to get used to how they feel in the hand they don't become your favorite.

[Robin, Wales]

Originally Posted by J Patrick

….for about twenty years my preffered shape has been medium sized rounded triangles….the shape most often associated with mandolinists….Golden Gate…Dawg….Blue Chip SR’s and such…..it was the natural choice for me after some years of using the rounded edge of teardrops for bluegrass picking….still I do mix it up a little and have a variety of shapes that I use….

Me too. Small to medium size rounded triangle, in .95 to about 1.4 thickness depending on the material. I pick very flat to the strings so I get on better with really quite rounded picks. Even the 346 is a bit sharp on the points for me.

I like a bevel on thicker picks in harder materials. But I'm fine without on softer materials.

I have never been able to get a good tone from a Blue Chip pick. It may be my flat angle of attack but BCs (vespel material) are out of balance (or boringly in balance) in my hands.

My present favourite is a Wegen M100.

[Martyn Eden]

I'm still enjoying the big purple triangles that I bevel with sandpaper according to your video. Very happy with the results. Thinking of getting some ultex ones and doing the same.

[Mezner]

My main fix is the 351/teardrop shape; either Primetone 1.0mm-1.4mm (ultex, beveled) or Fender Tortuga (ultem) medium.

A while ago I picked up a pack of large triangle Primetone 1.5mm's, but I just couldn't adjust to the larger surface area. It felt clunky to me, so they were left untouched. I recently started fiddling about with them again and I don't dislike them as much as I used to. So much so that I also ordered some fender tortugas in the large triangle shape to try out as well.

[cyclistbrian]

Originally Posted by J Patrick

….for about twenty years my preffered shape has been medium sized rounded triangles….the shape most often associated with mandolinists….Golden Gate…Dawg….Blue Chip SR’s and such…..it was the natural choice for me after some years of using the rounded edge of teardrops for bluegrass picking….still I do mix it up a little and have a variety of shapes that I use….

Those Golden Gate picks don't get enough mention on the forum. I'm currently using the "extra stiff" ones roughly equivalent to extra heavy Fenders. They're all I've been reaching for lately.