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  #1  
Old 10-15-2018, 11:57 AM
Daniel Grenier Daniel Grenier is offline
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Default Irish Bouzouki. What pick to use?

I have a difficult time coming up with a proper pick (plectrum) for my Irish Bouzouki. I’m good with all my guitars but the I.B., not so much. I play non aggressively, I would say, and mainly strum. My picks are too stiff or too weak, or just the wrong fit, it seems. I need something more fitting to this wonderful instrument.

What are you guys using?
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Old 10-15-2018, 12:02 PM
Mooh Mooh is offline
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Rounded triangle, either celluloid or BlueChip TP40. I find the shape helps it glide off the strings more easily than a teardrop shape. YMMV.
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Old 10-15-2018, 07:36 PM
Rev Tim T Rev Tim T is offline
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I see in your sig. you have a Martin 12. I too have a Martin 12 and a TC Bouzouki. I am strictly a beginner on the bouzouki and mostly strum. I use the same pick on the bouzouki as I use on my 12 (a planet waves sure grip light). I do play the mando and use a heavier pick but I cannot use it on the bouzouki.
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Old 10-15-2018, 08:48 PM
ManyMartinMan ManyMartinMan is offline
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When did the Bouzouki become Irish?
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Old 10-16-2018, 03:16 AM
philjs philjs is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ManyMartinMan View Post
When did the Bouzouki become Irish?
Introduced in the mid-60s (Johnny Moynihan) to early 70s (Alec Finn, Donal Lunny and others). Generally, the Irish version is a tetrachord (4 course) with a flat or arched back rather than the staved back of the Greek version.

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Old 10-16-2018, 06:45 PM
Petty1818 Petty1818 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Grenier View Post
I have a difficult time coming up with a proper pick (plectrum) for my Irish Bouzouki. I’m good with all my guitars but the I.B., not so much. I play non aggressively, I would say, and mainly strum. My picks are too stiff or too weak, or just the wrong fit, it seems. I need something more fitting to this wonderful instrument.

What are you guys using?
What gauge strings do you use out of curiosity? I have the same bouzouki and matching Octave Mandolin and I do everything from heavy strumming to jigs on both. I am using 16-52 strings. They make both instruments come to life and for picks I am using the Dunlop Primetone 1.0.
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Old 10-16-2018, 06:46 PM
Petty1818 Petty1818 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ManyMartinMan View Post
When did the Bouzouki become Irish?
Yeah, there are two types of bouzoukis. Bouzouki has been huge in the celtic scene for quite some time.
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Old 10-17-2018, 11:36 PM
dwh dwh is offline
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I use a .90 rounded triangle celluloid pick
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Old 10-18-2018, 05:28 AM
Daniel Grenier Daniel Grenier is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Petty1818 View Post
What gauge strings do you use out of curiosity? I have the same bouzouki and matching Octave Mandolin and I do everything from heavy strumming to jigs on both. I am using 16-52 strings. They make both instruments come to life and for picks I am using the Dunlop Primetone 1.0.
I use the same gauge as the originals 12-40 octave. As mentioned, I am not a “heavy” strummer so that gauge works for me. 16-52 can take much more of a beating but they would be too heavy for me, I think. Cheers
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Old 10-18-2018, 10:16 AM
Petty1818 Petty1818 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Grenier View Post
I use the same gauge as the originals 12-40 octave. As mentioned, I am not a “heavy” strummer so that gauge works for me. 16-52 can take much more of a beating but they would be too heavy for me, I think. Cheers
Sorry, I should have been more clear. I am a heavy strummer at times but my preference for 16-52 has more to do with the overall tone. I find the 12-40 to sound too thin. I remember when I did a search online for TC Octave mandolins and bouzoukis, I got a lot of recommendations for switching to thicker, mandola strings. I am glad I did. I actually don't find them difficult to play. It's all personal preference though.
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